Exclusive Interview: Rising Artist Kupid

Fueled by his flair for fashion and music, Kupid entered the scene of Hip-Hop in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. A senior at Loyola University in New Orleans, Kupid soars above most hip-hop artists of his generation. From the age of 4, his love for music began, centering around mastering the acoustic guitar, and playing the keyboard by ear. After that, his affinity for playing instruments took flight. He has played the electric guitar and struck many a beat on the full drum set in middle school. After that, Kupid’s arrow fell front and center on the drumline in high school. It was during this time that his love for rap music materialized.

Kupid entered college with the intent to focus on Music Production, but changed course along the way, acknowledging his preference for taking center stage. Targeting a 2024 graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies, he is an accomplished artist and musician, exuding fashion finesse.

Initially releasing under the moniker “Drew$kii” Kupid dropped his first EP “Ultraviolet” in 2021 and extended his reach via collaborations with various other industry artists. Since then, he has rebranded his persona and is known to the world of Hip-Hop as “Kupid”. His most recent and notable collabs include: “Dreads Hang” on “4 The Culture Vol. 1: Maroon Edition” album released in 2023 by Loyola New Orleans’ Hip-Hop and R&B cohort.

Kupid has now aimed his target at releasing his debut single “OK Wait”, which is part of a larger project.

Born Andrew but known as “Drew” Carnakie-Baker in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Kupid spent every summer and holiday season visiting extended family in New York City. This is probably why his fans might hear a mixture of “The South meets Northen exposure” in lyrical experiences told through rap.

Fun Fact: While marching to the beat of his own drums in high school Kupid winged becoming a County Qualifier twice and a State Qualifier once in breaststroke representing his school’s swim team.

Kupid’s latest release, “Shot To Da Head”, is a high energy, moshpit-esque track highlighting the ups and downs of partaking in relationships with a significant other. Check it out now and follow him on social media for his new music.

What is your name and what city do you rep? 

My name is Kupid and I’m from Lawrenceville, Georgia but I’m currently based in New Orleans.

Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them? 

My latest releases date back to “Ok Wait”, dropped on sept. 22, which signifies the start of my series for my upcoming compilation project “Kill Kupid”. “Ok Wait”, “Alr Up”, and “Shot To Da Head” (my most recent drop) are all high- energy, quick-flowing tracks which all cover certain aspects and experiences of my college years. From moving state-to-state and rising in popularity to getting into relationship entanglements, this trilogy is both flex-worthy and genuine for myself and others.

What is unique about you and your music?

What makes my music especially unique from other rappers/artists in the industry is the authenticity in my lyrics. I don’t like to take myself too seriously all the time, taking joy in incorporating my other passions outside of music in my lyrics, such as fashion, pop culture and anime. Nothing is forced, therefore authentic.

What shaped your music? 

What shaped my music was my professional musical background since a child, playing the guitar, piano, and drums. Listening to eccentric artists like Skrillex and Linkin Park my younger years also contributed, transitioning toward Atlanta trap like T.I Young Thug and Jeezy when I was in high school.

When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?

It originally wasn’t completely clear, as I thought I was just going to pursue music as a side hustle entering high school, and focus on studying computer science my college years. Hearing Loyola University New Orleans offered a hip hop and r&b bachelors enticed me to go all the way, and my parents have been supporting me since.

What type of music do you listen to? 

I currently listen to a lot of underground hip hop and r&b, both experimental and traditional. As an up and coming artist myself, I feel it is important to give other underground artists just as much a chance as I’d like.

What inspires you to write music? 

In my opinion, you gotta experience art in order to make it, so I live my life to the fullest extent to make sure none of my music feels forced.

What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about? 

I am a huge fashion-head and love everything that has to do with fashion. My secondary aspiration is to pursue a modeling career.

Happiness to you is… 

Whenever you can stop what you’re doing at the moment and appreciate what you have around you.

What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out? 

There’s never a right time to do anything. Analysis paralysis is a real thing and it can stop you from achieving greatness. You gotta be comfortable to fall flat on your face and get back up, because now you know where to place your feet when you take your next step.

Tell us about your upcoming projects… 

My upcoming project, “Kill Kupid”, is a compilation of songs I’ve created with my peers throughout my college years, which is a monumental time of growth and understanding of oneself. As I’ve found a passion in songwriting, I’ve also acknowledged who I was and who I wanted to be, therefore “killing” parts of myself in the process. It’s an authentic transformation of Kupid as both an artist and an individual.

Where do we find you music / music projects? 

I have a professional website, lyrickiller.com, which will take listeners to my streaming platform profiles and other exclusive info. My Instagram and Twitter is @Kupidrewskii.

Any last words for the readers? 

If you feel like you fly, flaunt it. Let everybody know you’re the flyest to the scene, because that’s a fact, not fiction. You should be your biggest fan because if you don’t believe in yourself, then who’s gonna do it for you? #flyshit