Adamn Killa is not interested in fitting in. The Chicago artist has spent years carving out a lane that is entirely his own, blending rap, pop and dance music with a voice and style that refuses to be boxed in. Now back on the Summer Smash stage for his second year and building momentum alongside his partner and fellow artist Fiji, Adamn Killa is moving with purpose. From his thoughts on Chicago’s new musical wave to why being yourself is the only real strategy, he is speaking his truth and the city is listening.
How does it feel to be back at Summer Smash?
It feels great because I went like 10 years without performing at any of them. I have been imagining it for years and now it is happening. So I am excited.
You are very vocal online about encouraging people to express themselves. Why is that so important to you?
You are not going to find your own fan base until you be who you are. For real. People are tired of people just copying after other people. You have got to be your own individual unique self.
How did growing up in Chicago shape your sound?
I grew up listening to Kanye and all those type of people. That is what made me want to get into music, like Lil Wayne, Kanye, Dipset, all of that. My music does not really sound like that, but that is what influenced me to start doing music.
There is a real Chicago renaissance happening right now. What makes this new scene so special to you?
It kind of reminds me of when we were younger and it was me, Lucky, Chance, Chief Keef. It is reminding me of that era. I like Thirteendegrees, Kales, Stretch. I feel like they are doing good.
What has allowed you to stay so relevant and fresh over the years?
Every couple of years I have a new rebrand. People knew me for different stuff years ago and now it is more stuff. As long as you keep putting out stuff, you can stay relevant. You have got to think about people like Kanye. He has been around since the early 2000s and is still relevant. There are a lot of people from the 90s that are still relevant. As long as you keep going, I feel like you can be relevant as long as you want to be.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you?
I do all types of different music. Now it is more like pop dance type of music. But I got a whole tape full of that coming too.
Fiji, why is it important for you to be so diverse with what you share with fans?
You have got to reach everyone, all audiences.
Adamn, North West came up to Fiji singing one of her songs. How did that moment feel, Fiji?
It felt amazing. We talked a little bit. She wants to do a video to my song. So I am really happy about that.
Fiji, what was going through your mind when you were moving to Chicago?
I was like, I am really about to move in with him. I was excited. I am coming from South Carolina, so it is nice and warm there and now it is rainy and cold here.
Rapid fire: old Chicago or new Chicago?
Without the old Chicago, there is no new Chicago because we were all listening to the older Chicago people.
Studio or stage?
I do not even record in the studio. I record at home. But stage, because you feel happy when the work you have been putting in shows and people like the songs.
Freestyle or written?
I freestyle all my music. I do not write anything.
Fashion or music videos?
Fashion. But music videos are fun too. I have seen a lot of songs blow up without music videos and they put out the video after. When you are coming up, the most important thing is just putting stuff out.
One word for your next chapter?
Music. The best artist ever, top artist ever, Billboard charts, biggest artist ever. All of that.
Break down the fits. What are you both wearing?
Rick Owens boots. We both got Rick Owens boots. Pants from Akira, Zumiez, Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, David Yurman, Hello Kitty and ASAP Rocky glasses.