In an industry where talent and lyricism go beyond race, creed, and culture, any musician with the right mind set can propel himself to higher levels. In the Hip-Hop world, many artists strive to reach those levels within the proper recesses of their music. They incorporate lifestyle and experience into their storyline lyrics. From hard times to good times their material explains it all. Sometimes it’s not about who are, but rather where you’re from. The ability to deliver is essentially a god-given talent, not something you can develop overnight.

With that being said, this one artist is essentially a southern lyricist, it can be heard clearly within his music. His moniker can be simplified in one syllable and has many different definitions depending on how you look at it. He reigns from Miami and represents it truly well, on stage and in the streets they call him Klean. Known by many hood legends in Miami and collaborated alongside several up and coming local artists, he definitely has that creative credibility. This is an exclusive interview with Miami’s infamous Klean.

24: First off, how is everything with the one and only Klean?

Klean: Everything is everything, you know grindin’.

24: Let’s get right into it, can you describe your history and how it all started for you in music?

Klean: I remember the first rap song I memorized was LL’s joint ‘Mama Said Knock You Out,’ later it was Geto Boyz, ‘My Mind Playin Tricks,’ it must have been 3rd or 4th grade. I really didn’t start spittin until I was 15-16. I started out just freestylin’amongst my friends, one thing led to another and the next thing you know it’s studio time trying to lay tracks andentering local rap battles. Eventually it came a time were you decide you can’t play in the streets forever and you make this a career decision.

24: Your stage name Klean could have many different definitions, what is your own meaning behind the name you have chosen to represent yourself?

Klean: To me, Klean means I give it to you how I get it. Give it to you how I see it. Pure uncut, no additives, no preservatives, 100% Raw.

24: Now since we put all the formalities aside, let’s get into your music. I’ve spoken to many artists about their written lyrical matter, they have told me over numinous occasions that when they sit down and analyze a certain beat, it kind of speaks to them and tells them what to write, does this same method go for you?

Klean: I’d say similar, I have imagination. Sometimes a beat makes me picture memories, while other beats make me picture visions. Kind of like a music video being written in your head.

24: As matter of fact staying on the same subject of lyrical matter, what various subjects do you incorporate into your music?

Klean: I incorporate things I’ve seen with my own eyes, my own experiences. At the same time I’m a punch line rapper so I’m going to incorporate anything I need to get my point across.

24: Recently I’ve had the chance to sit down and analyze your latest mixtape, you do express a lot of different natures in your music, how would you define your unique style?

Klean: My style .Well, I grew up in Florida, mainly Miami, so I definitely got a southern swag, but I listen to all forms of rap and I love music that can make you rewind it to here the punch line that you didn’t catch the first time. “I’m a southern lyricist.”

24: Speaking of your mixtape, what was the definitive meaning behind your mixtape title ‘Surviving the Game?’

Klean: I took the theme from an old Ice T movie where a bunch of men are chasing him around the woods with guns trying to kill him. I incorporated it into my life because a lot of my peers either went to prison or deceased from the drug game and thanks to god I’m still out here with the chance to make a new song everyday or see my family when I feel. A lot of people don’t have that same option. Surviving the game also applies to me because a lot of people refer to the industry as the rap game. This is also a tuff business to survive in.

24: With this industry drastically altering, what would you bring to the game that could possibly assist in Hip-Hop’s leisurely decline?

Klean: I try to stay in touch with the Hip-Hop influences from late 80s and all through the 90s, which was when Hip-Hop had more passion. I keep this passion in my music, incorporating it with what’s going on today.

24: Keeping to the same subject, they say that Hip-Hop isn’t selling how it use to because of the increase in downloads of full studio albums, would you say any of this is true?

Klean: Yeah it’s true, you’re not going to see a record store on every corner, but there’s damn sure a bootlegger on everyone. Even people buying albums aren’t going to the store, there ordering online at Best Buy or iTunes or some shit. We need to find a way to incorporate albums sales through the internet more.

24: Before we close out, this is a spotlight question. With all the up and coming artists in the game, what would you say sets you apart from all of them?

Klean: I’m sure there’s a list of items that set me apart from other artist, but I am going to have to go with the grind. I can’t say what other artists are doing but if you’re not on the grind 24hours a day, we’re Different.

24: How would fans go about contacting you?

Klean: www.myspace.com/klean305.Booking: (305) 733-8031

24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive, do you have any last words? Any shout outs?

Klean: Shouts to 24, shouts to the whole MIA, shouts to everyone standing behind me (to many to list). Shouts to my brother newbold hold ya head up boi. And Big up to all my Haters!!