For this installment of the "One on One" series, I interviewed local Maryland femcee Q.T.K. the Paragon
Sean Allen: What do you love about music?
Q.T.K. the Paragon: What I love about music is being able to connect, relate, and get a message out. Music is a major art form. Music is life... to me.
SA: What inspired you to rap?
QTK: What inspired me to rap was poetry that I had written. I reconized the love for the passion in writting such meaningful material. I put my feelings behind my words. I heard the same passion in hip hop and I wanted to learn more. I was intrigued. Mase Puff Tupac BIG Scarface Geto Boys No Limit. I wanted to memorize and spit it with them. The first time I rapped, it was a song with Mase and Puff. Hey they were hot back then! I can't remember what the song was, but I would write the words down and rap with them when I was 11 years old living in Ikego Japan. After that, it was my new thng to do. I memorized a lot and taught myself versatility. I started writing my own when was about 12 living in San Diego, CA.
SA: Who influenced you musically?
QTK: I was influencd by a variety of music. I love all music. You see, to me its all about music that you can relate to and feel the passion that person felt singing or rapping it. I love everythng from classical opera to country, folk, jazz, pop, techno, to even heavy metal. I've heard it all. I respect music. I am my music
SA: How did you come up with your alias?
QTK: Q.T.K. the PARAGON huh? Ok, the first part goes way back! QTK used to be QUEEN TO/THRU KHAOS with a K to be different. That was around age 14. I came up with KHAOS first. I then went to a local known rapper named Free and told him I was Lady Khaos I believe and he came up with Q.T. like cutie. I liked it said that's it! I have to give Free credit.
In 2009, I got into some trouble and got locked up and thought then maybe khaos was a curse or something. Aside from that I figured I needed a new meaning in life. then thought of QUESTION, THOUGHTS, and KNOWLEDGE: QTK. As far as the paragon, the definition explains itself. I'm a paragon on the beats. I'm zealous in the rap game. For your ears, I will provide.
SA: How would you describe your style?
QTK: My style is how I feel at a certain time. I like to be me. I don't like to curse in a lot of my material. I like to challenge myself to not curse. If I do curse, it'll be on a strong meaningful track. The style I am is hip hop. I like to get a message across like Lauryn Hill, Tupac, and Scarface. I also like to get deep with my versatility like Wu-Tang.
SA: Are you currently working on any projects?
QTK: I am currently working on a mixtape and a demo. I am always down to collaborate with other artists, so I always have people come to me with music. I do it for free because I just want to get heard right now. Producers are always sending me beats to make hot. I have done a few shows and open mics and I plan to do more. I've given many rappers their aliases. I love to make beats hotter and meaningful. I am also learning to record, mix and master. I am also into making beats. I am always ready to make a new song that is somewhat original. I have one mixtape under my belt but it is with other people as well. I am currently number 1 on the Reverbnation charts for local hip hop (link below). I have held that spot for 7-8 months now. It's awesome!
SA: When it's all said an done what do you hope people say about you?
QTK: I want people to say "My God, she's done it lol." Seriously though, I want to open doors, build bridges, take chances and have enough courage to dare to be different. I want to let others know it is possible, and dreams do come true. I want to give back to hip hop and teach with positive messages. Even though some of my songs may not be totally positive but they will still always have some kind of a message. I hope people say she came along way and always had that hunger and passion for her music. I hope people remember that I was never too afraid to admit my flaws. I want them to realize I always saw things in a different light. I also hope to build music centers for youth. Music is therapeutic, and a way of escape, a way to express, and a way to make a way. I hope to make that way.
Check out these two QTK links below.
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