Whether it was flipping candy at school to purchase his first sidekick at eleven years old or performing at the Apollo Theater at twelve, it was clear from a young age that Suave Bossla wasn’t afraid of hard work.
From the time he was two, Suave, born Kayne Labissiere, exhibited his love for music by showcasing his beatbox skills. At age seven his mother overhead him freestyle on the phone to a friend and impressed with his lyrics, she bought him a voice recorder to use. By age eight Suave had recorded his first song “KJBaby” under the moniker “KJ”.
Suave’s music combines Caribbean and R&B to bring a fresh, worldly sound and soulful wave to Hip-Hop. Hailing from Long Island, New York, he performed at numerous shows from New York to Montreal, including for talent from 98.3FM. In early 2017 he hit the stage at New York’s S.O.B’s and most recently at one of Power 105.1FM’s showcases.
CEM caught up with Suave to ask him about his inspirations and upcoming LP and Album
How the name “Suave Bossla ” did come about?
I first started making music when I was nine years old. Back then I went by the name KJ (my first and middle initials). When I got to high school I got the nickname “Suave” for being low-key and smooth. I added “Bossla” from growing up and hearing my family say it was the Creole term for boss.
How did you get started in the music industry?
I was a dancer when I was young, hahhaa., I had all the moves! One summer my uncle who was a producer at the time gave me one of his beats I used to beat box to. That same week I recorded my first track called “KJ Baby”. It was a bit wild but a good start.
We know the music Industry is very challenging what were some of the challenges that you faced?
A lot of independent artists are trying to come up as well and I feel a lot of labels don’t have the same vision as me. A lot of people are claiming to be different but seem to have the same style so it’s difficult for me to break through.
What would you say is your style of music?
I’m a bit all over the place but I started off in hip-hop and R&B and just created a new style where I combine my Caribbean roots and some of Central America. I like to call it “World Music”.
Do you write your own song. Where does your inspiration come from?
I write all of my own songs across different genres. My inspiration comes from whatever type of beat I have in my possession at the time. A lot of it depends on my mood. I take my time, let it flow and come up with a theme or story- whatever comes to mind from the streets.
Who have been your inspirations growing up that also inspire you today?
A lot of my inspiration comes from the era I grew up in. I’m a 90s baby so I had a chance to witness greats like Nas, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Eminem, 50 Cent but also learned history on Biggie, Tupac and Lost Boyz. I also listened to a lot of R&B artists such as Mary J Blige, Total and Chris Brown. I have an open mind when it comes to music and am not afraid to listen to a wide variety of genres.
If you were not a recording artist what would your next career choice?
That’s a hard question. I just graduated from Nassau Community College with an Associate Degree. Truthfully, something in music or the entertainment business is my field but I can definitely see myself as an entrepreneur regardless. That’s just who I am.
Do you ever find it hard to keep up with the changing times, as far as the music industry goes?
That’s one of the most valuable questions that could’ve been asked. It’s hard to be accepted in music nowadays but at the same time so easy. I feel like music in today’s society is dumbed down- good beats but nonsense lyrics. It makes it hard for those who have great concepts to be appreciated. But the real will prevail.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media to you as an artist?
One advantage of social media is that you’re getting your music out there but it can also be difficult because back in the day the legends didn’t have what we have today. But they also came out on top because people and labels took chances. There was more passion in it. If you don’t have an outstanding amount of followers or buzz it’s very hard to be taken seriously which can be a big disadvantage.
You recently did a video for “REMEMBER THIS SONG” what was the vision behind this video?
The “Remember This Song” video was based on a guy who basically goes out for the evening only to catch a girl’s eye and fall for her. It’s pretty simple but tasteful and classy. This song in particular is what I would classify as “world music”- Hip-hop, R&B with a dancehall vibe.
You have performed on many big stages. What is that “one stage” you are dying to perform on?
One stage I’m dying to perform at is Madison Square Garden. Once I step on that stage I know I have made a big mark in history of my own. It’s the biggest stage known to New York (my city). Then I’d say the Grammy’s, MTV and of course, BET.
Who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
I would love to collaborate with artists such as Kanye West, Future, Rihanna, Chris Brown, J Cole, and DJ Khaled. We’d make the best hits, haha. Wyclef Jean and Bryson Tiller are also artists I want to work with because I feel they understand where I’m coming from and see my vision.
When should we expect you’re an album?
You can expect my EP this fall and then my album Spring 2018. I have big plans and great music that I can’t wait to share with the world. Ready or not, it’s coming, I promise that.
What are your plans & hopes for the future with regard to your music?
My plans are to create more music and a new genre of music making the world dance, feel good, think and even cry. It’s for the love of music whether I’m talking about the ladies, the streets, grownups who forgot their dreams and the young men approaching women. I want to help put all of that in a story and make a mark in this world.