Ventura, CA native rapper and actor KYLE, on his 27th birthday, releases a new single called “What It Is.” The melodic track, produced by Mick Shultz (known for his work with Jeremih and Zendaya), is accompanied by a music video directed by Jakob Owens. The song is available now through independently popular./Atlantic Records.
“So here’s the deal… Initially, I planned to hold off on releasing any songs from this album until after the pandemic. I wanted it to be enjoyed outdoors, under the sun, with friends. But since it looks like we’ll be stuck inside for a while, and considering how much you, my fans, need this music right now, I’ve decided to release it sooner. I was worried that COVID-19 would prevent me from creating hit songs, so I was going to delay it until next year. I’ve put so much pressure on myself to always deliver chart-toppers, and somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that’s what you, my fans, wanted too. But that was never my original intention. I came to this world to make feel-good music that brings you joy during tough times. And right now, times are tough, and people need some positivity. So, I’m stepping up to the challenge.” I’ve shed the fear of not having commercial success and replaced it with the mission of not leaving m fans high and dry in their time of need. So, I’ve decided to continue with my album roll out and I’ll be dropping a new song next Monday (my birthday). Hopefully it can help you build an endless world as big as the great outdoors in your mind. You’re not alone. I’m with you.” – KYLE
“What It Is” arrives following the release of KYLE’s first single of the decade, “YES!”, which features Rich the Kid & K Camp. The energetic collaboration which has surpassed 18M streams since its release, was praised by The New York Times, which noted that, “KYLE is perhaps the only rapper working who could pull these choices off — he’s chipper, melodic, soft-touch and a little wry,” adding that, “Rich the Kid and K Camp try to keep up, but it’s Kyle’s beach-blanket party.”
Both tracks arrive following a stellar 2019 for KYLE that included the expanded release of his 2018 RIAA certified-gold debut album, LIGHT OF MINE. The deluxe edition saw KYLE and rap superstar Lil Yachty team up once again for the explosive single, “Hey Julie!”, following their widely successful, 6X RIAA certified-platinum collaboration, “iSpy,” which skyrocketed to #1 on Billboard’s Rap Songs Chart and has amassed over 2 billion global streams to date.
LIGHT OF MINE also went on to spawn the RIAA certified-platinum single “Playinwitme (Feat. Kehlani)” as well as the standout tracks “F You I Love You (Feat. Teyana Taylor),” “SUPERDUPERKYLE (Feat. MadeinTYO)” and “Moment (Feat. Wiz Khalifa).”
In addition to his recorded music, KYLE spent 2019 making his acting debut in the Netflix hip-hop comedy, The After Party, in addition to hosting Fuse’s animated hip-hop series, Sugar and Toys. KYLE also spent 2019 filming the upcoming crime-drama movie, Cherry, directed by The Russo Brothers (MARVEL Franchise) and starring Tom Holland (Spider-Man) and Bill Skarsgård (It).
“What It Is” and “YES! (feat. Rich the Kid & K Camp)” are both set to appear on KYLE’s forthcoming sophomore album, arriving very soon.
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