ON THE RISE
In the outro to “FTW,” a sampled voice states, “People be in secret competition with you – and still be losing.”
The new single by New York rapper I.K.P. – The Infamous King of Positivity – is all about winning through resilience. Born Kenny Alvarez, I.K.P. calls the genre “grunge rap,” an offshoot of trap with a dirty and textured beat and a dark, ominous melody.
The lyrics touch on many aspects of I.K.P.’s life. That includes their past military service, their dual background in Brooklyn and the Southside of Virginia (757 area code), and their relentless desire to make it – and have the time of his life doing so.
Native to the BK borough, but bred in the Southside
757 lyfe, Lord willin' still get em right
Lord willing I'll get it right
Veteran still gettin stripes, tight!
They'll discuss it in group chats
Yet the real power where the truth at
Sis in the Benz, neph' beamin',
I need a Bentley Truck... f*** w/ me!
As they rap, he truly is “stepping hotter for the win!”
I.K.P.’s positivity has been hard-won. As they allude to in the song, they earned their stripes. In particular, they were a victim of sexual assault while in service. Faced with the choice of descending into darkness or lifting themselves up with a positive mindset, they chose the latter. Music became their lifeline.
“I had to figure out how to turn something terrible into something I could stand on and build from,” they said. “That’s where The Infamous King of Positivity came from: turning pain into power.”
“FTW,” or “For the Win,” is the beginning of a new era for I.K.P. Their catalog dates back to 2011 when they launched his debut album, Ignoring the Known Protocol. Four full albums and many singles later, I.K.P. now wants to fully embrace the trials, traumas, and uniqueness that represent their authentic voice.
I.K.P. says, “I’ve been through homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and a lot of trauma coming out of the military. This new era is about owning my story, my artistry, and being in a state of recovery. Embracing growth and pushing forward.”
With that background in mind, each time I.K.P. repeats “steppin’ hotter for the win” it takes on the sound of a mantra of persistence, swagger, and defiance. The hook’s dancehall inflection combines with a soldier’s rhythm. Celebration and struggle are present in equal measure.
The artist is very active on social media. In addition to dropping videos – like the slickly produced lyric and performance video of “FTW” – he also hosts Block Spinnin, a series focused on the history of Billboard Number One songs. With this content that combines Hip-Hop artistry with pop culture history, they are connecting with fans on many levels.
Now, with “FTW” gathering new listeners by the day, the sky is the limit.
“I want to chart on Billboard,” they proclaim. “I want this music to reach as many people as possible. To activate them, to spread that flow-state energy.”
For everyone unconcerned with the doubters, the haters, and the would-be competitors, “FTW” is your anthem. Stream it at the links below, and start steppin’ hotter for the win.
Listen to “FTW” and follow I.K.P. at the links below:
Official Website | Instagram | YouTube | X | Facebook | Soundcloud | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music
Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly space for playlists put together by artists, collaborators, and people from all corners of our circle. Over the past few weeks, we’ve highlighted selections from Zack Fox, Danny L Harle, and Mckayla Twiggs. This latest edition spotlights British French songwriter and producer Lauren Auder, who released her second album, “Whole World as Vigil,” just last week. Created alongside Dviance and Alex Parish, the project explores the emotional layers of human relationships, from the struggles to the moments of beauty. To celebrate the release, we invited Auder to curate a playlist for us and share a few personal insights along the way.
———
Where do you dance? In the bedroom.
London or France? Unfair advantage for France, being a whole country.
What song on this playlist is your guilty pleasure? I have no guilty pleasures!
What’s your favorite sound effect? Roblox “OOH” or Bathory’s horse neigh on their album Blood Fire Death.
Dream collab, dead or alive? Lou Reed, obviously.
Who do you trust most with the aux? My roommate, Cajm.
What do you pray about? More time, more rest.
Best arrondissement in Paris? 20th probably?
What song is currently on replay? “Close to the Edge” by Yes.
What album was your coming-of-age soundtrack? Mysterious Phonk: Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp.
Tell us a secret. I cheated my way through Latin class in secondary school.
Night or day? Day!
What is your studio session pet peeve? Weed smell :/
Which Skins character did you relate to the most? None, I’m 27!
What are you listening to as you complete this questionnaire? Space heater next to my bed, Italian lesson next door.
What does your notes app look like? Incriminating.
You just arrived at the function. What are you drinking? What are you smoking? Cheap lager or expensive red wine, a Syrah if it’s winter.
The world is ending. What are you wearing True religion jeans and a white button down, as per.
