Virginia-based artist Ken Anthony raps about keeping his eyes on the prize of making it big – even as he mediated on being considered a menace to society.
Ken Anthony has spent most of 2023 building up a reputation as one of the most forthright, sincere rappers in the music business. The artist, who performed at the South By Southwest Festival, has shared two singles so far – both of which have been well-received by fans.
Having grown up in Virginia – where he spent most of his early life getting passed over, doubted, and pipelined into a world of drug use and casual crime – Ken’s checkered past and personal regrets have formed the basis for his searingly honest lyrics.
In his energetic new single ‘Menace II Society,’ Ken reflects on the grandeur of living a gangster lifestyle, “We was riding in a GMC/We was pushin’ all this fuckin’ tree.” His flow, which is biting and abrasive, adds to the pulsating energy of the song. But Ken makes clear in his lyrics that he’s not interested in the tired gangster stereotypes and that he’s trying to reach a higher level than all that. He makes clear that “I’m working on my wealth…Always focused on my pay.” He then sums up his attitude more succinctly in the song’s chorus, simply saying: “Fuck the notoriety/I am Tryna be inspiring.”
You get a strong sense that Ken’s lyrics might one day be inspiring to a lot of people…
