Kilo Tae is a melodic rap artist hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. He was involved in the underground hip-hop scene back in his hometown, performing at shows and hitting recording sessions regularly. But at the end of 2020 — the day after Christmas — Kilo made a big move west.

“I came out to Santa Barbara for better opportunities,” Kilo says. “I knew my sound wasn’t going to go in Baltimore, mainly because my city is used to specific kinds of sounds.”

After being encouraged by his cousin on numerous occasions to move in with him in SB, he decided it was time to jump on the opportunity. Coming up on three years in The 805, Kilo has released 11 singles, two EPs, cashed in on multiple Dstructive Filmz music videos, performed with UNDRGRND, and made connections within the grander Los Angeles music network. 

While most hip-hop artists continue to glorify the orthodox strategy of blowing up in their home city, and then expanding outwards, Kilo Tae is on a different path.
“You kind of have to reach outside of the city first, and then come back,” he says.

Kilo’s most notable releases include “Bruce Wayne” (2021) and “No Games No Gimmicks” (2022), but he promises his newest drop — "In My Zone" — is his “best work to date.” As we head into what is always a poppin’ and active summer in the SoCal music market, Kilo says he is planning the biggest marketing push of his career.
“I’m super optimistic about what’s coming up,” Kilo says. “I’ve learned you don’t have to be pressed about your face being on every flyer, you know what I’m saying? There’s more to come, and it’s gonna happen.”

Tap in today with Kilo Tae on Instagram @_kilotae.