King Combs on Rap: “This isn’t a hobby because of who my dad is, this is my passion”

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Christian Casey Combs aka King Combs didn’t grow up like any average kid. By the time he could walk, Combs was immersed amongst the music industry’s greats at the hand of his father, American rapper Sean Diddy Combs aka P. Diddy. Touring the world and recording raps in a studio isn’t what most eight year olds do, but for Combs, it’s all he’s ever known. Now 23, Combs has emerged from his father’s wing taking into consideration the rap world he grew up inspired by while also creating a new sound entirely of his own. Coming off his 2019 EP Cyncerely, C3, Combs’ music blends his bicoastal roots resulting in a strong New York City hip-hop sound with smooth LA vocals– and he’s only just getting started. With projects on the horizon in the new year, CR caught up with the young artist in a shoot dripped-down in Valentino highlighting his ’90s soul with a 2021 attitude.

You grew up first in New York City then moved to LA, how do you think this bi-coastal mindset influenced the style of your music?

KC: “It adds to the diversity of your sound, West Coast makes you want to put out feel good music, and New York makes me tap into a more personal experience”

CR: Who is your alter ego C3, can you describe him to us?

KC: “Christian Casey Combs, he lives on the wild side a little bit and loves to have to fun, he is in his most comfortable space with the people he loves.

King Combs is the music artist, he is in his star element, confident and focusing on his dreams.”

CR: What was it like growing up in the industry? When did you realize you were immersed in something special from a young age?

KC: “One of my first memories when I was young, I was with my pops backstage and I heard all the fans screaming his name, and he came out under lights looking like an angel in all white.

My dad worked a lot, so I spent a lot of time with my mom and grandma in the country of Georgia and also lived the life being in the Hamptons and at mansions. I liked having the experience of living in both worlds because it keeps me grounded and humble.”

CR: What was it like growing up around some of music’s greatest influences? Who or what would you say impacted you the most?

KC: “It was inspiring and exciting be around the greatest! Like Snoop Dogg, I went on a tour with him and dad when I was seven years old – I remember my conversations with all the legends I was around when I was younger.”

CR: You signed with Bad Boy at only 16 years old, when did you realize music was what you wanted to do?

KC: “Since I was five years old and I saw my dad pull up to my grandma’s house in a tour bus and the Ferrari to pick me up. And seeing him perform on stage, and then it really clicked when I went to the studio at eight [years old] with my brothers and we recorded for the first time.”

CR: You’ve spoken before about your mother, Kim Porter, being a driving influence behind you pursing music. What was some of the best advice she gave you that you can share?

KC: “Don’t let anyone waste your time.”

CR: What was it like collaborating with Pop Smoke on his posthumous album? How did this collaboration come about?

KC: “It was a New York vibe, high energy, we enjoyed recording that single it was like a party. One of our mutual friends connected us and told me to come by the studio ASAP.

I feel blessed to be a part of his history, he is gone extremely too soon.”

CR: Your dad had some of the craziest looks in the game, what advice has he given you on creating your look as an artist? What would you define your look as?

KC: “My dad didn’t really give me advice on my looks, he has inspired the ’90s aesthetic that I like to tie in. I would define my look as “individual swag” I dress for my mood, there’s no one look for me.

One day I may give you a New York Harlem vibe, or you may get the smooth GQ look, like what I wore on New Years Eve 2021.”

You haven’t shied away from diving into the fashion world, what was it like creating your own collection with Rihanna for Savage x Fenty? What did you consider when making the collection?

KC: “It was an honor to work with Rihanna, she is a fashion mogul now, and has remain consistent on building her empire, and evolving in the fashion world. I really enjoyed picking out the fabrics and being a part of the process from beginning to end. When we were creating collection, I considered how I was would swag it out personally. Like I wore the silk pajama set to dinner one night with Timberland boots and my jewelry. I was cozy and fashionable! The collection sold out with in hours of releasing.”

CR: Last year you released Cyncerely, C3 which was your first full body of work you’ve shared. What can you tell us about upcoming projects in 2021? How do you want to expand on your first album?

KC: “I’m more mature now, so you will hear that reflect in my new music. I am diving in more creatively with producers, and working with some legendary artist and creatives intuitively on this body of work.

This the album where I prove that I belong to be in the music game. This isn’t a hobby because of who my dad is, this is my passion.”

TALENT: @KINGCOMBS

PHOTOGRAPHER: @DVCHRSTPHR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & STYLIST: @CARINEROITFELD

CREATIVE CONSULTING: @EDOUARDRISSELET

GROOMING: @MARKTHEBARBER

SKIN: @VIRGINIALEFAY

SET DESIGNER: @SASHLOVE

SITTING EDITOR: @RONNIE_HART

PRODUCTION: @SASHABARTUR FOR @CRSTUDIO

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createdAt:Tue, 05 Jan 2021 19:57:34 +0000
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section:Celebrity