• State Faces

    state.ie names its artists to look out for in the 12 months flowing from January each year, and accompanied by original photoshoots from our team of photographers.

Kestine

Cork based MC and singer

Photographed for State’s Faces by IAMACOSMONAUT

You’re part of Outsiders Ent, what was the philosophy behind that?

We wanted to create a platform that showcased the talent within Cork but our philosophy is to be the best among the best, to be difference makers, heroes that may not be loved. I’m part of a team that refuses to believe that the expression and love of our art should be expressed all neat and tidy, fitting perfectly in a square box. We are the weirdos that love our anime and fashion and will smile even with tears rolling down our cheeks, the epitome of uncool, a squad ready to show the world we are a force to be reckoned with.

Where you making music before that?

I started rapping in 4th class because I got teased over my admiration for Michael Jackson, I actually started off as an MJ imitating dancer. Funny how back then I wanted to fit in and not be an Outsider. Due to my Dad being a pastor I was put on the keyboard so from a young age I really developed an ear for melodies and harmonies. My mum would always tell me to sing in church but I always told her “I’m a rapper I don’t do that”. Transition year came along and we did a play and teachers started complimenting my singing, at that moment I realised my mum wasn’t hyping me up so at the of age 16 I mixed the rapping and the singing. Sometime later I joined OutsidersEnt and now here we are.

What inspires your lyrics?

I have certain experiences that I’ve gone through in life that inspires me, some painful and some joyful, but to be honest the beat that I use usually portrays to me a theme or an emotion. This then allows me to write and create lyrics, that relate with people. The beat is usually on repeat in the background, I have an emotion I feel the beat is trying to evoke to me and  words start flowing, before I know it, I have a song, it’s a strange process, but an unbelievable gift I’ve been blessed with.

Does Cork hip-hop have a different identity to the rest of the country?

I don’t think it has an identify as of yet that would be different from the rest of the country in terms of sound, we are all so different in our approach to hip hop to say this is “our sound”  would be difficult, but the rebellious Cork spirit to show we are just as good if not better than other counties is rooted in our music. We are definitely hungry and are pushing to represent Cork to the world. It’s no different from the hurling or the football , Corkonians have a sense of pride to show we are the best and that spirit and attitude most definitely seeps into Cork hip hop.