INTERVIEW: King Dee opens up about LGBTQ+ visibility in hip-hop, performing in Brighton and new music

South West London’s very own Darnel Shefki or better known as King Dee is shaking up the UK rap scene with his fearless authenticity and lyrical fire.

As one of the few openly bisexual male rappers in the game, he’s making history carving out space in a genre that’s long sidelined queer voices.

In this interview, King Dee opens up about the challenges and triumphs of LGBTQ+ representation in hip-hop, and shares the energy behind his recent show at Reading Pride. His journey began in 2017 with self-released tracks on SoundCloud and by 2018 he was blazing trails as the first male rapper to headline UK Black Pride!

For our readers that might not know you or music yet, can you introduce yourself and how would you describe your sound and message in a few words?

My name is King Dee, the best way to describe my music is a raw R&B, hip-hop sound that has a huge influence from the late 90s to early 2000s.

How has your identity as an openly bisexual artist influenced your creative process and the stories you tell through your music?

Whenever I make music I tend to not put pronouns because I want everyone to be able to relate to my music unless it’s about someone specific.

Hip-hop has historically had a complicated relationship with LGBTQ+ representation. Do you feel that’s changing and where do you see yourself in that shift?

I believe it is changing and it takes the right person to make it mainstream, this individual had to cater to everyone and not just one community if you truly wish to be worldwide. I know I’m the perfect blend to fit this criteria! 

Your lyrics often carry emotional weight and social commentary, what inspires you most when writing?

I’m a very emotional person in general so when I make my music I don’t only want you to hear what I’m saying, I want the listeners to imagine the story very vividly.

Personal experiences will always bring the best out of my music ability.

If you could collaborate with any artist, queer or not-who would it be and why?

For a queer collab it would have to be Lil Nas X and Kehlani. Lil Nas X was the first one to break it mainstream as a male so I feel like it’s only right and he’s very talented. Kehlani is like one of my R&B dreams for a collab. As for a non queer artist....Lil' Kim and Drake are my biggest musical inspirations!

What’s been the most rewarding part of connecting with fans who see themselves reflected in your music?

It’s the acknowledgement that’s most rewarding and the love I receive because I’m an entertainer so to know I’ve done my job successfully means the world to me.

Do you ever feel pressure to represent the LGBTQ+ community in a certain way or do you prefer to let your art speak for itself?

I believe as a queer person people will always have a certain idea on what they expect to hear. But I’m human just like anyone else so when people hear my music they’re very shocked in the tone I speak and how I present myself in a positive and tasteful way.

Who's your crush of the day?

My crush of the day?! Ha well I don’t have one in specific but Drake has always been at the top of my list, respectfully.

He could make anyone fall in love with him when he sings. Ask anyone who’s favourite song is Shot for Me.

What’s your dream venue or festival to perform at?

Wireless and Summerjam. Those are at the top of my list.

You recently performed at Reading Pride, how was that?

Reading Pride was such an amazing experience, the team was great and I have to say I’ve never received that much love than I did at Reading Pride.

I was told by many that I brought a different element to the show and that’s a job well done for me. Bring me back! 

@kingdee.3 Reading pride 🏆 #pride #fyp #live #bisexual🏳️‍🌈 #lgbt🌈 ♬ original sound - kingdee.3

Any plans to perform in Brighton any time soon and do you have any upcoming projects, collaborations or surprises that you can tease?

If Brighton calls for me, I’ll be more than happy to perform! I also do have some new music coming soon. The timing has to be right also the type of genre I’m going to release whether it’s R&B or straight hip hop.