Building strong relationships within the music industry is critical for emerging artists, and the majority of them begin by demonstrating genuine support. Aminé took to Twitter yesterday (May 17) to share the beginnings of his relationship with KAYTRANADA, who gave him a career-changing push at the time with some words of encouragement. Fast forward to 2023, and the two are preparing to release their collaborative album Kaytraminé, which began with a DM in 2014.
The Portland rapper started by explaining where his mind was nine years ago. “In 2014, I was broke as f**k working on music every day, looking for a North Star,” he wrote. Then he revealed that KAYTRANADA had lent him a helping hand. “I was thinking about quitting because s**t wasn’t really working out for me.” Then [KAYTRANADA] responded by sending me free beats. That charged an extra battery in my back and restored my confidence.”
i was broke as fuck working on music everyday in 2014 looking for a north star. i was kinda thinking about giving up cuz shit wasnt really workin out for me then kay hit me back & sent me beats for free.. that put a extra battery in my back & really made me feel confident again
— Aminé (@heyamine) May 16, 2023
Aminé expressed gratitude to the Grammy-winning producer for assisting him in overcoming adversity and reminded fans that kindness goes a long way. “Who knows where I’d be right now if it hadn’t been for that little push from [KAYTRANADA] so early in my career.” The love you show people can sometimes have unanticipated consequences. Kaytraminé isn’t a movie star. “It’s been nine years in the making,” he explained.
who tf know where i’d be right now without that little push from kay that early in my career. the love you show people sometimes can really affect them in ways you couldn’t imagine.
kaytraminé ain’t no industry play, this been 9 years in the making— Aminé (@heyamine) May 16, 2023
He also shared a screenshot of the actual 2014 interaction he referenced.
2014 pic.twitter.com/UtcermGPui
— Aminé (@heyamine) May 16, 2023
The project’s first single, “4EVA,” featuring Pharrell Williams, was released alongside the album’s initial announcement in April. On Monday (May 15), the duo released “Rebuke.” Last Wednesday (May 10), they also revealed the official tracklist. Kaytraminé will be released on May 19 and will feature Freddie Gibbs, Pharrell Williams, Big Sean, Amaarae, and Snoop Dogg on 11 tracks.
