Kings Cvstle ft: Paradox - Rome (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Rising UK rap duo Kings Cvstle return with an exhilarating new single ‘Rome’ alongside Paradox this August, ahead of their debut EP ‘En Route’ dropping later this year.

Identical twins Peter and Daniel King, aka, Kings Cvstle have spent the last couple of years building a highly-impressive discography, serving up a uniquely melancholic and notably conscious style of music - connecting with listeners on a deep level and driving a fine balance between professionalism and artistic intent. Off the back of an array of singles, the pair have racked up over 150,000 views on YouTube and 300,000 streams on Spotify alone, whilst gaining high-profile support from the likes of BBC, Earmilk, Link Up TV, Lyrical Lemonade, Reprezent Radio and more. This August welcomes a captivating new arrival entitled ‘Rome’, as the multi-faceted brothers breathe life into their hometown-inspired single alongside talented rapper Paradox.

‘Rome’ opens with a luscious blend of piano melodies, colourful bass notes, soulful vocal chants and pulsating patterns which float out into the distance. Kings Cvstle’s hard-hitting and heartfelt bars appear right from the off before Paradox strikes with his inspiring lyricism which adds vital texture to this raw and direct affair. It’s another notable and honest release from the duo and is guaranteed to resonate with hip-hop fans and listeners alike.

“Rome is a reflective track about our experiences growing up in working-class areas in London as well as in music and the everyday grind. To me the track means struggle, hard work, passion and patience are needed to reach your highest potential as Rome wasn't built in a day.” - Kings Cvstle

The well-shot official music video sees King Cvstle vibing across the borough they were raised in (Waltham Forest, Walthamstow in East London) which ties in with the tracks focus on growing up in a working-class background, and provides listeners with a personal touch that circles back to the track flawlessly. Featured rapper Paradox’s verse was also shot in the borough he grew up in (Southwark in South London) - including photos of both Kings Cvstle and Paradox in their youth for a truly mesmerising and hard-edged story about life on the block.

Kings Cvstle sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Our own musical venture began at around 13 years old rapping along to early grime beats in the school playground. However our actual love for music began at a very young age, whether it was our Mum blasting SKA or our Dad blasting Rock music such as Pink Floyd, music was always on at home. 

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’d say if we had to pick a few artists who initially influenced us to pick up the pen it would be Plan B, Akala, Taskforce, Mitchell Brothers, Kano and probably The Streets. More recently though, we’ve been listening to a lot of Potter Payper, Bugzy Malone, Loyle Carner and Lil Simz. I think our sound would defo work well with Lil Simz and Loyle Carner, collaborating with them would be dope!

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

We are currently in the process of releasing our upcoming EP ‘En Route’. Rome is actually the first single to be released from the EP, then we have our next single landing end of September before the EP is released in full on Friday 5th of November 2022. En Route is a collaborative project so be sure to hear us work with some dope artists including King Kashmere and Marz Fay.

4. How would you describe your sound?

This is a tough question because we have a very eclectic taste in music and feel this is reflected with the music we release. I mean yes, overall you could say we have an Old Scl 90s boom bap UK Hip Hop sound, however our upcoming EP En Route has more of a modern UK Rap vibe to it. I suppose it depends on whether we have produced the beat or not as we defo have a distinct style of production but do love to work with other producers as well. For us it’s about that goosebump feeling from Hip Hop regardless of sub genre.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I feel it would have to be our recent success at maintaining a top 20 position in the iTunes Hip Hop & Rap charts with Rome for three days. Reaching the charts has never really been a goal of ours and generally speaking, it’s not of prime importance, making good music with a real and positive message is. However, I feel that reaching the iTunes Charts as independent underground artists with not much budget and music with a real message is a huge achievement within itself and something we will always remember.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Well, to play the mad game of music you have to be mad haha, you have to believe in what others deem to be impossible. People will doubt you, people will question your dreams and life will throw you constant hurdles. It’s really not easy. But, you have to keep faith and as cliche as it sounds, trust the process and enjoy the journey. If you truly love what you do you will keep pushing regardless.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

We listen to mostly underground up and coming artists at the moment. We’ve been listening to Irish Hip Hop artist ‘Kojaque’ a lot recently, you should defo check him out if you haven’t already. Also, through supporting Dale May at a show a few months ago, we’ve found ourselves listening to his music on repeat. His recent release ‘So Electric’ is a banger ! Plus, we can’t forget to mention Marz Fay who you will hear on our upcoming EP. Trust us, she is a future superstar!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

“Breathing Exercises” by Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn has been on repeat recently. The music they create is special, they’ve really found their own sound. Proper goosebump music. Also an artist and album most probably wouldn’t expect us to listen to is Trippie Redd’s “A Love Letter For You”. Although his music isn’t as lyrical as what we usually listen to, his beat selection and voice are so powerful. Lastly, an album we have always had on repeat and is one of our favourites of all time, is Plan B’s “Who Needs Actions When You Got Words”, absolute classic!

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Although we’re twins and very similar, Daniel does love a House Rave. You’ll find him skanking it out at least once a week. I myself, except for walking the dog, don’t do anything other than music or stuff related to our music career. It’s become my mission to push Kings Cvstle as far as possible and although it’s stressful I actually really enjoy it, it’s become more than just a passion it’s become my life.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Other than positive vibes, good energy and each other it would have to be tea, milk and sugar. It’s a British standard and warms up the vocal cords.