Multitalented Rapper McKell Shares His Personal Favorite Styles of Music in Latest EP “McKell’s World Vol. II”

By Jerry Buchs, Publicist

While showing off his talents as a rapper in every single he drops, the artist known as McKell also demonstrates his ability to develop tracks that appeal to men and women alike.

Taking influence from The Notorious B.I.G.’s storytelling and Foxy Brown’s cadence, to Jodeci’s style with Nicki Minaj’s epic flows and deliveries, McKell tries hone his craft by creating catchy hooks and melodies, writing a song from start to finish, and finding a way to have all elements exist within a song harmoniously.

And when it comes to his own listening habits, McKell’s personal tastes include R&B, pop, and some dancehall, of course along with hip hop

Some might say that’s how things roll in McKell’s world.

Because that’s exactly where this Toronto-based musical artist has gone with his latest drop.

McKell has just released the EP “McKell’s World Vol. II” with its five tracks covering various music genres.

“This EP is a perfect blend of hip hop, R&B, and pop,” said McKell. “It has enough bars for the rap heads, enough soul for the R&B lovers, and enough catchy melodies for the pop masses – as well as a lineup of incredible features.

“It was my intention to create this ‘fusion’ – because I personally listen to all of these genres. I think that if you’re able to blend them in a way that speaks to everybody, then it will definitely hit for different categories and different groups.”

The first track on “McKell’s World Vol. II” marks the re-release of “My Type (Be your Clyde),” a song about finding the perfect partner.

“I wanted to take an approach where we're talking about a woman - but we're not just talking about her appearance,” said McKell. “So it's someone who is sophisticated and educated and very independent. And then with a bunch of witty vibes added in, I talk about a Bonnie and Clyde type of energy. It's about finding that solid partnership.”

“My Type” features Hylan Starr, a vocal artist from Atlanta that McKell found on Instagram. He said he really liked Starr’s voice and felt that his overall sound matched the lyrics he wrote.

Next, the song “Summer in Cali” came about when McKell drove to SoCal during a trip to Las Vegas. He said the track, with more of a pop or R&B feel, was inspired by the palm trees, the weather, the cars, and everything he saw out there.

“I feel that it speaks to my spirit and it speaks to my soul,” he said. “Maybe throw in some drunk nights out partying - and it’s all there.”

California native Anaya Lovenote is the featured artist.

For the third song on the EP, “Forever Young,” McKell said he thought about a house party and wrote the lyrics with Chris Brown and Tyga in mind. He describes it as “very fun, catchy, energetic, and unapologetic.”

McKell chose John Concepcion to be the featured artist for this track because of his overall vibe, which he said is very similar to the Chris Brown energy he was looking for.

The song “My Spot” was crafted when McKell really liked a beat he heard, at the same time he was lamenting the fact that artists aren’t putting in the same effort when writing songs anymore.

“So I wrote the hook as a joke,” he said. “I didn't even write it down. And then I ended up recording it - and everybody loved it. Since the hook is so simplistic, I knew the verse needed to go very hard. And it turned out to be a dope little urban hip hop track.”

Fame Holiday is the featured artist.

Finally with “Testify,” McKell said he just wanted to write a beautiful love song. He said he wrote about a past relationship and focused on all the emotions involved – and he just allowed them to emote.

“And then I was able to get Ron-E to jump on the hook and the bridge as the featured artist,” said McKell. “I have worked with him on four tracks now. He is one of the easiest people to work with. He is really dope.”

McKell said he is ready to hit the stage and entertain for live audiences.

“I know it's not cheap to step outside these days,” he said. “To go see a show, you have to pay for a ticket, hair, outfit, gas and drinks. So I want to give people their money's worth if they come and see me perform.”

Those that watch “McKell’s World – The Visual” will get a good idea what to expect during a live show. He said he purposely designed the video to look like a rehearsal for an MTV-like performance – because not enough artists perform live and even fewer artists actually dance anymore.

“I remember when my grandfather said to me: ‘The world does not revolve around you,’” said McKell with a chuckle. “And I couldn’t help but respond with: ‘But when it comes to music, it most definitely does.’”

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Story provided by Starlight PR.