INTERVIEW: R.K talks: Hip Hop, Drake VS Kendrick, Kanye West, and State Of The Culture.

''Today, Johnnie from TheRapLab sits down with R.K, the countercultural illustrator and storyteller known for his raw satirical take on hip hop and pop culture. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on the Drake vs. Kendrick feud, the current state of the culture, and how his work challenges the mainstream narrative.'' Johnnie:

How did you get started with art?

R.K:

So I was always inspired by Japanese animation, old-school cartoons, video games, and sprite animations. So I started drawing my own comics at the age of 8 and coming up with my own stories.

Johnnie:

Why do you keep your face and identity hidden? Is that something you’ll ever reveal?

R.K - IMAGE (Shot By Willy)

R.K:

The reason why I keep a low profile is because we live in an era where everyone wants to be famous for no reason. I want people to look at my art and judge my art with no preconceived notions. I believe my art is more important than who I am and should be seen first. I don't think I'll ever do a reveal.

Johnnie:

What’s your ultimate goal with your art?

R.K:

My ultimate goal with my art is for my art to be in museums or history books generations from now. Hopefully, to inspire or influence many future generations of artists within the culture.

Johnnie:

Your work has layers and hidden messages. How do you decide what to show and what to keep secret?

R.K:

When I create art I usually go with the flow. I am always inspired by what happens in the culture or my own experience. So every single art piece I make has a theme or some form of message based on what I consume and think about on a day to day basis. If people truly care they take their time to dissect it and maybe come up with their own conclusions.

Johnnie:

How long does it usually take you to finish a piece?

R.K:

It depends on the art piece. A few hours or maybe a day.

Johnnie:

What do you think about the current state of the rap game?

R.K:

The current state of the rap game is whack. Most of the artists don't care about the art form at all. They don't even care about the money it seems. They do care about money obviously but I think the most important thing for them is clout, fame and to be recognized for doing the bare minimum. I think labels rather invest money in what they think is hot rather than actually talented individuals who really care about the culture and the art form.

Johnnie:

Kanye West. He’s done both wrong and right things. How do you see his impact on music and culture?

R.K:

I think Kanye West has inspired a whole generation of creatives even outside of hip hop with his music and especially his motivational interviews. I remember when I was still in college sitting back in the classroom sleeping, not doing my work at all and watching Kanye's breakfast club interviews and his rant at the TMZ office.

Johnnie:

Drake vs Kendrick. Did that beef hurt or help rap?

R.K:

That beef definitely saved the culture especially with Kendrick Lamar winning. Rap was in a decline. Especially with the deaths of XXXTENTACION and Juice WRLD. I felt like nobody was pushing the culture forward. Kendrick set a standard.

Johnnie:

Your work sparks strong reactions. Why do you think people either love or hate it?

R.K:

Because my work is polarizing. My work divides the audience and the culture. People who love it get it and the people who hate it don't get it. Whether they love or hate my art, my job is done as long as I manage to divide the culture and instigate dialogue.

R.K - Untitled (2025)

Johnnie:

Do you enjoy when fans interpret your art in ways you didn’t intend?

R.K:

It's definitely fun. It sometimes surprises me how they interpret my art or what vibe it gives off. Things I don't even think about.

Johnnie:

Your latest piece made waves. What inspired it?

R.K:

Uzi's decline in the rap game and his reaction when being confronted with it.

R.K - Untitled (2025)

Johnnie:

Are there new directions, styles, or mediums you want to explore in the future?

R.K:

Definitely, when it comes to the work and stories I want to share. I want to work with bigger budgets so I can try more things. I definitely see myself evolving my art over time.

Johnnie:

Ten years from now, what do you want people to say when they look back at R.K’s work?

R.K:

I want people to keep discussing my art and form their own opinions when they look back at my art.

Johnnie:

If you had the power to completely erase one trend or artist from hip hop right now, who or what would it be?

R.K:

I would erase the trend of ''not caring about the craft''. And if I had to erase one artist right now, I would say anyone between Lil Uzi Vert, Yachty, Kodak, Playboi Carti, 6ix9ine, or Lil Pump. Anyone from that 2016 Soundcloud era wave. I believe these artists that came up in 2016 have heavily contributed to the decline of hip-hop and have made a joke out of the art form. Specifically, Uzi and Carti who I see as the trendsetters of making it cool not to care and put effort and promote this idea of ''being lit'', not giving a fuck, and not being passionate at all about the art form. And Yachty and Kodak Black for making it acceptable to disrespect legends like Tupac and Biggie when they were coming up. I don't see any up-and-coming rock bands or punk bands disrespecting Chester Bennington or Kurt Cobain. That shit only happens in hip hop for some reason.

Johnnie:

Why do you think illustrations and art is even important when it comes to the music industry? Do you think there’s a real impact with what you do in such a fast world nowadays?

R.K:

Yes. Illustrations and art have been here since the dawn of time and will continue to exist as long as humanity exists. In specific in music / hip hop wasn't only about rap. Graffiti art was and is also an element in hip hop. My art isn't necessarily graffiti but I'm definitely in that lane. I believe there's a real impact in what I do based on the strong reactions I get when people see my art. People still and will always crave substance in art. Whether it be paintings, music, books or film.

Johnnie:

That’s all the questions I have for you today! Definitely interesting to hear your thoughts on many topics and subjects. Is there anything you would want to leave as a final message to everyone?

R.K:

My final message to everyone is to respect the culture, respect the art form. Make talent great again!

R.K - IMAGE (Shot by Willy)