Kung Fu Vampire

Kung Fu Vampire
Origin San Jose, California
Genres Hip hop, hardcore hip-hop, gangsta rap, gothic hip-hop
Occupation(s) Producer
Rapper
Years active 2001—present
Labels Independent - Mad Insanity Records
Associated acts Mars, Brother J, Twiztid, Wrekonize, Tech N9ne
Website www.KungFuVampire.com

Kung Fu Vampire is an American rapper from San Jose, California and the vocalist of the musical group of the same name. He has toured or performed with Twiztid, 2 Live Crew, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Insane Clown Posse, Brotha Lynch Hung, Tha Alkaholiks, Digital Underground, Kool Keith, KRS-One, Papa Roach and The Pharcyde, in addition to collaborating with musicians such as Eddie Gale and Spice 1.

History

Kung Fu Vampire began breakdancing at the age of six, and taught himself how to rap and sing while playing Drums and Bass as a hobby.[1] At the age of twelve, his aunt began taking him to see concert performances, and introduced him to a Gothic style of dress.[1] At 14 years old He and 3 friends from his neighborhood formed a group infusing Classic Hip Hop with Funk and Electronica which at that time was very innovative and hard for the mainstream to grasp.[1][2] In 2001, he adopted the name "Kung Fu Vampire" during a conversation with his friends in which they discussed the idea of a martial arts film featuring vampires.[1][3] Kung Fu Vampire formed a band based on the "Kung Fu Vampire" concept.[1][2] Concepts from an unpublished novel he wrote also formed the basis for the group's stage act and beliefs centered around "Balance" KFV refers to it as the "Yin and Yang of Fang" .[2]

In 2006, the group was voted as the "Best Local Band" by Metro Silicon Valley readers.[4] and went on to win the award 2 more times. Director Darren Lynn Bousman was impressed by Kung Fu Vampire's performance style, and pushed for the rapper to perform at the release party for Saw III as well as opting to do a Music Video. Kung Fu Vampire has also performed at The Playboy Mansion.[5][6] Bousman's association with Kung Fu Vampire continued with performances at the release party for Repo! The Genetic Opera, and Bousman included Kung Fu Vampire's song "Dead Girls Don't Say No" in the film Mother's Day.[6] In 2009, the Juggalo fan website Faygoluvers.net featured Kung Fu Vampire's music video "iCount" on the site, attracting the attention of Twiztid, who invited Kung Fu Vampire to perform as the duo's opening act during their 2010 "Slaughterhouse" tour.[6] Since 2010, KFV has done 10 Nation Wide Tours including a tour in Canada and 3 appearances at the Gathering of the Juggalos in Cave-In-Rock, IL. Kung Fu Vampire is 100% Independently funded and has been offered 7 Record Label contracts throughout his career and has yet to sign one.[6] In 2012, Kung Fu Vampire appeared in the music video for E-40's song "Zombie" featuring Brotha Lynch Hung and Tech N9ne.[6] In 2013, Kung Fu Vampire makes an appearance on the Reality Show "Oddities: San Francisco" on the History and Science Channel. His latest Music video "Slice Of Life" is a testament to originality and crosses boundaries into a real deal "paranormal movie" - It's guaranteed to leave you with Goosebumps and is part 3 in a series of videos that have been released thus far. on Sunday September 13 Kung Fu Vampire headlined The Sofa Music Festival in San Jose, CA. On Onctober 16th 2015 KFV's song "Turnt Up" appears in the movie "Tales Of Halloween"

Style and influences

Kung Fu Vampire performs a style of Classic Hip Hop fusing goth, funk and electro.[2][5] Kung Fu Vampire referred to this style as "gothic hip hop" and "goth hop" to describe the true sound and separate himself from generic genre labeling, but later learned that it was also similar to the preexisting style horrorcore.[3]

Kung Fu Vampire avoids overly rapping about graphic violence, and makes little or no reference to campy horror films or smoking cannabis.[6] His lyrics have spoken out against drug use in particular Meth and Alcohol, and advocated for healthy living.[6]

Kung Fu Vampire was initially known for making appearances with a shaved head and pale face paint.[6] Since 2011, Kung Fu Vampire grew his hair out and has stopped using face paint in his performances stating that he would rather spend that time connecting with fans at concert as opposed to preparation.[6] Kung Fu Vampire has collaborated with Jazz Trumpeter and Blue Note Recording Artist Eddie Gale, Brother J of X Clan, Cougnut, Potluck, Twisted Insane, Twiztid, R.A. The Rugged Man, Da Mafia 6ix, Brotha Lynch Hung, Chris Webby, Locksmith, Whitney Peyton and Spice 1.[2]

Band members

Current

Discography

Features

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Wheeler, Garrett (October 29, 2006). "Creature of The Night". Metro Silicon Valley. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Rudy, Stewart. "Interview with a (Rapping) Vampire". The Wave Magazine. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  3. 1 2 Dark Jedi Hillz (December 6, 2009). "Exclusive Interview - Kung Fu Vampire". JuggaloNews. Retrieved December 8, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Best of Silicon Valley 2006". Metro Silicon Valley. September 20–26, 2006. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  5. 1 2 Osterbeck, Ryan (October 18–24, 2006). "Interview With the Vampire". Metro Silicon Valley. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Carnes, Aaron (December 5, 2012) Cover Story: Local Rapper Kung Fu Vampire Sheds Costume to Focus on Music. metroactive.com
  7. ↑ "Overview for Spacebar". Allmusic. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  8. ↑ "Overview for Womb Til Tomb". Allmusic. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  9. ↑ "Overview for Blood Bath Beyond". Allmusic. Retrieved November 22, 2008.

External links

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