IF ever there was a pen and a pad to describe Khalilah Rose, it would tell a story of an artist so deep in her own thoughts of other people's struggle.
Khalilah is a conscious spirit whose music brings about awareness of the world around her. Inspired as a young child her journey as a song writer began at an early age.
Her voice would travel through her home and soon her whole family would be her original fan base, watching her as she would put on musicals to entertain the elders. Khalilah has performed in New York City and has also traveled back to her roots to perform in Jamaica.
Her debut single "No Gunz," produced by Carl James on the “Deeper Riddim,” is making a great impression in the industry today for its meaningful lyrics.
"No Guns" relays the unfortunate story of many who have lost their loved ones to violent deaths. It also takes a political stand while asking the question, how all those guns got in the ghetto.
Currently backed by Big Boss Band she is colorful and fluid as her taste for music does not only span the reggae scene, but reaches across boundaries. Currently penning her album, her credentials are broadening as the executive producer for various tracks. She has worked with notable producers, Carl James, Bobby Digital, Phillip Smart, Fifth Element Records and has had the opportunity to perform in venues with Capelton, Luciano, Gyptian, India Arie, Etana, Yami Bolo and more.
Not only has a singer, Khalilah rose worked as the host for Forever Reggae Television in which she interviews various artists within the reggae industry. Khalilah rose also works as a teacher for children with special needs and a support staff worker in a local homeless shelter.
Her earthiness and sparkling personality has won over the hearts of directors, radio personality, producers and fans alike. This songstress represents a strong history of women walking in light, learning in love and standing up for what is righteous. Khalilah rose represents the truth!!!
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Khalilah means good friend. It is an Arabic name. And Rose is a flower of course, a sweet smelling, soft, delicate flower. So, I guess my name means soft, delicate friend that smells good. (smile) My mom gave me that name.
Just so we are clear were you born in New York or Jamaica? I was born in New York, Long Island. Uniondale and Roosevelt is where I spent my childhood. Alicia Keys even went to school in Uniondale for some time. Busta Rhymes too, even though he only reps Brooklyn. My parents are from Jamaica. So, I have endless love for JA in me.
How do the Reggae music scenes in each place differ? Well, in New York the Reggae music scene is very much underground. Many talented artist don’t get exposure cause Jamaica is the Mecca of Reggae. The world looks to Jamaica to see who is hot, not NY. In New York there is not that much unity among artists. But I assume bad mind people are everywhere.
On thing that stood out to us was your lyrics. A lot of mainstream Reggae we heard in the US is usually watered down with some of the content. What made you craft your pen game the lyrical way, rather then the generic way? Nice question! Well, with all honesty, even though I do write songs that express my personal battles, like “Your Eyes.” My main reason for making music is to bring about change in the minds of the people. I just want the human race to stop and think. Stop focusing on material gain and personal satisfaction and focus on spiritual and intellectual upliftment. It’s time.
In "No Guns" you posed the question, "how did all those guns get into the ghetto?" What is your answer? Ones that live in the ghetto don’t have money to purchase such big expensive weapons. In places like Jamaica politics is a serious life threatening thing. Political parties are like gangs. So many people die because of politics. Its ridiculous. I believe that a great deal of these weapons found in Jamaica for instance is imported from the U.S. with approval from politicians.
Being you speak on political matters how do you feel about the United States killing Bin Laden? Wow. This topic almost caused a fight in my house a few days ago. I personally believe that America had just as much involvement in the bombing of the world trade as Bin Laden did. Americans were dancing in the street and waving their stars and stripes. I wonder if they think they are safe now.
How has hip hop influenced your music? Actually, it was a rapper by the name of Mims, that was once my good friend before he became hot…(joke).. that inspired me to pursue my singing even more. Before I even sang on reggae riddims I mostly sang over hip- hop beats with local rappers in my area. I love the drum pattern in hip-hop. Its like no other.
Who are some of your favorite rappers? If I could mix some of my favorites and make one awesome rapper he or she would have the rawness of Dead Prez, the swag of 50 Cent, the wittiness of Eminem, the intellect of Lauren and the realness of Biggie.
WOW! Incredible combination. Do you produce music as well? Actually, my debut album entitled, “Zion’s Lullaby” has two tracks that I co-produced. One of my favorites is called, “Fake-up.” It has hip-hop influence. I wrote “fake up” to those slimey bastards that take money from the poor to fatten their own pockets.
A lot of "on the come up" artists don't boast the resume you do. What was it like sharing the stage with the likes of Gyptian and India Arie? Well, When I opened up for Gyptian it was great! He even approached me and said, “yu baad” which is a great compliment. On the other show when I opened up for India Arie, that show sucked! It was not a good performance for me at all. I do personally believe that band jacked me up. (Not mentioning any names.) I could of cried. But India Arie did tell me she liked my outfit though (.
When you wrote "Your Eyes" .. what type of real life situations were you going through that reflected those lyrics? It was this man, that I guess I had a very very small crush on. I always avoided looking him in his face and I looked in his eyes one day and got lost. I came back to NY and wrote that song. Nothing came out of it, just a great song. I actually had the nerve to tell him.
What's next for Khalilah Rose album wise? We dropped single, "Your Eyes", end of 2010 and Just dropped a single called "Jah Is Living", with an artist named Lutan Fyah from Jamaica. Right now we are letting that song beat and then we are gonna release album, “Zion’s Lullaby.” It’s already complete. Just waiting for the right moment to release it.
Any features worth talking about on there? Well, I’m currently in the studio working on a collab with rapper SpeedChild and producer Tom Bakas from Windfall music. I’m really looking forward to that.
Being you are a heavily influenced Reggae artist ... who are your favorite Reggae artists? Beres Hammond, Garnet Silk and Queen Ifrica is tuff too.
What’s your goal for the Reggae game? Reggae was once very political, uplifting, spiritual music. I just want to maintain that energy.
We heard you just finished your new single with international Reggae recording artist, LUTAN FYAH. The song "Jah is Living' (which is featured on your Independent debut LP "ZION'S LULLABY". Can you let us know how it was making that track with such a legend? It was memorable. The instrumental is from a band/ producer outta Austria called, “House of Riddim.” Lutan Fyah is a good person and excellent artist. I’m honored to have a song with him.
Is Sean Paul a "Respected" Reggae artist in Jamaica? I think he is respected. Many people may pass judgement because he is mainstream or may say he buss only because he is light brown. I think he is blessed and has something special.
Tell us about a hidden talent of yours? I love acting and have acted in a few plays and made money while I was in college acting. I love it!
Is 2pac the greatest hip-hop artist ever? Let me Google that on my phone, one sec. Well, according to the internet, it is Run DMC. Pac is third. I personally don’t think the greatest hip-hop artist ever has arrived yet. There has been excellent artists but none that greatly surpasses the rest.
Back To The Norm....... Name 1 song you've done that will have the HipHop.Org viewers hooked!? I think HipHop.org views will get hooked on “Fake up.”
Thanks for hollering at us and in closing give any shoutouts....links to your sites....or whatevers clever? Thanks for building with me. Google me…Bless up KIKI..
www.myspace.com/khalilahrose www.reverbnation.com/khalilah www.youtube.com/ & google keyword is KHALILAH ROSE
IF ever there was a pen and a pad to describe Khalilah Rose, it would tell a story of an artist so deep in her own thoughts of other people's struggle. 
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