Kinrose is Cultivating a Garden of Sound
- Jordyn Mayes
- Aug 22
- 5 min read
From porch-grown tomatoes to poetic lyricism, Kinrose plants stories that bloom far beyond the beat.
In a world where music often feels mass-produced, Kinrose is an anomaly, a true cultivator of sound. He is an artist who tends to his craft with the care and patience of a gardener, nurturing every lyric, every collaboration, and every project until it blossoms. His artistry is deeply rooted in his upbringing, a rich tapestry woven from the influences of his family and the vibrant culture of his home, Prince George's County (PG County), Maryland. For Kinrose, his music isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a living, breathing garden that reflects his growth as a man and as an artist.
"I always make sure to mention home," Kinrose says with a sense of pride. He explains that his mother, a nurturer with a green thumb, would grow green tomatoes on their porch, leaving an indelible mark on him.
This connection to the land and to organic growth is a constant theme in his work. He also acknowledges the pantheon of icons and idols that emerged from the DMV, from which he draws constant inspiration. His sound is a beautiful fusion of these influences and the groundedness of nature and the undeniable culture of the DMV.
The Art of the Pen
While Kinrose’s music seamlessly weaves through genres, he identifies primarily as a rapper. For him, the label is not a limitation but a testament to the genre's infinite possibilities.
"I would want it to remind people... that rap and hip hop, to me, it can't be contained. It fits within any genre," he states, a mission to remind listeners of the poetic and narrative depth that rap can achieve.
His journey began with an innate love for writing. As a child, he would pen stories, a habit that evolved into writing poetry in high school. The first time he ever recorded was with a tight-knit group of friends who served as both his first audience and his biggest supporters.
"That was the first time I ever heard myself back. First time I started rapping, and the first time anyone ever encouraged me to make music," he recalls.
Kinrose’s lyrics are a testament to his love for the written word. He embraces wordplay and multi-layered meanings, a style he believes is often overlooked in modern rap. He credits fellow PG County native Wale for teaching him the art of dissection.
"Listening to people like Wale... it's like, oh, did you hear what he said? Like it you have to catch the wordplay." he says, describing the thrill of uncovering hidden meanings. This commitment to lyrical depth means he’s constantly balancing cleverness with the core theme of a song.
"I definitely always try to push the pen a little bit," he says. His goal is for his music to not just sound good, but to resonate deeply with the listener.
Kinrose’s creative process is as unique as his sound. He can't write in a studio; his body has to be in motion for his mind to work.
"I have to be moving at the same time, I need to be walking, I need to be driving somewhere, running an errand," he explains. He comes to the studio with his verses ready, a structured approach that counters the "jumbled" and "rushed" style of his early work. Now, he’s focused on refining his sound, ensuring his music truly embodies the pieces of life that he wants to share with the world. He also sees this as a reflection of his personal growth, learning to slow down and be more deliberate in his life.
The Power of Vulnerability and Community
Despite the intricate wordplay, Kinrose’s music is also remarkably vulnerable. He doesn’t shy away from themes of family loss or the uncertainty of navigating young adulthood. He shares just enough to be relatable without being too personal.
"I just be honest about the emotions behind the words, period," he says, a philosophy that allows his stories to become universal. This vulnerability has grown with time and experience. Music, he says, allows him to become a "different person," able to express things that he might not be able to articulate in everyday life. He's inspired by artists like Kendrick Lamar and authors like Toni Morrison, who he believes clearly stated the human experience for us. He particularly loves Morrison's work for its ability to capture the "magical" nature of Black identity, portraying ordinary people as "legendary." For anyone looking for a powerful read, he highly recommends her book Sula.
Kinrose is an independent artist, a path he acknowledges comes with its own set of challenges, but he's grateful for the journey and for every listener who gives him their attention. He doesn’t have to do it alone, either. His visuals and creative direction are a collaborative effort with his close friends from high school who also now live in Atlanta.
"I'm not ashamed to lean on community for those types of things," he says. This shared journey has made their collective success all the more meaningful.
A Story Told in Gardens
One could say Kinrose’s musical projects tell a chronological story of his evolution. Each one is a new garden he’s cultivated, a new chapter in his artistic journey. His debut project, Easy Growing, was born from a desire to navigate the anxieties of young adulthood and become more "easygoing." It served as his foundation, a first step into the professional music world. After the unexpectedly positive reception of Easy Growing, Kinrose felt a sense of validation he hadn't anticipated. His next EP, Bouquet, was a realization that recognition is not something to be ashamed of but rather a beautiful outcome of hard work. He also realized that validation itself is a "DIY" process, a sentiment he would tell his younger self to embrace. His most recent project, Every Garden, is a testament to his belief that rap can thrive in any environment. It’s a collaborative project featuring a diverse range of artists from different genres, demonstrating that "rap can fit within anything as well at the same time."
This organic approach extends beyond his music to his definition of success. For Kinrose, it’s not about fame or wealth, but about making his family proud and being able to give back to the people who have supported him. "I don't think everyone has the experience I have had with family and them supporting my music and my art," he says, acknowledging the privilege he has.
Kinrose’s journey is a powerful reminder that true artistry is about more than just talent—it’s about nurturing your roots, embracing vulnerability, and cultivating your craft with intention. With his distinct style and deeply personal approach, Kinrose is building a garden of sound that will continue to flourish for years to come.
Follow him on Instagram @kinrosegold and stream his music on all major platforms.
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