Independent producer OKAY! KENJI has just dropped the ORIGAMI EP, with five bass-heavy Trap tracks featuring artists such as Jung Youth, Junoflo & G2, and Jarren Benton. The entire EP was produced, mixed, and mastered by KENJI, and is meant to be heard at a high volume on big speakers.

KENJI's been at it for a minute, slowly building up a community of people from his native ATL area code who appreciate his music. We caught up with OKAY! KENJI recently to get some info on this underground artist.

How did you get into making music?

I started making beats when I was 16. I downloaded a program called FL Studio and basically just tried to copy my favorite Drake beats. I also taught myself how to play guitar and piano around that same time. I fell in love with playing and making music and knew that I wanted to do it for a living. I didn’t start writing or recording my voice until 2019. I released my first project in 2020 and the rest is history.

What’s the concept for your new ORIGAMI EP?

With this ORIGAMI EP, I wanted to establish diversity in what fans can expect from me. My sound is generally more Alt-Pop but I like making Rap music, too, so why not put it out, you know? This is how I worded it to my fans a few weeks ago: my songs are like paintings and every picture has its own color palette. My raps are red. My emo songs are more blue. Whatever color you prefer, my hope is that you’ll keep an open mind to all of them. As an artist, I’d go crazy if I was only able to paint with one color.

The Asian Hip Hop scene is on the rise and there is already a lot of great talent out there. How will you stand out?

The difference between me and everybody else is the fact that I can do everything by myself. I produce my own beats. I write, record, mix, and master everything. I own my masters. I design the artwork. I create the marketing content. I run my own ad campaigns, and I fund everything myself. As far as I’m concerned, with all due respect, there are only a handful of artists who are on my level.

Lastly, who are your favorite rappers or people that have inspired you to make your own music?

Skrillex, Aries, Shinigami, and Russ.

Check out OKAY! KENJI’s ORIGAMI EP below.