Kunal

Raw, eclectic, intense.  These are a few of the words that can be used to describe Kunal, a Washington, DC-based hip-hop artist whose music blends elements of funk, soul and rock with uncompromising, socially conscious lyrics over true-to-the-roots, boom-bap production. Kunal's unlimited passion, wide-ranging talent and prodigious output have not only established him as a formidable local force, but have also garnered him international accolades from some of the top artists in the field.

Inspired just as much by Syd Barrett and The Doors as he is by Lord Finesse and Rakim, Kunal's music crosses genres while maintaining a distinctive blend of honesty and insight. His experience as a native-born Indian living in Australia and later the US gives him a diverse and global perspective that permeates his music and lyrical content. As an emcee who emerged at the very cusp of the digital era, Kunal paid his dues the traditional way, first battling at house parties before establishing himself as an innovative and versatile performer.

Having worked with a diverse roster of artists including Mikey Mike, Lyricks, DJ Harrison, and Corey Fonville; shared stages with Wale, Jason Derulo, Mobb Deep, Smif-N-Wessun, and Kool Keith; and featured on worldwide releases with Blu, Damu the Fudgemunk, Brous One and K-Def, Kunal is poised to release his first solo album later this year. The album chronicles the roller coaster of emotions Kunal experienced after walking away from a record label for reasons of creative integrity.  Sacrificing three completed albums and five years of work in the process, it was one of the most difficult decisions of his career and Kunal considered giving music up for good.  But, at the end of the day, he found himself picking up the mike and spilling his thoughts onto paper.  The subsequent album reflects the raw, honest emotions that anyone who has been through a similar experience in any walk of life will relate to. The album, Every Dog Has Its Day, will be released independently later this year.

kunalmusic.com