K-Trap Explained

K-Trap
Birth Name:Devonte Kasi Martin Perkins
Birth Date:1995 10, df=y
Birth Place:Lambeth, London, England
Origin:Gipsy Hill, London, England
Years Active:2013–present

Devonte Kasi Martin Perkins (born 21 October 1995), better known by his stage name K-Trap, is a British rapper and songwriter from South London.[1] [2] [3] He is known for his prominence in the UK drill scene, releasing notable mixtapes such as The Last Whip (2017), The Re-Up (2018) and No Magic (2019). Previously, K-Trap was widely known for wearing a balaclava to conceal his identity until June 2019 when he revealed his face for the first time in the music video for his single ‘Big Mood’, promoting his mixtape No Magic.[4]

His fourth mixtape, Street Side Effects, was released on 13 November 2020. His mixtape collaboration with Headie One, Strength to Strength, was released on September 22, 2023, reaching number 4 on the UK albums chart and 1 on the UK Hip-Hop and R&B albums chart.[5]

Early life

Devonte Kasi Martin Perkins was born on October 21, 1995, in the Lambeth area of South London.[6]

Career

2017–2019: Career beginnings, The Last Whip, The Re-Up, and No Magic

K-Trap started rapping at a young age, yet he only began to start taking music seriously in 2015.[4] Despite him just starting to take his career seriously, K-Trap was arrested and was in jail for two years before being found not guilty.[4] He entered the music scene in 2017 after being released from prison and was known distinctively for his choice of wearing a balaclava to hide his identity.[1] K-Trap independently released his debut mixtape, The Last Whip on June 25, 2017, featuring guest appearances from Blade Brown, Headie One, Potter Payper, alongside several other artists. The mixtape would go on to be labelled as a cult classic of his. K-Trap released his second mixtape, The Re-Up on July 12, 2018, through Just Jam Records and would include guest appearances from popular British artists such as Loski, D-Block Europe, Sharna Bass, and Yxng Bane.[7] The mixtape marked K-Trap's first appearance on the UK Albums Chart, debuting at number 37.

In 2019, K-Trap signed his first record deal with Black Butter Records before the release of his debut single, "Big Mood" which peaked at number 66 on the UK Singles Chart.[2] In the music video for the track, K-Trap revealed his face for the first time after removing his balaclava to promote his third full-length mixtape, No Magic.[8] [9] The mixtape would eventually be released on June 27, 2019, and would peak at number 33 on the UK Albums chart.[10]

In a December 2020 interview with Notion, K-Trap would go in-depth into the reasons behind him revealing his face:[11]

2020–2023: Mainstream breakout, The Last Whip II, and Strength to Strength

See main article: Strength to Strength.

On October 26, 2020, K-trap shared the tracklist for his fourth mixtape, Street Side Effects.[12] The mixtape was preceded by the single "New Opp Block" featuring British drill rapper, Abra Cadabra.[13] [14] [15] The mixtape was released on November 13, 2020. It would make his second and final release under Black Butter Records.[16]

K-Trap's breakthrough single, "Warm" was released on May 13, 2021.[17] The track would eventually go viral on the video-sharing app TikTok for its catchy introduction. The track would later appear on K-Trap's fifth mixtape, Trapo released under his newly-founded independent record label, Thousand8.[18] [19] K-Trap received his first MOBO Award nomination for the Best Drill Act which he lost out to Central Cee.[20]

On March 25, 2022, K-Trap and Blade Brown released the collaborative mixtape, Joints.[21] On August 28, 2022, K-Trap released the single "Spoilt" alongside announcing the release of his sixth mixtape, the sequel to his debut, The Last Whip II.[22] The mixtape was preceded by the singles "Busy", "Spoilt", and "Extra Sleeve" featuring Headie One, release just a day before the mixtape's official release on September 30, 2022.[23] [24]

Over a year after the release of the original, following an increase in popularity of "Warm" on social media, K-Trap recruited UK rap legend Skepta to appear on the remix of "Warm".[25] [26] K-Trap won his first MOBO Award for the Best Drill Act at the 2022 ceremony on November 30, 2022.[27]

On September 22, 2023, K-Trap released his collaborative mixtape, Strength to Strength with fellow UK drill rapper, Headie One.[28] [29] The mixtape was preceded by three singles, "Catfish"[30] and "Park Chinois".[31] [32] [33] The mixtape was released on September 22, alongside the single "Triple Threat" with Clavish.[34] The project proceeded to debut at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart.

K-Trap won his second consecutive MOBO Award for the Best Drill Act at the 2023 ceremony on February 7, 2024.[35]

2024–present:Smile?

See main article: Smile?.

On April 18, 2024, K-Trap announced the release of his debut studio album, Smile?.[36] The album was preceded by five singles, "Heaven or Hell",[37] [38] [39] "Old School Era",[40] "Mobsters" with Blade Brown,[41] [42] "Victory Lap",[43] and "Whistle".

Artistry

Influences

Perkins has referred to his early influences stemming from R&B and that he often listens to slow jams, reggae, and soul music.[44]

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"
DetailsPeak chart positions
UK
[45]
UK R&B
[46]
Smile? 10 1

Mixtapes

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"
DetailsPeak chart positions
UK
UK R&B
The Last Whip 8
The Re-Up
  • Released: 12 July 2018
  • Label: Just Jam
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
37 11
No Magic
  • Released: 27 June 2019
33 19
Street Side Effects
  • Released: 13 November 2020
  • Label: Black Butter
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
26 1
Trapo
  • Released: 10 September 2021
  • Label: Thousand8
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
33 4
The Last Whip II
  • Released: 30 September 2022[48]
  • Label: Thousand8
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
12 2
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Collaborative mixtapes

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"
DetailsPeak chart positions
UK
UK R&B
Joints
(with Blade Brown)
  • Released: 25 March 2022[49]
  • Label: Thousand8, BxB Ent.
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming, CD
18 2
Strength to Strength
  • Released: 22 September 2023
  • Label: Thousand8, One Records
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
4 1

Singles

As lead artist

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
UK
R&B/HH
[50]
IRE
[51]
"David Blaine"<--January 12, 2017-->2017
"Paper Plans"<--April 7, 2017-->The Last Whip
"Behind Barz"[52] <--August 4, 2017-->rowspan="2"
"Wild Thoughts"[53] <--September 15, 2017-->
"Watching"[54] <--January 26, 2018-->2018The Re-Up
"Anything Else"<--April 27, 2018-->
"A to B"[55] <--June 8, 2018-->
"Back to Cali"
<
--January 14, 2019-->[56] 2019rowspan="2"
"Won't Stop"<--February 5, 2019-->[57]
"Plaza Riddim"
<
--April 17, 2019-->Morefire
"Mask Off"<--April 17, 2019-->[58] No Magic
"Big Mood"<--June 27, 2019-->66 38
"Mad About Bars"
<
--July 22, 2019-->rowspan="7"
"Out The Mud"<--September 5, 2019-->[59]
"Exit"<--October 21, 2019-->[60]
"Paid the Cost"<--January 25, 2020-->[61] 2020
"Off White"<--March 12, 2020-->
"Private Snap"<--May 30, 2020-->[62]
"Shivers"<--June 27, 2020-->
"Whip That Work"<--September 5, 2020-->[63] Street Side Effects
"Daily Duppy"<--September 5, 2020-->[64]
"New Opp Block"
<
--October 3, 2020-->Street Side Effects
"Warm"<--May 13, 2021-->
202117 6 41 Trapo
"Maths"<--June 10, 2021-->[66]
"Pick 'n' Mix"<--August 26, 2021-->[67]
"Different"<--October 17, 2021-->
"6 Figures"[68] <--March 4, 2022-->
2022Joints
"Daily Duppy (5 Million Subs Special)"[69] <--April 19, 2022-->
"Busy"<--July 28, 2022-->The Last Whip II
"Extra Sleeve"<--September 29, 2022-->
71 29
"Mad About Bars"[70] <--October 2, 2022-->
"Back 2 Back"<--October 13, 2022-->
Cold Feet
"Predicate"<--May 19, 2023-->
2023Purple Hearts
"Outings"<--June 8, 2023-->
"Catfish"<--September 10, 2023-->
Strength to Strength
"Park Chinois"<--September 14, 2023-->
39 18
"Triple Threat"<--September 21, 2023-->
31 13
"Heaven or Hell"<--February 8, 2024-->202447 21 Smile?
"Old School Era"<--April 18, 2024-->
"Mobsters"<--May 2, 2024-->
"Victory Lap"<--May 23, 2024-->
"Whistle"<--May 30, 2024-->
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
UK
R&B/HH
"Diamonds"<--July 21, 2017-->
2017rowspan=2
"Airforce" (Remix)<--November 22, 2018-->
201820 6
  • BPI: Gold
"I Spy"<--July 11, 2019-->
201918 11
  • BPI: Gold
Revenge Is Sweet
"Are You Mad"<--April 27, 2020-->
202066 Quarantime: The Lost Files
"Pull Up"<--May 28, 2021-->
2021
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted and certified songs

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
"Joints"<--August 16, 2019-->
201970Bags & Boxes 4
"Interlude"<--September 30, 2022-->2022
  • BPI: Silver
The Last Whip II

Guest appearances

Title! scope="col"
YearOther artist(s)Album
"Operation Fortress"[71] 2023D-Block EuropeDBE World

Awards and nominations

YearOrganizationAwardWorkResultReference
2021MOBO Awards 2021Best Drill Act Himself
2022MOBO Awards 2022
2023MOBO Awards 2023

Notes and References

  1. News: One to watch: K Trap. Tara. Joshi. 20 July 2019. The Guardian. May 23, 2024.
  2. Ball. James. K-Trap removes his mask on new music video for 'Big Mood'. Mixmag. June 29, 2019. May 23, 2024.
  3. McQuaid. Ian. 10 UK rap artists to watch in 2018. Fact. 4 January 2018. May 23, 2024.
  4. Patterson. Joseph JP. Mask Off: The Levelling Up Of K-Trap. July 29, 2019. March 30, 2022. Complex UK.
  5. Web site: STRENGTH TO STRENGTH by HEADIE ONE FT K TRAP . Official Charts . The Official UK Charts Company . 13 October 2023.
  6. Web site: Femi. Caleb. K-Trap Has Dreams Bigger Than The Bando. Trenchtrenchtrench.com. January 16, 2018. May 23, 2024.
  7. Web site: K TRAP RELEASES NEW MIXTAPE 'THE RE UP'. Mixtape Madness. July 2, 2018. May 30, 2024.
  8. Web site: K Trap Finally Takes His Mask Off In Brand-New "Big Mood .... Wynter. Courtney. GRM Daily. June 27, 2019. February 8, 2024.
  9. K-Trap announces new mixtape No Magic. Kenneally. Cerys. The Line of Best Fit. June 26, 2019. May 30, 2024.
  10. Web site: K Trap Unleashes Brand-New Mixtape 'No Magic'. Wynter. Courtney. GRM Daily. June 28, 2019. February 8, 2024.
  11. Notion 88: K-Trap - Interview. Bishop. Aaron. Notion. December 4, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  12. Web site: Evans. Elle. K-Trap Shares 'Street Side Effects' Tracklist With Features From Blade Brown, M1llionz & More!. Mixtape Madness. October 26, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  13. Web site: Harmony. Rehana. K-Trap & Abra Cadabra Offload "New Opp Block" Visuals.. Mixtape Madness. October 1, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  14. Web site: Dingley. Tom. K-TRAP & ABRA CADABRA COLLABORATE FOR BRAND-NEW BANGER 'NEW OPP BLOCK'. Link Up TV. October 1, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  15. Web site: A.. Aron. K-Trap & Abra Cadabra Scope Out The Scene On "New Opp Block". HotNewHipHop. September 26, 2022. May 30, 2024.
  16. Davey. Jacob. K-Trap's Debut Album, 'Street Side Effects', Has Arrived. Complex UK. November 13, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  17. Web site: Mensah. Kafui. K-Trap Lets Off Video For New M1OnTheBeat-Produced Track "Warm". GRM Daily. May 13, 2021. May 30, 2024.
  18. Web site: K-Trap Drops New 'Trapo' Mixtape With Youngs Teflon, Doroad & more. GRM Daily. September 10, 2021. May 30, 2024.
  19. Web site: Powell. Jon. K-Trap delivers his latest project 'Trapo'. Revolt TV. September 10, 2021. May 30, 2024.
  20. Web site: Dave tops nominations at 2021 Mobo awards. The Guardian. 11 November 2021. May 30, 2024. Ben. Beaumont-Thomas.
  21. Web site: Blade Brown & K-Trap's 'Joints' Project Has Finally Arrived. Complex. 25 March 2022. May 30, 2024.
  22. Web site: Dingley. Tom. K-TRAP DELIVERS DOUBLE TREAT WITH MEW TRACK 'SPOILT' & 'THE LAST WHIP 2' ANNOUNCEMENT. Link Up TV. August 18, 2022. May 30, 2024.
  23. K-Trap Drops New Album 'The Last Whip II'. Murray. Robin. Clash. September 30, 2022. May 23, 2024.
  24. Keith. James. Listen To K-Trap's 'The Last Whip II' f/ Headie One, Krept & Konan, Youngs Teflon & More. Complex UK. September 30, 2022. May 30, 2024.
  25. Skepta joins K-Trap on new remix of "Warm". Kenneally. Cerys. The Line of Best Fit. November 3, 2022. May 30, 2024.
  26. K-Trap Links With Skepta On 'Warm (Remix)'. Murray. Robin. Clash. November 4, 2022. May 23, 2024.
  27. Web site: MOBO Awards 2022: Full winners list including Little Simz and Ezra Collective. Evening Standard. Lowenna. Waters. 1 December 2022. May 30, 2024.
  28. K-Trap & Headie One Revive Drill With New Project 'Strength To Strength'. Keith. James. Complex UK. September 22, 2023. May 30, 2024.
  29. Web site: Headie One & K-Trap share highly anticipated 'Strength to Strength' mixtape. Archibald-Powell. Naimah. GRM Daily. September 22, 2023. May 30, 2024.
  30. Web site: Premiere: K-Trap & Headie One tease joint mixtape with cold 'Daily Duppy' freestyle. GRM Daily. September 10, 2023. May 30, 2024.
  31. K-Trap & Headie One Confirm Joint Mixtape With New Single "Park Chinois". Keith. James. Complex UK. September 15, 2023. May 30, 2024.
  32. Web site: K-Trap & Headie One team up again for "Park Chinois" video. GRM Daily. September 14, 2023. May 30, 2024.
  33. U.K. rappers Headie One and K-Trap announce joint project Strength to Strength. Renshaw. David. The Fader. September 15, 2023. May 30, 2024.
  34. Web site: CLAVISH, HEADIE ONE & K-TRAP ARE A "TRIPLE THREAT" ON COLD NEW COLLAB. Archibald-Powell. Naimah. GRM Daily. September 21, 2023. February 8, 2024.
  35. News: Beaumont-Thomas . Ben . Vinter . Robyn . 2024-02-07 . Mobo awards 2024: Central Cee tops winners thanks to megahit Sprinter . 2024-05-30 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077.
  36. K-Trap Announces Debut LP 'Smile?' With "Old School Era" Music Video. Keith. James. Complex UK. April 19, 2024. May 23, 2024.
  37. K-Trap returns with the release of his latest single, "Heaven or Hell". Kelly. Tyler Damara. The Line of Best Fit. February 9, 2024. May 23, 2024.
  38. K-Trap Toasts MOBOs Victory With Video For New Single "Heaven Or Hell". Keith. James. Complex UK. February 8, 2024. May 30, 2024.
  39. Web site: K-Trap Returns In His Feels For "Heaven Or Hell". McDonald. Jordan. GRM Daily. February 8, 2024. May 30, 2024.
  40. Web site: K-Trap takes it back to the "Old School Era". GRM Daily. April 18, 2024. May 30, 2024.
  41. K-Trap, Blade Brown Connect On 'Mobsters'. Murray. Robin. Clash. May 3, 2024. May 23, 2024.
  42. Web site: K-Trap & Blade Brown reunite for new collaboration "Mobsters". GRM Daily. May 2, 2024. May 30, 2024.
  43. Web site: PREMIERE: K-TRAP STEPS UP FOR HIS THIRD DAILY DUPPY FREESTYLE. GRM Daily. May 23, 2024. May 23, 2024.
  44. "I've Grown As A Musician" K-Trap Is Staking His Claim. Simpson. Joe. Clash. 4 June 2024. 4 June 2024.
  45. Web site: K-TRAP full Official Chart History Official Charts Company . 2022-03-30 . www.officialcharts.com.
  46. K-Trap announces his forthcoming debut album, "SMILE?". Kelly. Tyler Damara. The Line of Best Fit. April 19, 2024. May 30, 2024.
  47. Web site: K-Trap releases new mixtape, 'The Last Whip II': Listen. DJ Mag. Eede. Christian. 30 September 2022. 4 October 2022.
  48. Web site: Blade Brown & K-Trap's 'Joints' Project Has Finally Arrived. Complex. 25 March 2022. 3 April 2022.
  49. Peak R&B chart positions in the UK:
  50. Web site: Discography K-Trap. irish-charts.com. February 8, 2024.
  51. Web site: Hornibrook. Myles. K Trap goes hard on his behind barz freestyle. GRM Daily. June 26, 2017. May 30, 2024.
  52. Web site: Griffin. Alex. PREMIERE: K Trap is back with new video "Wild Thoughts". GRM Daily. September 10, 2017. May 30, 2024.
  53. Web site: PREMIERE: K Trap is "Watching" in hard new video. GRM Daily. January 14, 2018. May 30, 2024.
  54. K-Trap shares new track "A to B" and announces Brixton Electric headline show. Kenneally. Cerys. The Line of Best Fit. June 11, 2018. May 30, 2024.
  55. Web site: Wynter. Courtney. Blade Brown & K Trap Join Forces For "Back To Cali Freestyle". GRM Daily. January 13, 2019. May 30, 2024.
  56. Web site: Wynter. Courtney. Premiere: K Trap "Won't Stop" On Latest Drop. GRM Daily. February 14, 2019. May 30, 2024.
  57. K Trap's 'Mask Off' Is Cut From A Different Cloth. Murray. Robin. Clash. June 14, 2019. May 30, 2024.
  58. Web site: Evans. Elle. K-Trap Celebrates Life "Out The Mud" In Brand New Visuals. Mixtape Madness. September 5, 2019. May 30, 2024.
  59. K-Trap drops ominous new cut "Exit". Kenneally. Cerys. The Line of Best Fit. October 22, 2019. May 30, 2024.
  60. K Trap Blasts Back With 'Paid The Cost'. Murray. Robin. Clash. January 24, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  61. Web site: Wynter. Courtney. K-Trap Comes Through With Hard New Track "Private Snap. GRM Daily. May 28, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  62. Web site: Evans. Elle. K-Trap Gifts Supporters With "Whip That Work" Visuals. Mixtape Madness. September 3, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  63. Web site: Archibald-Powell. Naimah. Premiere: K Trap drops cold new 'Daily Duppy' freestyle. GRM Daily. September 20, 2020. May 30, 2024.
  64. United Kingdom. K-Trap. 7 October 2023.
  65. Smith. Niall. K-Trap Brings The Bally Out For "Maths" Video With DoRoad. Complex UK. 12 June 2021. 4 June 2024.
  66. Web site: Wynter. Courtney. K-Trap Unleashes Video For Hard Drill Heater "Pick 'n' Mix" & Announces New Mixtape. GRM Daily. 26 August 2021. 4 June 2024.
  67. Web site: Wynter. Courtney. Premiere: Blade Brown & K-Trap Re-Connect On "6 Figures". GRM Daily. 3 March 2022. 4 June 2024.
  68. Web site: Wynter. Courtney.
    1. 5MilliSubs: Blade Brown & K-Trap Unite To Drop Joint 'Daily Duppy' Freestyle
    . GRM Daily. 29 March 2022. 4 June 2024.
  69. Web site: Wynter. Courtney. K-Trap Returns To 'Mad About Bars' To Drop A Hard New Freestyle. GRM Daily. 2 October 2022. 4 June 2024.
  70. Keith. James. D-Block Europe Share New 24-Track Project 'DBE World'. July 7, 2023. May 30, 2024. Complex UK. en.