Rapper Kilo Kish

Kilo Kish, Musician

From the moment we first saw rapper and singer Kilo Kish absolutely own the crowd at the Top of The Standard a year ago, we've been obsessed. Her voice, her flow, her lyrics, her attitude, her clothes, her hair, her... everything — we're hooked. When we learned that she’s also an FIT-schooled textile designer and a pretty talented painter, well, we just fell that much harder. Trying to keep our cool despite our crush, we cornered the 22-year-old Florida native and got her to share a few makeup faves, how she’s fitting into the scene as a rising star, and how to save a flagging party from social death. Read on — you're guaranteed to become a fan.

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First off, we gotta ask, whenever we see you out, your makeup always looks simple, but great — what’s in your purse on a night out?

“YSL lipsticks are great for going out as well as classic L'Oreal Great Lash Mascara. Oh, and I always wear Smashbox Perfecting Bronzer on my cheeks.”

With your job, you must have a lot of late nights and early mornings. How do you get on top of a workday with a schedule like that?

“You must have a true alarm clock. A cell phone isn't gonna cut it when you have to wake up in three hours! I like to set two alarms just in case.
Also, a fresh beet juice or green juice in the morning always makes me feel better!”

Creatively — for your songs — what do you get out of nightlife?

“I find myself alone waiting for friends at bars from time to time (I'm always weirdly early or on time). I get a lot of songwriting ideas just from people watching and taking in the energy of different bars and clubs. I love witnessing drunken logic and the pursuit of love on any given night in NYC.”

So, do you feel you have to be part of the scene to do your work? Do you have to create an identity out there?

“Since I make music, sometimes — dance music — it's all intertwined with nightlife and meeting other artists is always a plus — but I wouldn't say I'm someone who consciously thinks about my role in the ‘scene’. You build an identity by being true and doing what you want and you lose your authenticity if you’re always scheming and positioning yourself with people for some benefit. If I want to go out, I will. If I don't, I won't.”

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True, true…but, still, you definitely know how to work a crowd — we’ve seen it! You have any advice to the host or hostess whose party just isn’t hopping?

“Well, I think no matter what, people love to dance and feel moved by music. If a party is dead and the music is good, then the people are just uptight. In situations like that, it's best to have as much fun as you can. Play the Spice Girls or whatever you dance to in your underwear at home because, chances are, other people do the same. Dance and have the most fun you can — others will follow.”

Thanks!

Styled by Lauren Edelstein; Hair and Makeup by Bethany Brill.

Philip Lim tank; Ksubi shorts; Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel, $695, available at Philip Lim; Shourouk Baraka Rococo Bracelet, $311, available at American Two Shot; Mawi Honeycomb Bracelet with Neon Gemstone Flower, $544, available at Mawi; Dannijo Kenzie Cuff, $495, available at Dannijo; Dannijo Rigby Cuff, $495, available at Dannijo ; Dannijo Jovi Cuff, $420, available at Dannijo.