When King Ashoka walks into a room, people take notice. At 6’4”, the muscular Guyanan-born rapper is impressive in stature, but it is his regal persona that stands out above all else. As he takes stock of his surroundings, strength and power ooze from him, while a quiet dignity brings a balance to the up and coming artist Until he opens his mouth. Then it hits, this is a man with something to say. There is a force behind his lyrics that is so intense it can only be coming from a fierce intern...
When King Ashoka walks into a room, people take notice. At 6’4”, the muscular Guyanan-born rapper is impressive in stature, but it is his regal persona that stands out above all else. As he takes stock of his surroundings, strength and power ooze from him, while a quiet dignity brings a balance to the up and coming artist Until he opens his mouth. Then it hits, this is a man with something to say. There is a force behind his lyrics that is so intense it can only be coming from a fierce internal battle derived from years of real, raw life experience. King has been through all the hardships we’ve come to expect from MCs: drug dealing, attacks at gunpoint, the array of women and the resulting drama. But make no mistake; this is an artist with substance. In his quest to enlighten his audience – his kingdom, if you will – he leaves no stone unturned. When asked what makes him unique, he says simply: “I tell the truth.” Music may be his passion, but he also sees it as paramount to the future of his family. The father of five unfailingly puts his children first. Part of the proceeds from his April 11th show and release of his highly anticipated second album, “Timely Evolution” will go to varies local charities dedicated to the fight against cancer in honor of his eldest daughter, Jasmyn, who survived Leukemia after being diagnosed at the age of 7, and his sister Veda, who is currently battling breast cancer. All tragedy aside, King is personable and his clever humor comes across in interviews as well as it does in his tracks. Indeed, his quick wit often catches his friends off-guard. To them, he is the perpetual entertainer. Under the wry smile, however, is a man fraught with mystery. He is guarded, both from himself and the world, and this only seems to endear him further to his ever-growing audience. Named Ashoka for the Indian emperor known for his benevolence and lasting moral edicts, King has always had a larger-than-life image to live up to. But with each album he appears to do just that and is quickly emerging as a natural leader and teacher. Through his deliberate yet intellectual approach to life – and art – coupled with the universal respect he shows to everyone in his presence, Ashoka truly embodies the spirit of a king.
show more...
