Kyle Bent is a 20-year-old rapper from Randolph, a suburban town about 15 miles south of Boston. However, Boston has claimed the up-and-coming artist as part of its own unique and ever-expanding hip-hop scene.
Bent was born in Jamaica and moved to Randolph at a very young age. He has returned three or four times since and cites his Jamaican roots as a significant source of musical influence for him.
One of the first inspirations to make music was television. At age seven, he was watching the news and programs like MTV Jams with his mother. These programs showed him that “the world is big and some people have a lot of power.”
In third grade he was introduced to freestyle rap, and by the fifth grade he was a part of a rap duo. He recorded and engineered his music himself. His goal was to “make positive change, get influence, and to say something that can impact younger minds.”
Listen to Kyle Bent’s song “Childhood,” which tells his life story:
Bent has since collaborated with Chicago-based rapper Mick Jenkins and opened for Taylor Bennett, Chance the Rapper’s younger brother. He has also signed to Colorado-born and Los Angeles-based indie label Made in the Shade Records.
Ever since he’s been releasing music geared toward inclusivity and helping people find their full potential. He doesn’t curse in his raps so that he can reach a wider demographic. A lot of his music deals heavily with topics of “spirituality and realigning back with the self.”
For thousands of years, people have been experiencing what Kyle Bent describes as a “fall of consciousness” as a result of our ever-increasing separation from nature and each other. Bent calls attention to how we relate to our neighbors as an example. We live near each other physically, but perceive each other to be in completely different worlds. People interact with others like islands sending signals to other islands; we forget that we are all connected.
Bent seeks to reconnect people to themselves and each other. To him, it’s equally important to acknowledge your connection to everyone else and to recognize your individuality. “It’s a belief that’s as old as ages, older than our current civilization. Knowing your power as an individual is important,” Bent said. “Living in the city, our memories are foggy, but a lot of people are starting to take power.”
In “Profound,” Kyle Bent raps, “Yeah these lyrics gonna enter your mental / And strengthen your center / Reclaim your potential.”
Although Bent is establishing connections in other cities such as Los Angeles, he plans to always have a home base in Boston. “I support the hell out of Boston,” he said.
It’s no secret that Boston’s vibrant, yet sometimes eclectic, music scene is often overlooked. The rest of the world remembers Aerosmith as Boston’s last musical treasure. Historically, Boston hasn’t been too in touch with the rap scene. However, Bent says we’re witnessing a massive transformation.
“The Boston music scene is a good place. There are more events, collabs, and venues opening doors to more diverse musical acts. Rap is booming,” Bent said. “God, there’s lots of things going on. Boston will soon be undeniable.”
