King Apocalypse Sound

Crowned Atlanta Cup Clash (ACC) Champions in April 2002, this group of young men ranging in age from 22 - 27, has soared to higher heights as it were, especially in Atlanta’s local market. King Apocalypse a.k.a. King AP got its start from a shoe box of 45’s when College bredrins Jinx, Kasim and Soy linked up in 1995. They began building their record collection and got their start by playing at Campus Dorm parties. I-Zed who also attended the same college was soon after added to the group and in January 1997 they got their first ‘real’ date at the Royal Peacock, where they played alongside Supreme Sound and Prophecy Hi Power.

It wasn’t easy getting started nor was it easy promoting the sound but King AP has always strived to remain positive and optimistic. “We just try to focus on the patrons and the music, stay ever-critical of ourselves, and remain humble and let the haters motivate us while we try to reach the next level.” Now with Lion Chef, Kurt, Junior and Deputy added to the crew they are getting ready to do just that.

Inspired by the pioneering sounds at the time, Stone Love, Bass Odyssey and Waggy T, King AP has not only developed their skills as a sound but they have also maintained one of Atlanta’s 4 Reggae radio shows ‘Reggaematic’ on WREK 91.1, every sat 4-6. They’re a regular feature on the line up of many local events and have played in Florida – Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, as well as Arkansas and Ohio and this year “We’ll be heading to New York, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands and possibly Trinidad and Tobago.”

Don’t sleep on King AP because they’re not your average soundmen - they are business men and they’re about business - so much so that they have started their own business, ‘Pic-A-Patty’, a small patty shop in Stone Crest Mall. They also have a few other business ventures planned for the near future, such as pro-audio, real estate, and web hosting and development.

Dedicated and inspired by their love for music, they’ve become known for their juggling skills – the speed and the selections combined with their chat on the mike…oops...michelle. “That sets us apart from the rest. That and our style is so free-form and versatile, that we can perform in almost any playing arena.”   With 7 years of experience in the business and a track record of not just accomplishments but also a fan base, respect and love from Atlanta’s Caribbean community, there’s no doubt they have some good advice for upcoming sounds. “Keep practicing at your craft.  Never stop being your worst critic, stay humble, always look to the leaders in the biz and consistently strive to attain their levels.  Most importantly, keep the love for the music alive above all else.  That’s what keeps you going when times get rough.”

Other Musical Talents:  Kasim plays the sax and Lion Chef plays the African Drum.  Junior, Kurt and Jinx dabble in production/engineering.

Big Respect to:  “I have to give a special shout out to Father Goldteet and the Supergold crew, as well as to Vigilante and Father Mandingo from Prophecy Hi Power and Mark Fashion from Island Coast.  These people gave King AP its first opportunities in the sound business.  Also gotta big up my bredrin Shooks out of SLR Atlanta, Fadda Reid and all our families and friends who continue to support us”

Scotch Bonnett ... scotchbonnett@atlantareggae.com ...