The Khan talks immigrant parents, his first underground show, and learning to take his time.

The Khan has been bubbling in the underground for a few years now, but underground rap wasn’t his first foray into music. Originally inspired by classic rock, he started a band inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin while still in middle school.

Born and raised in DC, Khan’s unique experience has inspired his political activity. The song he performed, “BLM PLAZA,” was created after weeks of protesting in front of the White House (Pen Ave & 16th). After weeks of BLM protesters being beaten, belittled, and berated by police and the president, the corridor was renamed BLM Plaza, and a song was born.

He’s been in the lab cooking up new styles, and lately he and his peers have been incorporating Drum n’ Bass into their beats, which leads to a refreshing twist on a retro sound. You might be familiar with some of Khan’s bangers like “Tires” and “Vices,” but in speaking with him you really get the sense he’s always trying to grow and expand as an artist, and the fact he and his friends may be birthing a new sub-genre is very exciting.

Tune in to hear us talk about immigrant parents, his first underground show, and learning to take his time.

Lee