LIGHT IN THE DARKEST TIME: An Interview with Sean Kingston

Words by EBONY WILLIAMS

PRESENTED BY HAROUT KNOWS

Photographer VIKTORIJA PASHUTA @viktorija_pashuta

Producer/CFO JACKSON CHONG @jacksonchong_

STYLIST JESSE J @jessejcollections

Grooming KSENIYA BERNKHARDT @k.hart.muah

Fashion Intern ALICE LECHTCHINKSAYA @ahleesa

Special Thank You KEITH TIZ @tizthatime

Embracing a unique sound and chameleon-like essence, rapper and songwriter Sean Kingston has remained at the top of the charts. But after a long-awaited hiatus he has reemerged with a new approach to his music and uninhibited talent to share with the world. Jumping back into the spotlight, the Jamaican-American Miami-born artist has made a comeback with his latest single “Darkest Times”, featuring rapper G Herbo while officially announcing his forthcoming album, Deliverance. Signifying personal rebirth and a new chapter of his life, Kingston is quickly reminding us why he has been one of the biggest contemporary pop stars of the past two decades.

You have an incredibly versatile sound and have been successful at exploring a multitude of genres, including hip-hop, reggae, and R&B. How does it feel to be recognized as such a multifaceted artist and creator?
It’s a blessing. When it comes to music you can’t stay in a box. This is why people listen to so many different genres. They want rap, R&B, pop, and hip-hop, you know? You have to go out there and try different elements—not necessarily something outside of your lane—but something new. I try to reinvent myself with everything I do because what people want changes all the time.

Your last album Back to Life was released in 2013. Now that you have officially reentered the music scene after eight years, what can we expect from your upcoming album? I knew I had to come back with something different since my last project dropped in 2013. On the new album, there’s everything you want on it. I have Chris Brown and YoungBoy and there’s different genres [featured] throughout the album, but we’re still keeping it to one sound.

“Darkest Times” is a highly relatable track. It felt as though you were speaking directly to me. Of all the songs featured on the new album, why did you choose to release this one first?
I picked “Darkest Times” to be my first single because of the climate right now. We’re finally getting passed COVID-19 and I feel like we’ve been through some really dark times. During the darkest times, we need to be able to connect. Since I haven’t released music in a long time, this song represents not only what we go through, but who we are. We’re back on top and getting through the dark times.

You have an expansive catalog of mixtapes and Billboard hits. What is your all-time favorite track and why?
Man, that’s tough! My favorite song varies depending on the mood I’m in or the moves I’m making. But if I had to pick, I would say “Letting Go (Dutty Love)” featuring Nicki Minaj. That is my all-time favorite.

Who is your greatest musical inspiration?
My grandfather Jack Ruby produced “Get up, Stand Up” and “I Shot the Sherriff” for Bob Marley. I listened to him all the time. So, Marley and Michael Jackson are my top musical inspirations.

We hear you’re a fan of BASIC Magazine, which is great because we are obviously huge fans of you. As a high-fashion publication, I’m curious who some of your favorite designers are.
I love BASIC. When I saw the cover with Tyga, I went through the magazine. It was so good I had to buy two of them and have them in my house. The photography and fashion are dope. My favorite designers are Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Dior. I also like the new direction that Prada is going.

Do you have plans to create your own fashion line one day? Oh definitely! I love fashion and want to do a big-and-tall line. I feel like guys like me and athletes don’t really have a lot to choose from. So I’m definitely going to do something like that.

What do you love most about fashion?
I love that you can turn up out of nowhere. You can be in a chill vibe and when you put on a certain outfit, your mood changes. I love the power I feel after putting on something that makes me look and feel good.

Aside from your music career, is there anything else we can look forward to from you in the near future? I’ve very active—from real estate and crypto currencies to music and fashion. So, what you can look forward to is the building of my label. I really want to get new talent on there, focus on a sound, and create a movement.