We Speak Hip-Hop
Que Believe Talks New Song, Working with Jadakiss, and Much More
With the single, “All Else Fails,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Que Believe. Read below to learn more about Que Believe, the story behind the single, and what’s to come.
Hi Que Believe! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
I was labeled QB by my friends in Florida because I’m originally from Queens Bridge, and when I started doing music, I took the letters from my nickname and tied it in with my story of being an underdog in the industry – hence Que believe.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m originally from Queens, but I’m based out of Staten Island, NYC where I do all of my music in our own studio.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
It started off with poetry in elementary school, and it transpired into music when I got to my senior year of high school.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My upbringing has definitely impacted and influenced my music, and who I am because the hardships that I’ve faced provided me with the drive and material needed to stay creative.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
I don’t necessarily have a specific sound as I grew up listening to pretty much everything, so if I had to describe it, it would be described as infectiously catchy music with a message that transcends genre. People around me say it’s ‘medicine for the soul’ type of music, so I implemented that in my Que Believe brand logo.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I don’t have much hobbies outside of the music scene because I breathe, live, and dream musically.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
My main influences as of now are Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, and The Weeknd, but my Hip-Hop influences that started it all for me were Slim Shady, Nas, Method Man, and Redman.
What are some of your future music career goals?
My goals are to have a number 1 charting album on Billboard, win a few Grammys, and working with some of my biggest influences.
Now onto your release, ‘All Else Fails.’ What inspired this song?
‘All Else Fails’ came to me in a dark time where I was forced to choose between struggling doing it by the books, and taking risks in order to secure the bag and not be a statistic.
What is ‘All Else Fails’ about in your own words?
The average man becoming a risk taker with all that life brings his way.
How did the collaboration with Jadakiss come about?
A good friend of mine at the time (Efren Santana) had connections with Jadakiss’ camp and pitched it to them. Jadakiss heard the potential in the record and jumped on it out of love, and I’ve been greatly appreciative of that. So, salute to Jadakiss, man. Much love and respect. Not too many artists are like him – humble to work with underdog artists trying to get in the game like myself. It’s been a long Journey for me.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from ‘All Else Fails?’
When all else fails, don’t lose hope and strive for greatness.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Completing my first project (In Que Believe EP), which is officially being released this summer. Stay tuned for the date, which will be posted on my website and pre-released on there.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Stay humble, believe In yourself/your potential, and always remain a student to everything that you do in life.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Right now, I will be doing a lot of media coverage across the U.S. for my first project, In Que Believe EP, which has six of my favorite songs from my catalog that I built over my years of music. Eventually, I will be doing shows, which also will be posted on my website, quebelievemusic.com, and I’m also working on putting together my first full album now. This EP is just a sample of what I’m bringing for you all, so I hope that you enjoy it.
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.instagram.com/quebelieve
https://www.quebelievemusic.com
https://youtube.com/@quebelieve
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
Kendu 718 is taking over the scene with his latest single “Gritty,” produced by Juxx Diamondz of Back Block Music Group LLC. The NY rapper shows off his signature blend of storytelling and lyricism woven with slick metaphors. He’s simply writing bars and putting out heat; his deliverance though is aggressive and slightly intimidating; true NY style. Stream “Gritty” and get to know Kendu 718 in the interview below.
MJ: Before we jump into your new single “Gritty,” take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.
Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs and alcohol ever since.
MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.
Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up, it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.
MJ: Let’s talk about the new single “Gritty.” What can listeners expect once they hit play?
Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks, no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build responsible, productive lives.
MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back Block Music Group LLC?
Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and from there, everything developed naturally.
MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to “Gritty?”
Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.
MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you currently working on?
Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels, and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also have some dope features on it.
MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the sound and movement behind the project.
Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.
MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music and stay connected.
Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms. Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.
Stream “Gritty” on preferred platforms – Gritty
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