We Speak Hip-Hop
Ron Karona Tells All In ‘Life or Death’ Album & Interview
Philly, by way of VA, emcee Ron Karona presents his new album ‘Life or Death’ produced by Antagonist Dragonspit. The 13-track project hits hard with gritty undertones along with sharp wordplay and gripping storytelling. Karona invites fans and audiences into his world of recovery and steps towards empowerment. Check out the interview below for more on ‘Life or Death’ and what’s next for Ron Karona.
MJ: Before we jump into the new album, let the world know who Ron Karona is, and tell us about that moment when “pen and mic” ignited something in you.
RK: I started rhyming and writing lyrics and poetry when I was 14 or 15, around 1995/96.
By high school, I was taking it more seriously than school, almost. I always had this feeling that I would end up doing something with music.
MJ: When speaking to artists from various locations, I pick up on different vibes when it comes to Hip Hop and the culture. What’s your take on the scene in VA and Philly?
RK: Both VA and Philly have incredible Hip Hop scenes. I’m going to speak about Virginia because I’m more familiar with it. When I got to VCU in Richmond, VA, in 1999, I was exposed to the most Hip Hop talent I had ever been around. Emcees, DJs, producers, etc. It was like boot camp for Hip Hop heads; all we did was cipher up, listen to beats, and sharpen our skills. That scene in VA is still going strong. Big shoutout to profound79, Fan Ran, Mike Wunda, The One Who Knocks, 703 to the 757
MJ: You’re a seasoned artist in the game, and your music is widely received and respected. What’s your recipe for creating shelfless music?
RK: The recipe for me is to read a lot; all kinds of books all the time, and then diversify the music I listen to so I’m absorbing all this different stuff into my subconscious. Then, when I get a dope beat and start writing to it, I have all this stuff I can pull from. I also record prolifically; I did about 75 tracks last year.
MJ: Let’s dive into the new album ‘Life or Death.’ Give some inside scope from concept to production.
https://dragonspitjones.bandcamp.com/album/ron-karona-life-or-death
RK: The album is pretty much a year’s worth of me recording over Antagonist beats. We didn’t really plan it out. One day in May, we talked about putting out an album of just me rocking antagonist beats, and a day later, it was done. I did about 25 tracks, and then we narrowed it down. I feel like every track is strong.
MJ: You have several collabs with Antagonist Dragonspit and share an incredible MC/producer chemistry. How did that relationship come into fruition?
RK: We met in Richmond at VCU in 1999. He’s been a huge influence on me since. We first recorded together in 2001 and did a bunch of tracks at Depth Charge Recording (Team Demolition) in the early 2000s. He produced a ton of my tracks, and he’s a great friend and legendary emcee.
MJ: What is the takeaway from ‘Life or Death?’ What are you hoping audiences/listeners will grasp from the album?
RK: I’m virtually unknown, even though I have been doing it for a long time, so I look at the album as an introduction to myself.
MJ: Do you have a favorite track off the album? Or one that hits heavier than the others?
RK: My favorite tracks kind of change depending on my mood, but you can’t go wrong with “Graveyard Dogs.” The video is out now for that as well.
MJ: What’s next for Ron Karona?
RK: Big things. But I must keep working hard. My day is coming. I’ve been saying that for 25 years and I still believe it.
MJ: Take this time to let everyone know where they can connect with you.
Instagram @ronkaroni
Email pmurph101@yahoo.com
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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