Kash Doll On Stacked, Storytelling, And Speaking Everything Into Existence

By Dontaira Terrell


With empowering, female-centric rhymes that have ushered in a new wave of hip-hop dominance, Kash Doll has traditional herself as a pioneering force in the industry. Place on Earth and raised in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Detroit, the rapper speaks candidly in her music about the personalized struggles she's faced. On "KD Diary," the first track of her album, Stacked, she tells: "Pops died on my b-day before I knew how to speak / I'm the oldest of six and they're counting on me / Had to get in these streets just to eat for a week." Nevertheless it's not her struggles that set her apart from her peers; it's that she's turned them into triumphs. These victories serve as a constant reminder to never count Kash Doll out.


Soon after years of hard work, dedication, plus several setbacks, the charismatic storyteller's rather anticipated debut album dropped on October 18. Per year in the making, Stacked tracks the 27-year-old's progress on her fearless pursuit from independent presence to mainstream phenom. Birthing an assignment of this magnitude is no easy feat, and with this album — which boasts visitor features from Big Sean, Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, and more — Kash hopes to cement her status in the industry while gifting her loyal day ones, affectionately referred to as "Kash Bratz," with music that showcases her versatility.


Since 2014, the rapper place on Earth Arkeisha Knight) has been keeping social media abuzz with the release of a number of critically acclaimed mixtapes and streams in the 30-million length. MTV News talked with the "Ice Me Out" rapper about her legacy, sharing the same stage with heavy hitters like Drake, Rick Ross, and Meek Mill, and what she hopes fans will feel if they give her debut album a listen.


MTV News: Can you give some insight in back of the album's title, Stacked?


Kash Doll: It's various layers [of] who I am as a person. What I've Been through and what I've conquer. There really are so several layers to the flows, the songs, and the vibes. Because of this, I didn't hope to name the album just one thing.


MTV News: If your entire life was a song title, what title would best fit for this album?


Kash Doll: Certainly "KD Diary" because it's an autobiography of my whole story. It's my entire life journey that gives you everything.


MTV News: What statement are you aiming to prepare with this album?


Kash Doll: I want people to understand that I'm a rapper. I am a lyricist and I want people hear what I'm actually saying. I want them to understand my versatility and that I'm an in general dope artist. Don't put me in one box.


MTV News: How was it working with Big Sean for "Ready Set?"


Kash Doll: So astonishing. That's the hometown hero so I fuck with him the long way. Big Sean is such an amazingly enthusiastic human being. He is a sweetheart and I learned a lot by working alongside him and being in his presence.


MTV News: How do you feel your role as a successful Black woman from Detroit will empower the next generation of fearless young females from the Detroit area?


Kash Doll: Exactly how Aaliyah inspired me. She gave me hope that if she might do it, then I might, also. Being from one of the worst areas in Detroit, I want young ladies to know that they can succeed just as I have. I believe showing them — rather than just talking about it or telling them — has more of a lasting effect. I didn't blow up overnight. They've watched me grind and [have] seen every step in the process. However most importantly, they've witnessed that anything is possible.


MTV News: I have been following your journey for quite a while, and I think that also speaks to your authenticity and connection with your loyal Kash Bratz.


Kash Doll: Yes! I have a very solid fan base and I love the fuck out of those [laughs]. I love them because, without consideration of what occurs, they never leave my side. For them, Kash Doll is it, and I love that shit.


MTV News: What would you imagine to be the life-changing moment that solidified your stamp on the industry?


Kash Doll: There have been quite several, nevertheless I would have to mention the release of my debut album is my life-changing moment. Stacked is my body of work that has solidified my place in the industry. However, major artists and A-listers like Drake and Remy Ma brought me onstage with them, Rick Ross did a song with me, and I opened with DJ Khaled for Jay-Z and Beyoncé's On the Run II Tour — those were certainly defining moments as well. Nevertheless releasing my very own body of work lets people know exactly what time it is.


MTV News: in case you had the chance to begin your career over again, would you do anything differently?


Kash Doll: Absolutely not because everything I did got me to where I am today. I'm glad my success didn't come sooner because I learned something each step of the way. This is why I am who I am today. Am educated, I have been through a lot, and I've learned a lot.


MTV News: What is Kash Doll's legacy 10 years from now?


Kash Doll: I want people to remember me as being a cute Black girl from Detroit, Michigan that grinded her way to the best. I really want people to know and understand that I walked out on faith and made it happen. I discussed everything into existence, and I did it all with dignity.