Emerging from the vibrant yet often overlooked hip-hop scene of Kentucky, Khalil Ahmad has been steadily carving out his own lane. His journey — from child rapper to battle rap champion to acclaimed recording artist — has been anything but ordinary. With the release of his latest album Blow in 2025, Ahmad has cemented himself as one of the most exciting lyricists to watch this year.
Known for blending raw street wisdom with heartfelt introspection, Ahmad’s music has drawn comparisons to greats like Pusha T and J. Cole. But as Blow proves, he’s not just following in their footsteps — he’s building something entirely his own. The album’s sonic diversity, emotional depth, and unapologetic storytelling have caught the ears of hip-hop fans across the country.
We sat down with Khalil Ahmad for an unfiltered conversation about his past, his process, and where his relentless ambition is taking him next.
Rapper Weekly: You’ve got one of the more intriguing backstories in hip-hop right now. You started as a child rapper, took a break to focus on other aspects of life, and then resurfaced in battle rap before returning to making albums. Can you walk us through that journey? What kept pulling you back toward music each time?
Khalil Ahmad: Music was my first language. I was rapping before I fully understood what it meant to have a career. When I stepped away, it wasn’t because I fell out of love with it — life just had its own plans. But every time I tried to focus on something else, music would find me again. Battle rap reignited the fire. The adrenaline, the crowds, the art of wordplay under pressure — it reminded me why I started. From there, making albums felt like the natural next step to tell my whole story.
Rapper Weekly: Kentucky isn’t always the first place people think of when it comes to hip-hop, yet you’ve built something authentic from that environment. How has growing up there shaped your sound and approach to the industry?
Khalil Ahmad: Growing up in Kentucky made me hungry. It’s not a place where hip-hop is handed to you on a silver platter. You’ve got to create your own lane and be unapologetic about it. My sound is a mix of Southern grit, Midwest storytelling, and that small-town chip on your shoulder. It’s a blend you won’t find anywhere else.
Rapper Weekly: Battle rap is a whole different beast compared to recording music. What did that competitive environment teach you about lyricism, delivery, and connecting with an audience in real time?
Khalil Ahmad: Battle rap teaches you how to think faster than your opponent and your audience. You’ve got seconds to grab attention and hold it. It sharpened my punchlines, improved my breath control, and taught me how to read a crowd instantly. Those lessons translate into every studio session and live show I do now.
Rapper Weekly: Your latest project, Blow, feels like a deeply personal yet musically diverse record. What was the concept behind this album, and what did you want listeners to walk away feeling after hearing it?
Khalil Ahmad: Blow is about pressure turning into power. Every track is a piece of my story — the struggles, the wins, the self-doubt, the ambition. I wanted listeners to finish the album feeling like they’d been on a ride with me, and maybe even see parts of themselves in it.
Rapper Weekly: The sequencing of Blow takes the listener through different moods and stories. How do you decide on that journey?
Khalil Ahmad: I treat my albums like movies. You need an opening scene that hooks people — that’s “No Good.” Then you’ve got the energy highs with “Flex” and the reflective moments like “Lost.” Tracks like “Letters” and “Sheets” bring intimacy, while “Fire” is the emotional peak. I want people to feel guided, not just handed a playlist.
Rapper Weekly: “Fire” stands out for its haunting melody and intense lyricism. Can you talk about the creative process for that track?
Khalil Ahmad: That one came from a place of loss. I was working through personal grief and wanted to capture that lingering pain in a way that felt raw but still beautiful. The beat had that eerie pull, and the lyrics just poured out. It’s the song I’m most proud of on the album.
Rapper Weekly: Your single “Bounce” is picking up serious momentum. Did you intentionally set out to make something that contrasted with the more introspective tracks?
Khalil Ahmad: Honestly, it just happened. We were in the studio, the beat dropped, and it was pure energy. I didn’t overthink it. I think that’s why it works — it’s me in the moment, having fun.
Rapper Weekly: You recently teased your upcoming single “Waves” on social media. What can fans expect from that track?
Khalil Ahmad: “Waves” is about momentum — riding it, respecting it, and not letting the noise knock you off course. It’s melodic but still has that lyrical sharpness I’m known for. It’s a preview of where my sound is headed next.
Rapper Weekly: You’ve released multiple projects in just the last year and a half. What fuels that work ethic?
Khalil Ahmad: Hunger and gratitude. I remember not having a platform, so now that I do, I’m not wasting a second. Consistency is key in today’s game — people have short attention spans, and I want to be the artist they never forget about.
Rapper Weekly: If someone was discovering you for the first time through Blow, what’s the one thing you’d want them to know about you?
Khalil Ahmad: That I’m honest. Whether it’s a turn-up track or something vulnerable, it’s always rooted in my truth.
Rapper Weekly: Lastly, with all this momentum building, where do you see yourself by this time next year? Any dream collaborations or milestones?
Khalil Ahmad: I see myself on a world tour, connecting with fans in places I’ve never been. I’d love to work with J. Cole, Pusha T, maybe even branch out into other genres. But most of all, I want to keep evolving — both as an artist and as a man.
Khalil Ahmad’s album Blow is available now on all streaming platforms:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/blow/1728577784
TIDAL: https://tidal.com/browse/album/419751946
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6JHmcN3J1bIquRUbGZe9DW
Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/blow-khalil-ahmad/csu9fl8elh0rb