Bronx native Kemba has paid his dues in the New York scene. Since he was underage in the clubs he performed in, the artist from Hunts Point sought out an audience. “Music was the first thing that gave me real acceptance and identity,” he says. From high-school hallways to hallowed Downtown open mics to the road, Kemba chased that feeling. He is now prepared for the biggest stage of his career with Gilda, the MC/singer’s first album with Sounds Music Group/Republic Records.

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