Kirko Bangz

Early life

Kirko Bangz was born Kirk Jerel Randle on August 20, 1989, in Houston, Texas. Bangz started rapping at the age of fifteen, due in part to witnessing his mother struggle as a single parent; using his mother's pain as motivation. He graduated from North Shore High School in Houston and would later go on to attend Prairie View A&M University where he would major in communications.

Career

2009–2012: Career beginnings and mixtapes

At Prairie View, he was able to focus on his music. In 2009, he released his first mixtape, Procrastination Kills. He became acquainted with fellow student and soon-to-be manager, D Will, while studying. His stage name is a play on late singer Kurt Cobain's name. Bangz signed with Warner Records to release his first single, "What Yo Name Iz?", on February 7, 2011. According to Bangz himself, the song began as a freestyle. It peaked at number 41 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|title=Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs – Week of April 23, 2011 He is also known for his song "Drank in My Cup".

His second single, "Drank in My Cup", was released on September 16, 2011. During the week of February 25, 2012, the song debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite web|title=U.S. Billboard Hot 100 – Week of February 25, 2012

2013–present: Atlantic Records and 300 Entertainment

On March 26, 2013, it was announced that Bangz would be a part of XXL's 2013 Freshman Class. Three days later, he announced the title of his debut album: Bigger Than Me. On July 4, 2013, Bangz announced that he would release another mixtape, Progression 3 on August 1, 2013, prior to his debut album. However he would announce that it would be pushed back a week later. The mixtape was released on August 12, 2013. Guest appearances came from Wale, Nipsey Hussle, French Montana, Z-Ro, Paul Wall, YG and Slim Thug, among others. Production was handled by K.E. on the Track, DJ Mustard and Jahlil Beats, among others.

He was then moved to Atlantic Records, another subsidiarity of Warner Music Group. Then on January 28, 2014, Bangz released the single "Hoe", featuring YG and Yo Gotti, which was intended to lead his major label debut album. From March 6 to April 17, 2014, Kirko Bangz went on The Trillest concert tour which was co-headlined by frequent collaborator Bun B. On December 16, 2014, Bangz released the Progression V: Young Texas Playa mixtape, which was produced primarily by Austinite, Kydd Jones and Sound M.O.B. (who produced Kirko's previous hit "Drank in My Cup"); the mixtape featured artists such as fellow Texas natives Bun B and Riff Raff. On July 21, 2015, it was announced that Bangz signed with 300 Entertainment. Although he released several singles to promote his debut album Bigger Than Me, it remains unreleased. Bangz stated in an interview that much of his unreleased material is owned by Warner Music Group, making him unable to release it. On August 31, 2015, Bangz released his first extended play (EP), Fallin' Up Mix. On February 19, 2016, Bangz released his second EP, titled Playa Made. Then on August 26, 2016, Bangz released the mixtape Back Flossin'. On August 10, 2017, Bangz released an installment to his Progression series with Progression 17.

Personal life

Kirko Bangz is of African American, Mexican and Dominican descent.

Discography

Main article: Kirko Bangz discography

• Playa Made (2016)
• Back Flossin (2016)

References

References

1. (October 8, 2013). "Master P - Friends with Benefits ft. Kirk Ko Bangz".
2. (May 12, 2022). "All One Hit Wonders (1955–2019)".
3. Caldwell, Brandon. (September 6, 2017). "Kirko Bangz Is Still Finding His Way {{!}} Houston Press". [[Houston Press]].
4. "Rapper Kirko Bangz aka Mr. What Yo Name Iz?". Thebarmag.com.
5. {{usurped
6. "Kirko Bangz Creatively Honors Legend Kurt Cobain".
7. (n.d.). ["What Yo Name Iz? Explicit]: Kirko Bangz: MP3 Downloads".
8. (n.d.). "What Yo Name Iz? (feat. Wale, Big Sean, and Bun B)(Remix) – Single". iTunes.com.
9. [http://www.datpiff.com/Kirko-Bangz-Procrastination-Kills-3-mixtape.204426.html Kirko Bangz Procrastination Kills 3]. Datpiff. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
10. [https://www.amazon.com/Drank-In-My-Cup-Explicit/dp/B005HJOJQA Drank In My Cup: Kirko Bangz: MP3 Downloads]. Amazon.com. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
11. "Kirko Bangz – Chart history – Billboard".
12. "Kirko Bangz – Chart history – Billboard".
13. (n.d.). "Keep It Trill: Kirko Bangz: MP3 Downloads".
14. "XXL Freshman Class 2013 Cover Revealed - Page 2 of 2 - XXL".
15. "Kirko Bangz Says That He Should Have Been on "I Been On (Remix)," Calls Omission "Disrespectful"".
16. Bangz, Kirko. "Progression 3 Tweet".
17. Bangz, Kirko. "Progression 3 Cover". Twitter.
18. "Kirko bangz pushes back Progression 3". Twitter.
19. (August 12, 2013). "Kirko Bangz Releases New Mixtape, 'Progression 3′ – XXL".
20. (January 28, 2014). "Kirko Bangz Delivers 'Hoe' Featuring Yo Gotti, YG".
21. "Bun B Announces Dates for 'The Trillest Tour' With Kirko Bangz".
22. "Stream Kirko Bangz' "Progression V" Mixtape".
23. (July 21, 2015). "Kirko Bangz Inks Deal With 300 Entertainment – Fashionably-Early".
24. BET Music. "Did you know @KirkoBangz is Black, Dominican and Mexican? YESSIR! http://bet.us/1m3vfaY #On106Today".