Strange Music Inc. stalwart Krizz Kaliko has been a pillar of the Kansas City-based imprint since its 1999 inception. But on Sunday (October 6), the 45-year-old caused an uproar on social media after he appeared to announce his departure from the label.
“Spent half of my life with this guy here,” he captured a photo of himself with Strange Music co-founder Tech N9ne. “Doin what I was born ta do. Thanks for all the years bro @therealtechn9ne.”
Krizz shared a similar sentiment on Twitter as well, writing, “All I can say is thank you guys (all the fans) 4 being part of my life. You mean more 2 me than you know.”
As a result, Strange Music CEO Travis O’Guin has issued a statement to HipHopDX explaining why Krizz’s merchandise was taken off the Strange Music website and his decision to move forward without the label.
Based on the overwhelming amount of emails and social media posts I’ve seen, I’d like to take the time to give a statement in regards to Krizz Kaliko.
As I’m sure many of you have realized, and perhaps many of you haven’t, Krizz has not released any new music since his album, GO, on April 8, 2016. In regards to this album, I’m pretty certain that nobody knew that Krizz was actually out of contract when that was released. Krizz and I did a quick agreement to cover the release of that album, with the anticipation of entering into a new multi-album contract shortly thereafter. With that being said, we sent that new multi-album contract to Krizz over 2 and half years ago. Since then, Krizz and I have discussed the contract minimally and, oftentimes, in passing. However, we were unfortunately never able to make any real progress in finalizing a new contract. I know that Krizz is a chronic over thinker, just as I am, and I’m also aware that he feels that his music hasn’t reached as many people as he would’ve liked and it’s caused him to really contemplate where the future will take him. I’ve personally spent a multitude of time in the studio with our artists and I know how much effort they put into their music – from the production to the writing to the emotion and meaning – so I truly understand how it could make them feel under-appreciated when it doesn’t spread to the masses the way we all envision. I share that feeling, as I believe his music should absolutely reach more people. However, I’m well aware of how important Krizz’s music is to the massive amount of people that it has, indeed, reached. This point has been made incredibly obvious over the last few days.
Over the years, Krizz and I have had many conversations about other things that interest him besides music. Although I’m not entirely clear on what Krizz’s intentions are, I believe that whatever he may choose to pursue he will find success. I am abundantly clear on how upset many of you are that we’ve removed Krizz’s merchandise and name from our website, however, he has fulfilled all of his contractual obligations to Strange Music and we had no choice but to remove his name and merchandise from the site upon expiration of the “run out” duration of his contract. We did exactly that – adhered to the stipulations of his contract. Yes, I’m aware that there are other artists who have fulfilled their contractual obligations that still have a general presence on our site. This simply means there are different terms and “run out” durations with those other artist’s agreements.
O’Guin also promised Krizz will still perform with Tech at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado on October 19 but confirmed it will be his final 2019 performance with Tech.
The music business is an extremely volatile space to navigate and is littered with many unforeseen obstacles and detours and can truly be incredibly frustrating and discouraging. There have been many times when I’ve questioned my own continuation in this business, so this means I absolutely understand Krizz’s point of view.
I am also aware that many of you are wondering if Krizz will be involved with the October 19th Red Rocks concert. I’ve spoken to Krizz about this and he has committed to participating in the meet and greet and performance that evening and will absolutely be there. This is currently the final performance that he was scheduled for, with Tech, this year.
In closing, our entire staff, along with Tech and myself, wish Krizz the best in all of his future endeavors and I hope he realizes the impact that he had with the music that he created over the years.
Here’s to the next chapter!
Do people actually exist that care? Strange Music is 100% garbage and this artist was one of their worst.
You are an idiot.
All Four of you need to
1. shut up
2. Eat a dick
3. Die.
Dont be disrespectful to Krizz you fucks
Up yours
You mother should have swallowed, or your father should have pulled out!
Yes people care that Krizz is done with Strange. And to say he was one of their worst is hilarious. His fans/supporters that have seen him live, done meet & greets, actually listened to his albums & features,etc. know how talented he is and understand that he is a rare talent that definitely deserves more recognition. He sings so many different genres/styles of music (soul, gospel, rock, blues,etc) and his rapping skills are incredible. There are not many artists in ‘mainstream rap’ that are as versatile as he is.
Not only soul, gospel, rock, blues. He’s also trained classical singing (Pavarotti tenor shit) which is evident in many songs (Welcome To Midwest, What If It Was Me). Such talent does deserve more recognition.
I’m not really sad that he left.Strange turned into a bad label by forcing Darrein to make certain type of song,I never liked Darrein since they signed him it’s their responsibility to give him the artistic freedom and to promote him.There collection release strategy is also terrible.I would be sad if Krizz Kaliko stop making music but I don’t care that he left Strange.
Yeah Strange Music is such garbage that they made a muti million dollar industry out of it lol. Come on kid
Why don’t you take a long walk off a short pier?
I think you need a ride in the trunk, your ass seems a lil fast lol hey kid your mother should have swallowed you you must be a Lil Pump,Desiigner, Lil Xan listening type motherfucker! Tech is the #1 independent rapper in the entire world and co- founder of Strange Music the man and the label get better and better year in and year out. Kill yourself you fucking panty waste bet your favorite rappers are Chanel westcoast and Iggy Azalea smh!
0% garbage and this artist was one of their worst.
Like fuck, one of their best, had bars & could sing better than half of these acts tryna tackle both genres
Yes i agree, krizz is 0% garbage
Not everyone can be a wrapper
Krizz should of signed his extension earlier on… Why did he wait it’s clear to Trav that Krizz did not take that contract seriously though I feel Tech should have said something.
First Kutt, then Lynch, Rittz and now Krizz…. Damn Strange have let go of some talent.I been a fan since day one but the new artists they have are not on par with the ones they have let go. If Stevie Stone leaves then it is safe to say Strange is done.
I always liked Krizz in the side roll he seemed to play.
UNTIL I saw him live, he has an incredible voice and live performance.
I suddenly realized he is more talented than Tech himself.
I never post any comments, but how sad is it that this isn’t the top hip hop news. Instead I have to scroll down past garbage stories to find out that a truly phenomenal independent team is losing a key member. Might as well put kardashian news as the main hip hop story every day…oh, wait.
Never really liked strange music inc, I always thought their music was horrible with the exception of rittz, but I do have a respect their hustle. I do think they have missed out on opportunities to get that next young artist to carry the label for the future.
Rittz is trash. Monotone fast rapping. No thx.
I dont think you have listened to all the music. Strange music is only for those who suffer with mental illness. That’s probably why you dont understand the greatness behind it.
The only Strange Music artists I liked were Brotha Lynch Hung and Murs, and both were already established before they signed. Never really felt Tech N9ne or dudes like Krizz Kaliko – I think Strange Music is on the decline
i heard Tech N9ne wants to sign Dax
Come on! No! Just when i thought hell be releasing album soon I hear this. Krizz is the shit. His albums are fucking great. Best of luck to you. Hope we hear more music from you!
Thats why I noticed in the last Tech N9ne songs/album, he was solo, singing alone.. its too sad!
Tbh this might be good for krizz, strange is falling off lately anyway. Hope he gets a good contract somewhere else
what are you talking about? Strange is bigger then it ever has.
Exactly what are you talking about, strange music is bigger than it’s ever been and to say they are falling off, then you must be crazy. A true technician wouldn’t say strange is falling off, they would embrace the change and continue supporting the label in whatever direction it goes. ^D.I.B.K.I.S.^
It’s a sad day for everyone that’s loved these too on stage together and an end too something great change sucks but happy hes going out on a good note unlike kutt talking shit because he couldn’t sale any music.
So who is left on Strange? I’ve never been a die hard Strange Music fan, just followed Tech’s releases over the years and got into Lynch through his work in the label, and listened to Murs before during and after his short tenure with the label. I knew there was a small die hard fan base that followed the acts like Mayday and Krizz but I never bothered. I always respected the label’s hustle though, and it seems like they may be at the end of their long run, unless they find someone new to carry the torch.
There are about 17 other artist on the label with maybe 5 more or less not officially signed. Strange artist are growing more now that Tech may stop when he turns 50. He mentioned in an interview he thinks he has about 3years left in him. We shall see.
Brain….sick