As the Chicago stop on Kota the Friend’s Flight Night Festival approaches, it is essential to remember the true purpose of the tour, and of the fltbys brand. That mission is clearly restated in a fltbys Instagram Post:
“Ever since 2008 we’ve been giving people the opportunity to get on stage, when no one else was giving the opportunity,” said Kota. “Fltbys has always been a young company of people who just want to do something but have no platform.”
Embracing the concept of connecting up-and-coming talent to their community, we will showcase a stacked lineup of opening acts in Chicago, before Kota takes the stage at The Metro on April 29th. One of Chicago’s fastest rising talents, KingTrey, will grace the stage in his hometown this Friday.
“To be able to perform with him [Kota] in my hometown in a venue I’ve had an affinity for like 10 years. Crazy. One of those full-circle, hard work really does pay off moments.”
Hailing from the north side of Chicago, KingTrey grew up on the Evanston/ Rogers Park border. While he puts on for Chicago as a whole, Evanston is a special place to his artistic identity. KingTrey started turning heads, when in 2017 he released his debut EP The Good Word at just 17 years old.
The Good Word was very well received, for good reason, and opened some big doors for Trey. In 2019, he signed a sponsor-partnership with Sprite. KingTrey did not settle for the early success though. Leveraging his growing name and reputation as one of Chicago’s next up, he collaborated with several of Chicago (and the rap game’s) biggest names. From Mick Jenkins on 2021 hit Rolling, to What you Think with Alex Wiley, to his most recent single Let You Drown with Kota the Friend himself, KingTrey continually collaborates with some of the top emcees in the game.
KingTrey’s Sound
KingTrey’s delivery is understated and laid-back, making his vocals incredibly approachable and easy to consume. He speaks clearly and plainly about complicated subject matters. Whether his writing is exploring topics of love, the creative process, or internal growth, Trey is incredibly consistent when it comes to amplifying messages with specific words of truth. His writing is simple, yet potent, and his vocal performances gain power through there clarity.
When it comes to beat selection, KingTrey does not box himself in by a specific aesthetic, instead utilizing beats that best suit the mood of the track in question. Whether flowing on a trap style beat, or something he can glide silkily across, Trey is right at home – always an artist comfortable in his own skin. According to his Spotify bio, KingTrey will release his debut album in the later half of 2022. Definitely a project worth waiting for.
When asked about the release that best defines him as an artist, KingTrey turned to the most recent one:
“The song that really shows what I can do as far as rapping and melodies is Let You Drown ft Kota the Friend. It comes out 4/22.”
Three days following the release date, we have spun Let You Drown about 15 times. KingTrey is spot on, showing his jack-knife abilities as both a rapper and a singer. Trading verses with Kota, while seamlessly linking their bars through refrain, the release comes at a perfect time, and hopefully the performers will be able to showcase the new collaboration on stage together.
KingTrey on Independence
As KingTrey continues to grow his fanbase, who knows what opportunities will arise. However, for now, He remains independent.
“Yes, I’m independent. Really, it’s just like getting things off the ground. It takes years of consistency and persistence. Once you build a little momentum though, things start working in your favor.”
That momentum is certainly paying dividends, as consistency, marketing efforts and collaborations are leading to more and more momentum.
Flight Night
Trey is no stranger to the big stage, as he has toured with acts such as Smokepurpp, Young Bleu and WESTSIDE BOOGIE. With that in mind, performing with Kota, right after releasing a feature verse from him must be special.
“Kota is somebody I’ve looked up too since I started taking my career serious. I was 17 when I found Kota. That was 5 years ago. I still have a screenshot of when he followed me back in 2019, I was LIT. To be able to perform with him in my hometown in a venue I’ve had an affinity for like 10 years. Crazy. One of those full-circle, hard work really does pay off moments.”
Look out for KingTrey as Flight Night approaches and check out his music video for Pay Me in Full.
Stay tuned as we will be highlighting each local act on the roster for Chicago Flight Night. Limited tickets are available.
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