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NY rapper Kendu 718 and Back Block Music Group LLC announce the release of his new single "Gritty." Produced by Juxx Diamondz, the record hits with true NY flavor; aggressive and intimidating. Although his message is simple, he's writing bars and putting out heat, his signature blend of lyricism and storytelling looped with slick metaphors annihilates. Get to know Kendu 718 below and stream "Gritty."
MJ: Before we jump into your new single
"Gritty," take a moment to let the world know who Kendu 718 is.
Kendu 718: Kendu 718 is someone who really lives what he talks about. I
come from the pain of the ghetto—both my mother and father struggled with drug
addiction, and growing up, all I saw was crime, poverty, and hardship. That was
my environment. But through God’s grace, I was able to change my life. I left
the streets behind 17 years ago, and I’ve been clean and abstinent from drugs
and alcohol ever since.
MJ: When I think of gritty New York Hip Hop, you fit
the mark. Define your lane in Hip Hop.
Kendu 718: I’m part of the culture, this isn’t something I picked up,
it’s something I’ve lived. Hip-hop is a lifestyle, not just something you do in
the studio. I’m not chasing trends or trying to fit into what’s popular. I
represent authenticity, experience, and real New York energy. I’ve been doing
this for years, and my lane is staying true to the essence of the culture.
MJ: Let’s talk about the new single
"Gritty." What can listeners expect once they hit play?
Kendu 718: The truth. Straight up. Real-life stories that reflect what
I’ve been through and what I’ve seen in the streets. It’s raw, it’s honest, and
it shows survival. When you hit play, you’re stepping into reality—no gimmicks,
no filters. “Gritty” is my story. It’s everything I lived and everything I
witnessed. But more importantly, it’s a message—just because we come from
struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We can grow, change, and build
responsible, productive lives.
MJ: How did you link up with Juxx Diamondz and Back
Block Music Group LLC?
Kendu 718: That connection goes back. I met Juxx
through a mutual friend—rest in peace to the OG Benny Hill from Harlem, who
managed both of us around 2011–2012. That foundation built real chemistry, and
from there, everything developed naturally.
MJ: Can audiences anticipate a visual to
"Gritty?"
Kendu 718: Definitely. Me and Juxx Diamondz are
currently putting the treatment together now. The visual is going to match the
energy of the track—raw, authentic, and true to the story.
MJ: What is next for Kendu 718? What are you
currently working on?
Kendu 718: Right now, I’m working on my EP
titled From God’s Mouth to Y’all Ears: The Sermon. It’s produced by myself
and Juxx Diamondz, with additional production from SaulyOBeats, SkullzAngels,
and my guy Dreadful Krueger. Everybody brought heat to the project. We also
have some dope features on it.
MJ: Give audiences a little more insight into the
sound and movement behind the project.
Kendu 718: We’re putting this out independently through Back Block Music
Group, with distribution through Roc Nation. The project is a combination of
strong lyricism, real-life storytelling, and powerful features. We represent
that golden era sound—we’re keeping that foundation alive. And we’re always
boots on the ground, staying connected to the people and the culture.
MJ: Let everyone know where they can find your music
and stay connected.
Kendu 718: You can find my music on all digital streaming platforms.
Follow me @Kendu_718 on Instagram to stay locked in. This is just the
beginning—it’s going to be a hot summer. Peace.
Stream “Gritty” on preferred platforms - Gritty
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