Krizz Kaliko

Krizz Kaliko, born Samuel William Christopher Watson in Kansas City, Missouri, blends rap, singing, songwriting, and voice acting while fearlessly merging hip-hop, country, pop, and opera. Early recognition arrived through partnerships with Tech N9ne, his one-time Strange Music labelmate, leading to further work alongside Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, E-40, T-Pain, Twista, and numerous others across an expansive catalog. Following the 2020 album Legend, his final release on Strange Music, he established the independent Ear House Inc. in 2021 to support his own projects and joint efforts, including the 2023 self-titled EP from the country-rap venture Hoodbillies alongside Colt Ford.

His scene debut came via Kansas City ties with Tech N9ne, followed by a 2007 guest spot on the Kottonmouth Kings album Cloud Nine. The 2008 solo debut Vitiligo drew its title from the skin disorder that removes pigment from portions of Kaliko’s body. Genius arrived in 2009 as a bold, shadowy, and theatrical effort highlighted by an E-40 appearance. The lighter 2010 set Shock Treatment emphasized club cuts and strip-club anthems, whereas 2012’s Kickin’ & Screamin’ merged those moods with T-Pain and Twista aboard. Son of Sam surfaced in 2013, its name nodding to Kaliko’s given name Sam Watson. The uplifting 2016 single “Stop the World” confronted depression and his personal mental-health struggles. Subsequent Ear House releases include the 2022 track “Gifted (featuring Shoo Shoo)” and the 2024 alt-rock/country/hip-hop cut “Painkiller” with Landen Purifoy. Beyond music, Kaliko voices Dinobot in the Netflix series Transformers and delivers motivational talks focused on mental-health awareness.