An Inspired Chat with K-MARIE

K-MARIE shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

K-MARIE, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is really about juggling both my dreams and my responsibilities. I’m creating new music while also learning how to be a mom for the first time. I’m still figuring out motherhood, and at the same time discovering who I am as an artist. It’s not always easy, but it’s shaping me and pushing me to grow every day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an independent hip-hop and R&B artist, and after having my baby I stepped back from releasing music so I could adjust to motherhood and focus on myself. But during that time, I’ve been writing, creating, and building something special. I’m dropping new music in 2026, and I’m also working on merch that really reflects who I am and what my supporters love about me.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The version of me that served its purpose was the part of me that was afraid to take chances. I used to play it safe, and being a hip-hop artist isn’t the easiest road to take. People told me I couldn’t rap, and honestly, when I first started, I wasn’t great. There were moments when I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. I kept practicing, kept improving, and eventually found my voice.
I’ve always loved both hip-hop and R&B, so I never understood why I had to choose one. Other artists would tell me to pick a single lane, but that never felt natural to me. Artists like MGK inspire me because they prove that you can step outside one genre and still be successful. That’s exactly what I’m striving for. I don’t want to limit myself or fit into one box as an artist — I want my music to reflect every part of who I am.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When I gave birth to my daughter in July, I developed sepsis and came close to losing my life. That experience changed everything for me. It made me realize how short life really is and what actually matters. My mind went to regrets, to the things I hadn’t accomplished yet, but what hit me hardest was the fear of not being here for my daughter—of not being able to teach her, love her, and guide her as she grows.
Suffering teaches lessons that happiness never could. It made me appreciate the small moments, the small wins. It stripped everything down to what’s real. That experience gave me a new perspective on why I make music in the first place, why family matters, and what my purpose truly is.
For me, it’s never been about fame. It’s about the message. I want my listeners not just to hear my music, but to feel it— to release stress, to connect, to know they’re not alone in what they’re going through. I want to be someone they can relate to and enjoy listening to. That’s my mission.
My music isn’t just for them—it’s for me too. It’s how I cope with life, stress, and the things I don’t always talk about. I can put it on paper, release it, and heal through it. Making music is my therapy, my outlet, and my way of turning pain into something meaningful.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
People act like you have to be young to “make it.” A lot of artists feel like if they don’t blow up by a certain age, they’re washed up and should give up. But that’s far from the truth.
What people forget is that success doesn’t have one look. Too many artists compare themselves to big-name celebrities and ignore the fact that they can create their own version of success. Even if it’s a few listeners, even if it’s a small community—your music is still impacting someone. That matters.
If you’re doing music only for fame, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Wanting fame is fine, but not getting a certain result doesn’t mean you’re not succeeding. Growth looks different for everyone.
Putting in the work brings a sense of accomplishment that shortcuts will never give you. There’s no “easy way” in this industry. You have to put effort into your craft, your lyrics, and your work ethic. Sometimes the results take time, but that doesn’t mean they’re not coming.
So don’t let age—or other people’s opinions—define your success. All of that is an illusion. Your journey is yours, and as long as you’re growing, evolving, and creating, you’re winning.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That’s a deep question. I would hope people remember the way I loved them — how I listened, how I was there when they had a hard day, how I made time for what truly mattered, especially family. I would want my daughter to always know how deeply I loved her, with my whole heart and soul.
As an artist, I would hope my music continues to be listened to, studied, and appreciated. I want my work to live beyond me — for people, young and old, to still press play and feel something real. I want to be remembered as an artist who gave everything to her craft, who poured her truth, her heart, and her experiences into every song.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/@k.marie1114
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/K.marie
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Kmarie1114
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kmarie_1114
• Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@Kmarie1114http://www.lemon8-app.com/@kmarie1114?region=us

Image Credits
Kassandra Soto