At a time when Kuwaiti youth are navigating rapid shifts toward globalized economic and social influences, rap duo Kay R and Chunkky Monkky have gained fame as rappers using Kuwaiti lyrics. Kay R’s Arabic roots fused with hip-hop beats laid the groundwork for a pioneering sound that redefined Kuwait’s hip-hop music by expressing the daily experiences of Kuwaiti youth. Kay R has expanded his audience through his Instagram account, which boasts almost 20,000 followers and has helped him connect with fans across different cultures.
With over 16,000 Instagram followers of her own, Chunkky Monkky has built an impressive reach through her catchy phrases and aggressive rapping style. In her music videos, she raps on roofs in high-end neighborhoods or in luxurious cars on the streets of Kuwait City. Many of her images and couture display flashy colors to grab the attention of her audience and match with her pop-infused rap lyrics. Along with Kay R, the music combines rich instrumentals mostly influenced by Western hip-hop production, including Afrobeats and techno dance music. This allows the creation of a unique music experience for listeners. As a married rap duo with a unique hip-hop style, both Kay R and Chunkky Monkky inevitably end up defying traditional values in a conservative society.
AGSIW spoke with Kay R and Chunkky Monkky to discuss their rap careers so far and their future prospects, as well as how their success both reflects and shapes how Gulf youth interact with this popular music genre that is beginning to gain traction in conservative Gulf societies.
AGSIW: Rap music has not been universally accepted in Kuwait. What inspired you to pursue a career in rap music, and who were your early influences?
Chunkky Monkky: My mom is originally from Colombia, but she was born and raised in the United States, so she loved rap. And when she married my dad, he also loved rap. My grandfather from my dad’s side was actually a famous poet. So, I feel that, from both sides, it’s actually in my blood. I feel it. Ever since I was a kid, I would always say, “I want to be famous.” Other kids would want to be doctors, veterinarians, or ballerinas. I always said I wanted to be famous, and I started rapping at a very young age.
The men from my dad’s side weren’t supportive, but my mom and my older sister were always supportive of me following this career. I’ve been writing raps ever since I was 12 years old. I created the Chunkky Monkky persona when I was 16 years old, so for me, it was really like I did not care what people thought of me. I just wanted to show my personality, that I’m confident, and that I can do this. And if I can do this, maybe there are other musically talented girls in Kuwait who will follow.
When I was young, I listened to Tupac, Biggie Smalls, DMX, and will.i.am. But when I became a teenager, lyrically, it was Drake and Nicki Minaj because their lyrics were crazy in the 2010s. So, because I’m half American, I felt like I really could do this. I have it in me. I have the accent and the language – and, honestly, my first language is English. That’s why I write more in English than Arabic. But everyone was telling me that if you want to be famous in the Gulf region, you have to have to write in Arabic. So, right now, I’m writing in Arabic, but I’m also doing English. My new, “Track 2:00 AM,” is all in English. I feel like what inspired me, honestly, was Cash Money Records, and I had the confidence to rap by myself and was never scared of any crowd or any stage, whether I’m performing for a hundred people, 10,000, or, inshallah, a million one day. I don’t get stage fright. So, I feel I can do it.
AGSIW: I understand that you and Chunkky Monkky met through rap. On the track “Fakhm,” you showed the ability to deliver verses interchangeably. How did your collaboration happen, and what was it like working in the studio with Chunkky Monkky?
Kay R: Chunkky Monkky and I planned to record the “Fakhm” track and another track. We entered the studio, both of us delivering lyrics for 10 minutes. It was a natural progression, and the energy in the studio was great. We finished in only 20 minutes. Afterward, we filmed the music video for the “Fakhm” track.
Chunkky Monkky: Yeah, we always finish our sessions early. We finished one track in literally 20 minutes. We love to go to the studio ready with our lyrics to be delivered.
AGSIW: How would you describe your unique style and sound, and what sets you apart from other rappers in Kuwait?
Chunkky Monkky: We live in a man’s world. So, the first difference would be that I’m a girl. Second is the fact that I am fluent in two languages. The third thing would be that even bigger artists have come to me and said, “I can’t compete with your lyrics; I can’t compete with you. When it comes to lyrics, you’re a writer.” I write my own raps, just like Nicki Minaj. That’s why she inspired me so much. I don’t even like to get help with my lyrics. Even though I’m married to the best rapper in Kuwait, I never ask for his advice. I want to depend on myself because my creative mind is going to fade away. I need this drive. I need the challenge. So, I really challenge myself a lot more than other artists. Maybe they don’t challenge themselves as much as I do.
Sometimes, there are some men that don’t like the fact there’s a girl rapper like me. Everyone’s going to call out my insecurities because of this. I’m just confident. I’m just being me. And that makes me stand out. Also, the fact that I’m tall – I’m 5 feet, 11 inches tall.
Kay R: For me, you have to be honest with yourself. There is no one like me in the Kuwaiti rap scene, and the third thing is that I have a fakhm (“luxury”) personality, which is a personality trait that no one has been able to surpass in the Kuwaiti rap scene. My “Ma A5thk Jad” (“I Don’t Take You Seriously”) track shows my unique lyrical ability and edgy punchlines with a smooth flow. That is what makes me a special MC in Kuwait.
AGSIW: Can you share some of the themes and messages you explore through your music?
Kay R: Lifestyle is very important, as the meaning of a track has to illustrate the authentic tone of a certain rapper. It’s very important for rappers not to pretend to be someone they are not. Always be true to who you are, and stay true to yourself. Otherwise, being a rapper is not the right career path for you.
Chunkky Monkky: I believe that I have a unique voice, and with my music, I want to influence people with my words. Especially since I am a girl’s girl – honestly, the song “Tsunami” talks about all girls. I would literally cry if a little girl or even a teenager came to me and said, “Oh my God, your music inspired me. I broke up. I was depressed. I would listen to you. You were the reason why I would wake up, go to the gym, have a lifestyle.” I would cry and hug her. And that’s honestly what I want. I want to touch peoples’ hearts in a different way, in an uplifting way.
I try my best to be inspirational. I’m a Leo. I have the same birthday as Barack Obama, August 4. Actually, I am really into numerology. The day that I was born is a leadership date, and my birth year, 2000, is the year of the dragon in Chinese astrology. I want to lead girls to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Girls, even guys, like my music.
AGSIW: Chunkky Monkky, how did your recent track “2:00 AM” bring you attention in the Kuwaiti rap scene? What were the circumstances for writing this song?
Chunkky Monkky: Honestly, I wrote it at 2:00 a.m. That’s why I said, “It’s a 2:00 a.m. party, and it’s getting started.” But I was home with my husband, and it came to me. There was no party going on or anything, so I just wrote it. And honestly, the song was inspired by a West Coast beat. It was old but new, something different from before. But in Kuwait, it brought good attention in the rap scene. It was good.
AGSIW: There’s a lot of taboo or, specifically, controversy regarding your career path as a rapper in a traditionally conservative Kuwaiti society. How do you both personally overcome this?
Kay R: I believe that all careers have an obstacle or specific problem you may face. So, each person will face a “bump in the road” that they must overcome and surpass. However, it is very important to never look back and give these individuals the attention they want from you, or it may eventually lead to unnecessary issues. So, it is very important for you to never look back at the obstacles and always look ahead. This is the type of philosophy I follow in my life. Always keep moving forward and never look back, no matter what.
Chunkky Monkky: I believe what Kanye West says, “If you don’t have haters, you’re not doing something right.” They are the ones that especially make me famous. At the same time, I also show them love because they’re making me famous in the end. They’re clicking on my things. So, I’m getting views. I’m getting fame. I’m getting attention, whether they talk well about me or bad about me, I’m still getting fame. So, I show everyone love. Honestly, I’m here to spread joy, not to be hateful or spiteful.
AGSIW: How do you think rap music has evolved in Kuwait over the years, and what part do you see yourself playing in this evolution?
Kay R: Ten years ago, everyone in the Kuwaiti rap scene was focusing on punchlines and curse words but was not focusing on the vibe or energy of a certain track. This meant their tracks had no specific substance or message for listeners. However, since 2018, we have been seeing people being more accepted in the local rap scene, and this is very important to me. We are seeing rappers being given coverage in Kuwaiti media platforms.
AGSIW: What advice would you give to aspiring Kuwaiti rappers who are looking to make a name for themselves?
Kay R: For me, always let people listen to your lyrics and get their opinion specifically regarding what you are writing about in a track. Let at least 20 people listen to your songs or tracks and get their opinions. If they all like it, this means you are talented and can pursue a rap career. Also, don’t tell them it’s you on the track to get their genuine reaction, which is essential. Pay special attention to the language you are using. This is very important because you will show that you have the skillset for rapping and you are serious about this career path going forward.
Chunkky Monkky: I would advise them to first of all learn to write their own lyrics. That’s first. Second, they should learn what type of beat they like. The third thing would be to not write something gangster if you don’t exhibit any gangster persona or qualities. If you are a true gangster, you at least lived it in the past or present. And people now think being a gangster or being a rapper is a trendy thing – it’s not a trendy thing. People don’t know that. Today, a lot of rappers have real mental issues and depression. They’ve been traumatized in their life. They’ve gone through hell and back.
The last thing would probably be that you must have confidence. If you don’t know how to record, just you and the microphone, and get stage fright in the studio – you can’t have that. You have to have confidence in the studio. If you want to be a rapper or an artist in general, you have to have confidence in yourself.
