If you’re a fan of good music, you’re a fan of [Kranium](https://www.instagram.com/kranium/?hl=en). The global touring artist is best known for his distinct, melodic flow, bringing the genres of reggae and dancehall to audiences and stages all across the globe. Nicknamed the “Melody Gad,” real name Kemar Donaldson is in his own lane telling his truth, resulting in catchy, honest, feel-good anthems—inspired directly by the beauty in a woman.
Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, a teenage Kranium moved to Miami where he grew close to his uncle and mentor, dancehall legend Screw Driver. And then finally settling in Queens, New York where he honed his skills and passion for dancehall. In 2013, Kranium caught his big break, with his breakout single titled “Nobody Has to Know” paving the way to a record deal with Atlantic Records.
Some of his biggest songs to date include “Gal Policy,” “Can’t Believe” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Wizkid, “We Can” featuring Tory Lanez, “Stamina,” and many more. Ending last year on a high note with “Block Traffic,” Kranium holds fans over until the release of his forthcoming sophomore EP titled _Toxic_.
_Flaunt_ caught up with the Melody Gad himself via Instagram Live, who was posted in Jamaica enjoying the early evening. Read below as we discuss what Jamaica means to him, the power of dancehall, blowing up off “Gal Policy,” love for women, inspo behind “Block Traffic,” forthcoming EP _Toxic_, studio essentials, journey with Atlantic Records, and more!
**Being born in Montego Bay, what are your roots in Jamaica?**
Jamaica is everything that any kid or anyone would like to have lived and experienced. Ain’t no place like Jamaica. The music’s crazy, the culture is very strong. Its people are very entertaining and very smart. The food’s amazing. You can’t beat jerk chicken or jamaican patties. The beaches are nice and the women are beautiful. Everything about Jamaica is amazing. Especially as a person who likes to create, Jamaicans are very into music. It’s the center for music, to be honest with you.
**Biggest influences coming up?**
I listened to a lot of gospel when I was younger. I didn’t have much chance to listen to what I really wanted to listen to, so gospel was my first choice. I also listened to old-school music like Sam Cooke and other soulful greats.
**You came to the States at age 12, how did you like the East Coast?**
I loved it because the diversity was different. I grew up in a cultural melting pot with a lot of Guyanese, Trini, Asian and Spanish friends. It was a culture shock for me. That’s what influenced my music, because we’re all inspired by our environment. Me being in that environment made me create music where anybody in the world can listen. There’s something in it for you, the element is very widespread.
**At what point did you realize this music thing was forreal?**
The first time I got “creased” or sexual encounter was off of music. The first time I'd seen ole girls rap to the music, crazy.
**Did you think you’d be where you are today?**
There's so much I want to do and so much more I’m going to do, it wasn’t an easy road. It was very hard for me, but I take it each day as it comes. I don't rush or try to overthink things. I do things to the best of my ability and just work.
**“Gal Policy” is at over 21 millions views on Youtube, did you anticipate it’d blow up like this?**
I always get impressed by records after a while, because it always takes time. I didn’t expect it to go that fast, but I knew it was a good record. I knew what I was talking about. A lot of drunk girls were really into the song. It’s a very toxic record. It’s a problem, it’s a lot of toxic people walking everywhere. I was confident that the record would eventually reach the masses.
**Fondest memory from those days, when the song blew up?**
Seeing the memes and seeing people redoing the Trini accent in the intro. That was memorable for me, seeing people reacting to it and talking in the accent.
**“Block Traffic” out now, how are you feeling?**
It’s a dope record, I love it. I wanted to steal hearts with the singing of the hook. I always say singers are the angels of the earth. Rytikal is a brand new artist on the scene. Once I like an artist, I always want to work with them and support them as much as possible. This record is more of me having fun and supporting the artist and trying to make sure we show the love and unity of music.
**Best memory from the video shoot?**
The video was crazy fun. It took place on a farm and it was hot as hell. There were a lot of women there. Women are my favorite thing on Earth so being there with them was amazing, We were drinking and smoking. It was a vibe.
**What do you like in women?**
I don’t really have a specific type. I love everything about them.
**How much do they influence your music?**
99.99% of the time. Each time I get some good ones, I create good music. Every time I have great sex, I make great records.
**So you had a good one I’m guessing, for “Block Traffic”?**
Yeah man. Especially during album time. I have to make sure the influences are up any time I’m creating an album. I’ve never dropped a wack album because I always drop when the right one gives me the influence I need.
**What can we expect from your forthcoming EP, _Toxic_?**
The EP is 5 records. 3 are already out: “Gal Policy,” “Through the Window,” “Block Traffic,” and 2 others: a song called “Toxic” and “Won’t Judge.” It’s more chill, but a lot of fucking to an extent. I can’t tell you everything,
**Talk about lining up around Valentine’s Day.**
Exactly, right around Valentine’s Day. There’s a song I’m releasing about a relationship. There’s a song where I’m talking about crease. I like to call pussy crease, so I don’t sound too vulgar. Just nice vibes. Songs that are slow, songs that are more uptempo, songs that are about real relationship problems and experiences.
**Are you toxic?**
I think so, a little bit. But a little toxic is good, as long as it’s not over the top. It’s not drastic, a little toxic is good.
**3 things you need in the studio?**
Lately, good vibes, lights off, and chicken. I love chicken. I always want to eat some chicken wings with french fries.
**Do you cook?**
I cook every now and then. I only cook when I’m at base 1, and I’m trying to get to base 2. To really get the job done, I like to cook. If it’s not working, you know some guys are like chargers. They plug in, but they’re not holding their charge. So when I plug in and I don’t get a charge, I like to cook. Every woman on earth has a password, and cooking is the password. Women love a man that cooks.
**You say you couldn’t sing a wack track if you wanted to. What’s your favorite Kranium track?**
All of them, honestly. I could tell you one of my most underrated favorite records though: “No Odda.” “No Odda” is a well-written record, it’s very well put together. The melody is sick and the beat is amazing. That’s one of the best records I’ve done, where it could’ve been way bigger than what it is. I always try to be very creative musically. That’s one of my favorite songs.
**How much do you miss performing?**
I miss performing a lot, but I’m still performing if you know what I mean. I’m still in shape. I’m doing Meet & Greets.
**Best encounter you had with a fan?**
When she sucked my knee cap at the show. \[laughs\] Felt good, amazing. One of the best feelings I’ve ever had, the knee cap’s wicked.
**When did you pick up the nickname, Melody Gad?**
About a year and a half ago. People always say I’m sick with melodies. If you look through most of my comments and on Youtube, they always say “this guy’s melody’s sick,” so I got that name Melody Gad. It dropped right into existence.
**How has your journey been with Atlantic Records?**
It’s cool, we’re working. Dancehall music is a very unique genre, I’m happy to be a part of one of those artists that have been signed. Sean Paul was one of the first artists signed from this generation. And I’m proud to be contributing to moving the genre forward.
**What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?**
I’d probably be in the army, to be honest with you.
**What are you most excited for in the new year?**
I don’t get excited that much, but I’m happy for life. That’s the most important thing, There’s no limit to anything. I’m happy to be alive, because a lot of people didn’t make it out of 2020.
**What do you like to do for fun?**
Music is my fun. Music is my life. Music is my enjoyment. Music’s everything to me. Women, music, money. It works.
**Do you want to settle down eventually?**
Yeah, eventually I’ll settle down. \[sings\] “Settle down, we’re not getting any younger…” For now, I do Meet & Greets. On Tuesdays and Thursdays only.
**Talk about working with Ty$ & Wizkid.**
It’s nice, I always like to collaborate with artists. I’ve collabed with a lot of people: Wizkid, Ed Sheeran, Tory Lanez, Ty$, Burna Boy, Gucci Mane, a lot of artists. I love it. I want to do more in the dancehall space, but it’s an amazing thing. When 2 talented artists come together and create music, it’s magic.
**What does dancehall mean to you?**
Dancehall is life. Dancehall is the greatest, purest and rawest genre on earth, the rawest genre on earth. It’s unique in its own form, that’s why we’re so influential in other music.
**What does your recording process look like in the studio?**
I never wrote a song in my life, I always freestyle. I’ve recorded and written a record, yes. That’s why my name is Kranium, because I sing off the top of my head. That’s what I’m saying,
**Do you also think writing down ruins the melody?**
Yes, for me. A lot of artists can do it, me and my manager argue about this all the time. Sometimes they want me to re-record a record and I have a hard time, unless I’m in a different country. I’m working with this artist named Chevron in Jamaica, we do a lot of writing together. I’ll demo the record, then go home and finish the record. Other than that, if I’m in my home base where I’m recording in the studio, I don’t write it down. You write it with emotions. You don’t want to change the flow, you don’t want to fuck with the flow. It’s like you’re fucking a girl, you leave, and you come back, the vibe’s dead. You want to make sure everything’s right.
**Who do you listen to right now?**
I have genres. I’m listening to lovemaking songs, fucking a girl songs, I listen to Tank. I listen to Ro James a lot. If I’m listening to gangster music, I listen to The Vibes. I listen to Alkaline, Massacre, I listen to Lil Durk. I listen to old school soul, I don’t listen to new shit. But I love H.E.R., she’s dope. I like Ariana Grande a lot.
**What’re you most excited for with the release of _Toxic_ in February?**
I’m excited about it because it gets to the next part. I have 2 parts dropping: _Toxic_, then I’m dropping another one. This one’s more 3 singles are already out, 2 fresh ones are coming, but the other one’s going to be straight you don’t know any records. I’m excited, I can’t wait.
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