Today we’d like to introduce you to Killa MusiQ.
Hi Killa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Nashville, TN on the south side of the city. My mother and father met at Tennessee State University (HBCU). My father was 1st trumpet in the band and I was surrounded by music all of my life. I learned piano in kindergarten, and played xylophone & snare drum in band during middle school. I’ll say that I started getting serious about music around 2001-2002. I got into producing music (specifically Southern Rap/Trap) around my freshman year in high school. My sophomore year I produced my first song with platinum selling artist Webbie for a group in Murfreesboro named the Block Boyz. After multiple projects with a numerous amount of artist at that time, I got introduced to producing country music around 2009-2010 through David Fanning (founder of 33 Creative, president of The Off Road Records) who was a co-owner of the production group New Voice Entertainment at that time responsible for producing Thompson Square. Fast-forward to 2026 as a producer and engineer I’ve received over 8 Billboard #1 songs, 2 ACM awards, a Grammy Nomination as well as multiple local accolades. My most recent #1 happened January 12, 2026 for Parmalee’s “Cowgirl” produced by David Fanning in which I’m credited as digital editing engineer, engineer, programmer, & producer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing is ever smooth sailings along the way. The biggest challenges starting out was simply acquiring the equipment to get going. Also too along the way, not necessarily knowing the correct people and/or figuring out the best practices to advance my career. For the most part a lot of frustrations that came along the way was simply not having the information.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I go by KillamusiQ when I’m producing hip hop, rap, trap, southern rap, R & B, jazz, house, or any urban music. When I’m producing country music, I’m accredited as Kenneth Samuel &/or Kenny Barnes. I can’t really pinpoint what I’m most proud of, but I can say that what had the most impact in my career was being accredited on Billboard #1 charting records. Having that happen kind of catapulted my career in another lane. I believe what sets me apart from others isn’t related to music, but rather my character & attitude. I’m quiet, easy-going, and approachable but analytical. I think that plays a huge part in how I approach projects and come up with the ideas that I create. Now, a run-down of some of the projects and artist I’ve worked with:
Drumma Boy, Sukihana, YoungBuck, D-Tay, Ca$hville Records, Billy Ray Cyrus, Chris Brown, Parmalee, Thompson Square, Avery Anna, C.P. Da Baby Don, Vyrgo, Gutta Boy Gotti, HiC, Lil Murda, Starlito, Bo-Polo, C-Good, KC3, Yung Hogg, Stunt Tha Boss, Dirty Boy Tony, Roach Killa, Mannish Boy Slim, Webbie, V.O., Dough Good, Malaki 3D, Rob Dee, Bug Diddy, HomeTeam, Indogh, Ht4E Wild, ChaseEmDown, Ca$hville Ace, Tha City Paper, D-Strap, Hotboy Nitti, Ganz, Lil SKE, Treeo, Raw Staten, Nick Jagger, Hollyluah, JuGatti, L.V., 1919 Pop, Skooly, Joker, Trapperman Dale, Half A Key, ABK Gatez, Luh Stain, 6th Street Mac, HotRod on tha track, Deago 615, Ego Ruffin, Bezzeled Gang, Lil Vacc, B. Marie, Santiago G, Saucy Slimm, BlvckWizzle, Broady Bloxx, Lotis Music, David Fanning, 8 Ball & MJG, SparkDawg, AuthiniQ Entertainment Zilla Da Felon, and many many more!! In fact I’m positive that this doesn’t even begin to touch the surface.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I like to vlog in my stories about what I may be cooking up in the studio on my MPC, or who I’m recording at that given moment. Also, I like to cook so I may be starting something soon pertaining to that. Be sure to follow my socials.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @KillamusiQ
- Twitter: @KillamusiQ
