Cubby Kamikaze is an independent recording artist from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, blending introspective lyricism with vibrant, UK-inspired production. His sound fuses elements of drum & bass, R&B, and alternative rap, creating music that feels like a conversation between heart and rhythm. Known for albums such as Live Long or Die Fast and Homecoming!, Cubby Kamikaze crafts songs that capture vulnerability, nostalgia, and confidence. His latest EP, All in Pink 2, continues that evolution—an expressive, colorful reflection of growth from heartbreak to self-understanding under his own creative label, Dreamers From Neverland.

With All in Pink 2 out now, we took some time to hear from Cubby Kamikaze. Read below to learn more about Cubby Kamikaze, the story behind All in Pink 2, and what’s to come.

Hi Cubby Kamikaze! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

Growing up in middle and high school, people always said I looked like a little bear because I was chubby and small. When I first started thinking about becoming a rapper, I decided to use that nickname and called myself Lil Cub. As I got older, I wanted something more original – something that really represented me. One day, while I was sitting in the barbershop waiting for a haircut, the name Cubby Kamikaze just came to me out of nowhere. I’ve stuck with it ever since.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m from Rocky Mount, North Carolina—part of the 252. That’s still home base for me. I record in my bedroom studio, which is kind of my comfort zone. Being in a smaller city let me experiment freely and build my own lane without feeling pressured to sound like anyone else.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I started making music right after I graduated high school, and honestly, it began as a joke. I was inspired by a guy named Yung Nugget and his song, “Lightning McQueen.” He had all these views just from saying wild, funny stuff into the mic and rapping about a talking cartoon car. So I thought, “If he can do that, I can too,” and made my first meme rap song called “Bobby Boy Johnson.” After that, I dropped “GO DEMARCUS!,” which actually became my first viral hit. About a year later, things changed. I got my heart broken for the first time, and that made me want to start singing and being more open in my music. That’s when I made my mixtape, Red Roses Are for the Untroubled, which came out on Christmas Eve in 2020. That project made me realize this is the kind of music I’m meant to make—something that helps me express emotions and process life.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

I’ll say my sound is like a introspective bounce type of sound. Emotional lyrics over upbeat and dreamy production. I’m a big fan of mixing raw feelings with rhythm so listeners can dance and still feel something deep all at the same time.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I’m a big tech guy outside of music. I build PCs and play video games a lot—it actually keeps me creative since it’s a form of problem-solving, just like music production. I’m also really into cars and have been modding my Dodge Charger. Cruising always helps clear my head after
long sessions.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Kanye West, 2Pac, PinkPantheress, Radiohead, The Weeknd, and Lucki. They all taught me different sides of emotion, melody, and experimentation.

Who would be a dream to collaborate with?

My dream collaboration would probably be with PinkPantheress and The Weeknd. PinkPantheress inspired a big part of my sound — that balance between emotion and bounce, being vulnerable but still having fun with it. The Weeknd, on the other hand, shaped how I approach atmosphere and tone. He knows how to make pain sound cinematic. Working with both of them would be like merging two sides of my artistry — the soft, reflective energy and the darker, emotional storytelling. I feel like we’d create something timeless together.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

Releasing Homecoming! and seeing people call it my best work at the time. It proved my DIY process could sound professional. And now, with All in Pink 2 getting real press attention, it feels like a whole new level.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

The greatest lesson that I’ve learned is to trust your own pace. But just as important, I’ve learned to always stand out with your creativity. I probably wouldn’t even be doing this interview if I never stepped into that PinkPantheress-inspired DnB bag. That sound really helped me discover my true identity as an artist and separate myself from everybody else.

Now onto your release, All in Pink 2. What inspired this EP?

I wanted to make something short, sweet, and colorful that captured my current mindset. All in Pink 2 came from a place of peace after reflection—still about love, but not pain-focused like before. It’s more about acceptance and growth.

What is the overall theme of All in Pink 2?

The overall theme of All in Pink 2 is balance and self-acceptance. It’s me learning to live between confidence and vulnerability — showing emotion without letting it control me. I wanted to prove that introspection doesn’t have to sound sad; it can still move, bounce, and
feel alive.

Even when I touch on heartbreak or love, it feels free instead of heavy. AIP2 represents growth — finding peace in who I am while still having fun with it.

What are the sonic and thematic differences between All in Pink 2 and All in Pink?

The first All in Pink was really spontaneous — it came together within a few days after I got inspired by PinkPantheress. It was me experimenting with that dreamy, fast-paced, emotional DnB sound for the first time and just having fun with it. There wasn’t much structure; it was pure energy and curiosity.

All in Pink 2, though, feels like a reflection of growth. I came into it knowing exactly who I am as an artist now. The sound is tighter, the vocals are more confident, and I understand how to balance my introspective side with rhythm and bounce. The first one was me finding a lane — the second one is me owning it.

It’s also more colorful emotionally. The first project was me learning how to express vulnerability, but AIP2 feels like I finally found peace in it. It’s playful, mature, and shows that I can evolve without losing the heart of what made the original special.

What was the creative process like when making All in Pink 2?

My creative process is fast, but full of emotion. I usually go off pure feeling — once I hear a beat that clicks, I start recording almost immediately. A lot of my best takes come from one session where I just lock in and let the words and melodies flow naturally.

I’ve also gotten comfortable using scatting as part of my process — those hums, mumbles, and melodic runs that fill the spaces between lyrics. They help me catch the emotion before the words even come, almost like the sound itself is guiding the song. It’s become one of my
favorite parts of creating because it keeps the music spontaneous and alive. Most of All in Pink 2 came from trusting that instinct — not overthinking, just feeling.

How long did it take to complete All in Pink 2?

Realistically, I think around a week and a half. From writing to final mix – it all came together naturally. Once I made the first song, “9Lives!,” everything came to me fast.

Is there a specific song on All in Pink 2 that speaks to you the most? If so, what is it called, and what is it about?

The song that speaks to me the most is “Pink Interlude.” It perfectly captures that moment of stillness — when you’re tired of love, but still searching for it in small ways. The lyrics feel raw and honest, but it’s the tone and the space in the record that hit me the hardest.

It’s one of those songs where I didn’t have to force anything; the emotion just came out naturally. Even the way I scatted certain lines was me processing feelings in real time. It reminds me of how far I’ve come — from overthinking everything to just letting the music speak
for me.

What message or messages do you hope fans take away from All in Pink 2 ?

I want fans to take away that vulnerability isn’t something to hide from — it’s something to embrace. All in Pink 2 is about finding peace in your emotions and realizing that growth doesn’t always have to come from pain. You can still heal, reflect, and have fun with life at the same time. I want people to know it’s okay to be open, to feel deeply, and to still move forward with confidence. That balance between self-awareness and joy is what makes this project special to me.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I’m working on my next album, In Color & Bloom. It’s going to be more expansive—bigger sound, more storytelling, full Dolby Atmos mixes, motion visuals, and deeper emotions. I’m also planning new visuals and interviews to close out 2025 strong.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Instagram: @Thak1dd.252
X/Twitter: @CubbyKamikaze
YouTube: Cubby Kamikaze
Apple Music / Spotify: Cubby Kamikaze

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!