Rising hip-hop artist, model, actor and entrepreneur Christian ‘King’Combsreleased his anticipated EP ‘C3’ this July. King Combs is the perfect fusion of modern-day swagger with the nostalgia of decades past. His single ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ peaked at #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart and was nominated for a 2023 BET Award for Best Collaboration. 

full look LAMAR LLENS

You grew up watching your dad’s, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’, successful career. How has this impacted your own career in music?

I think growing up watching my dad’s career definitely impacted me in a great way because honestly, that’s what inspired me to do music. I remember one day going to a show in Ireland with him and Snoop Dogg. He brought me on the whole tour so I got to see the afterlife, the show, rehearsals and everything it takes. It was just so fun seeing the crowd scream and seeing everyone be happy because of the music and the performance. Me being able to touch the stage really let me see how the crowd would get so electric. I wanted to do that my whole life.

full look LAMAR LLENS

As a rising hip-hop artist, what makes you stand out in the hip-hop scene?

I think as a rising hip-hop artist, what makes me stand out is that I’m not trying to follow no waves. I’m on my own wave and I’m going to create the wave and everybody is going to end up joining the wave. 

This July, you released your highly anticipated EP ‘C3’. What inspired this album and how excited were you to record it?

What inspired ‘C3’ is really just making songs that people can vibe to at every different time of the day. ‘Flyest in the City’ is like wake up, ‘Fatal Attraction’ is about driving to go see a girl, ‘Move’ is the afterparty, late night, going outside, and then ‘Shake It’ is the after after hours, time to turn up.

jacket ASOS MEN
pants OFF WHITE
hat RHUDE
boxers TOM FORD

Your music is a perfect fusion of modern-day swagger and the nostalgia of decades past. How well do these two complement each other in your opinion?

I definitely think that modern-day swagger and nostalgia complement each other. Some things are timeless, some songs are timeless, certain styles are timeless and it goes great with what’s going on today.

You have collaborated with artists like Chris Brown and Ty Dolla Sign. What are the things you got to learn from these experienced artists?

The things I got to learn from working with these different artist is that everybody’s creative process is different. Chris Brown goes in and just does like a million songs real quick. Ty Dolla Sign can do a million songs also, but he kind oftakes his time with it, may go outside and chill a little bit. And Kodak Black just goes off the top.

jacket ASOS MEN
pants OFF WHITE
hat RHUDE
boxers TOM FORD

You have also been a succesful model and were the face of Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger. What drew you into modeling? What excites you about the role of a model?

It was my mom who drew me into modeling. At first, I wasn’t really that excited to walk the runway cause I didn’t understand it, but then when I did it, l loved it and I just wanted to keep going. So shout out to Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger for giving me that opportunity.

How important is fashion to you personally? And how do you think fashion and hip-hop connect as two different forms of art?

I think fashion means everything because it is a form of expression, just like hip-hop. I don’t think you can have hip-hop without fashion.

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top ARMANI

Music and modeling is not all you did though, as you’ve also stepped in front of the camera to portray your dad in ‘Wu-Tang: The American Saga’. Is acting something you would like to explore further in the future? 

Acting is definitely something that I want to get into in the future. I always say I can see myself being the next Tom Cruise in a big action movie.

What are some of the most important things in life to you, besides of course music and your career?

The most important thing in life is my family. My sisters, Jessie, D’Lila, Love and Chance, my brothers, Quincy and Justin, my pops and my mom, forever KP.

jacket YEEZY
top ARMANI

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects and plans?

I’m about to be dropping a lot more heat. Expect a lot of new music. I’m also going to be doing a lot of fashion stuff and movies and just spreading love throughout the world. Can’t stop, won’t stop.

full look LAMAR LLENS

talent KING COMBS @kingcombs
photographers SHAUN-ANDRU X TROKON @Shaunandru @Trokonv
stylist OTHTHAN BURNSIDE @otheezystyledit
assistant ERIC HALE @cultivatedcreation._
retouching SHAUN-ANDRU X TROKON @Shaunandru @Trokonv
editor TIMI LETONJA @timiletonja
interview by JANA LETONJA @janaletonja