Kevin Andres Poveda Cruz, better known as 88Kapone, isn’t your typical Canadian rapper. Born in Cali, Colombia, and now based in Edmonton, Alberta, he’s carving out his own lane in hip-hop with a sound that demands attention – you either love it or you don’t, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Music is really the only way I express myself most of the time,” 88Kapone says, his words carrying the weight of someone who’s found their true calling. It’s a far cry from his childhood dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, but life has a funny way of revealing our real paths.
The transition from soccer cleats to studio headphones wasn’t planned. Like many artists, 88Kapone started making music for fun, but something clicked. The studio became his sanctuary, a place where experiences transform into verses and daily struggles become songs. His music isn’t just tracks on a playlist – they’re chapters of his life story, each one rooted in real experiences from the streets of Edmonton to the memories of Cali.
What sets 88Kapone apart isn’t just his international background – it’s his approach to flow. He’s developing a sound that breaks from conventional hip-hop formulas, creating music that stands out in an increasingly crowded Canadian scene. “I’m still working to find my perfect flow,” he admits, “but I feel like I’m getting closer by the day.”
The journey hasn’t been smooth. Balancing daily life with musical aspirations is a constant challenge, especially when studio time and music video budgets compete with life’s basic necessities. But 88Kapone’s response to these obstacles? Work harder, longer, and believe harder. “You have to believe it can happen 100%,” he insists, and that belief shines through in every track.
His first club performance stands as a milestone moment, but 88Kapone’s vision extends far beyond local venues. He sees himself becoming not just the biggest artist out of Canada – a country that’s produced global icons like Drake and The Weeknd – but one of the biggest artists, period. “I want to perform in sold-out stadiums,” he says, and coming from him, it doesn’t sound like a dream. It sounds like a plan.
What makes 88Kapone’s story compelling isn’t just where he wants to go – it’s where he’s come from. Coming from nothing, as he puts it, has instilled a hunger that drives every aspect of his artistry. His music isn’t just about making hits; it’s about inspiring others who might see their own struggles reflected in his journey.
For now, 88Kapone continues to build his legacy one track at a time. His music serves as both a personal diary and a message to anyone facing their own battles: keep pushing forward, keep believing, and keep creating your path.
You can follow 88Kapone’s journey on Instagram (@88kapone), stream his music on Spotify, or check out his latest videos on YouTube. Given the raw authenticity and determination behind his music, those stadium shows might be closer than we think.
