An Afternoon With DiamondCrooxs's Kool Cash

By Jenny McClease

The music industry is a lot like the night sky; it's full of stars. However, there's always that one star that shines above the rest. The 24 year old, Portsmouth, Virginia native Michael Banks a.k.a. Kool Cash is a lyrical genuis that's taking the music industry by storm. He's redefining hip hop with a style all his own. Tons of fans, men and women, black and white flock to his MySpace page; not only do they enjoy Kool Cash's beats but, they also love his lyrics.

Kool Cash's Singles are Phenomenal

Kool Cash's single "Straight From The Heart" was just released on February 27, 2010. However, it is already receiving a tremendous amount of attention. It's no wonder. The lyrics are relatable and a clear reflection of the artist's heart.
 
If men were gifts, Kool Cash would be exactly what women wanted. He's talented, gorgeous, successful and has a smooth, sexy voice. Mix that voice with his sincerity and rapping talent and what do you get...his other super hot hit single "U Mean The World 2 Me.

An In Depth Look

On March 13, 2010, I sat down with the extremely talented, charismatic, rapper, Kool Cash on a rainy Saturday afternoon to find out if it's actually more to him than just being able to deliver great lyrics with rhythmic ease. And might I add, what better way for a woman to spend a rainy day than with a gorgeous man.

Jenny McClease: How did you come up with the name "Kool Cash?"

Kool Cash: Friends and relatives. I always had a "cool" attitude about things and everybody knows I'm always about my money. So, I put it together, "Kool Cash."

Jenny McClease: What is your birth date?

Kool Cash: November 11, 1985

Jenny McClease: What is "DiamondCrooxs?"

Kool Cash: "DiamondCrooxs" is the name of my rap group. The members are Bacardi-o, Jim-B, Allstarr, Yung E- Z, and me, Kool Cash.

Jenny McClease: What high school did you attend?

Kool Cash: I graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

Jenny McClease: How did you first get interested in music?

Kool Cash: I took an interest in music because of my family. My dad is a musician, my uncle is a DJ, and my first cousin is a producer.
 
Jenny McClease: Who are some of the people that you have performed with?

Kool Cash: Dougie Fresh, Slim Thug, and Jagged Edge. A year or two ago, I opened up at a concert for Ron Brown.

Jenny McClease: Do you write your own lyrics or music? Any musical instruments?

Kool Cash: Yes. I always have. I have been playing the violin since I was in elementary school; I play hip hop on it. And, I play the drums.
 
Jenny McClease: Where does your inspiration come from?

Kool Cash: My son, my mother, my father, and I would have to say my surroundings because places where you live at, have a big affect on you.

Jenny McClease: Who do you hope to reach and/or inspire?

Kool Cash: I hope to reach the younger generations with a positive message. I want to give them lyrics that would inspire them and music to give them something to rock to.

Jenny McClease: What was your childhood like?

Kool Cash: I had a Christian upbringing. I came from humble beginnings, but, I still had fun. Although, my mother and father weren't together they made me as comfortable as they could and they both were a part of my life.

Jenny McClease: Who is your biggest fan or fans?

Kool Cash: I think it is my nephew and my older sister.

Jenny McClease: What record label are you under? Tell a little about it?

Kool Cash: Blac Rhyno Enterprises. Blac Rhyno Enterprises was founded by two of my friends, Barry "Blessed Fingas" Williams Jr. which is the computer genius, Kapitil Millz, the best negotiator there is...and me.

Jenny McClease: How many years have you been doing this?

Kool Cash: When I was younger, my dad use to stand me in front of producers and he would tell them that I could come up with a song right on the spot, just play some music. I always did it but, I became serious about it at about 18 or 19.

Jenny McClease: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Kool Cash: Well, I like to play with my son, music and workout.

Jenny McClease: Which musicians influences you?

Kool Cash: Well, to name a few: Michael Jackson, Prince, Tupac and Big Pun. Some of my other influences have changed because they changed.

Jenny McClease: What makes you smile?

Kool Cash: My son...waking up...Everything. When I was taping my music videos, "Straight from the Heart," and "2 minutes of Pressure" I couldn't stop laughing.

Jenny McClease: What keeps you grounded?

Kool Cash: My friends and my surroundings.

Jenny McClease: How do you describe your rapping style?

Kool Cash: Real.

Jenny McClease: Has your music ever been played on the radio?

Kool Cash: They play my music in Germany and Puerto Rico. And if I ever decided to movedout of America, I would definitely pick one of those two countries. They also played my music on103Jamz in Virginia.

Jenny McClease: Where have you performed?

Kool Cash: Let's see...I've performed at the Broadway Club in Norfolk, Virginia, Blakely's in Chesapeake, Virginia,
Crabbers Restaurant and Sports Lounge in Hampton, Virginia, Virginia House of Comedy in Virginia Beach, Virginia and the Suffolk Armory in Suffolk, Virginia.

Jenny McClease: Do you have a single available? If so, what's the name of it, the recording label and how
can it be purchased?

Kool Cash: I have two singles out. The one that is available now is called "Money N Da Making," and the other
one is called "Can't Stop the Cash Flow." They're both on my label, Blac Rhyno Enterprises. You can purchase them on my MySpace page, and Blac Rhyno Enterprises page.

Jenny McClease: Any ringtones?

Kool Cash: Yes. Two are available on my MySpace page, "Straight From the Heart" and the one all the ladies love, "U Mean The World 2 Me" for $1.99 each.

Jenny McClease: Is there anyone that you would like to thank for your success?

Kool Cash: If it wasn't for my cousin, Dwayne "Jake-4-hire" Hill (sks) and one of my closest friends Barry "Blessed Fingas" Williams Jr. I wouldn't be where I am today.

"An Afternoon With DiamondCrooxs's Kool Cash" was published at Associated Content under non-exclusive rights. See more articles by Jenny McClease.