For rising star Kamari Simon, professionally known by his stage name Killakm, a career-defining milestone is on the horizon: the Antigua-connected DJ is slated to perform at Rolling Loud, one of the biggest and most prestigious hip-hop festivals on the global music calendar. The event, which draws hundreds of thousands of hip-hop fans annually, is famous for showcasing the biggest names in the genre, making Simon’s invitation a major vote of confidence in his fast-growing career.
Simon’s biography is rooted in two distinct worlds: he was born in the Bronx, New York, but his childhood took an unexpected turn when his father passed away when he was young. Following the loss, Simon’s mother arranged for him to relocate to Antigua to live with his aunt, where he spent much of his early years. He enrolled at Francis Pre School before moving on to J.T. Ambrose Primary School, shuttling between his Caribbean home and his native New York for years before settling back in the Bronx full-time when he entered sixth grade.
Today, while Simon builds his career in the United States’ competitive music industry, he has never cut ties to the Caribbean community that shaped his early years. Many of his family members still reside in Antigua, including noted educator Nalda Carr, who remains an active, engaged member of local public life. Simon continues to return to the island regularly to visit loved ones and maintain his connection to his roots.
Over the past several years, the DJ has carved out a growing fanbase and a solid reputation in the crowded hip-hop scene through his signature, high-energy performance style. His sets blend an eclectic mix of genres, from classic and modern hip-hop and bass-heavy trap to fast-paced Jersey club and smooth R&B, creating a dynamic sound that resonates with audiences. He has drawn particular industry and fan attention for his electric ability to engage crowds and pull off seamless, rapid transitions between tracks that keep energy levels high from the opening beat to the closing set.