Kasino is the professional name of pioneering Hip-hop veteran, Kimani Davis. Born in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers, he got his start in the music industry at just 17 years-old. The young rapper hooked up with the Ruff Ryders hip-hop collective which boasted a roster including legendary artists DMX, Swizz Beatz, and Eve.
A series of successes followed. He had hit records with his childhood friends The L.O.X. and signed a deal with with Jive Records. He even appeared on DMX’s groundbreaking Hip-hop album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot.” Over the years Kasino has appeared on numerous soundtracks for blockbuster movies like ‘Blade’ and ‘Rush Hour.’
On his recent single “I Promise,” the rapper reunited with his old friend, L.O.X member Styles P. The track is a deadly serious declaration of loyalty. Kasino and Styles P trade verses with stories from the neighborhood. They talk about surviving a tough environment thanks to their homies. The track rolls on an old-school downtempo bass guitar and Boombap beat as minor key ambient synths and strings set a dramatic mood.
“I Promise” is being released in honor of Kasino’s brother Richard Phats Davis who was killed during an armed robbery attempt in South Carolina. Proceeds for the song will be used to build the Richard Ivory Davis Career center in Columbia SC. To teach trades to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Check out the “I Promise” video below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Beat playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. Kasino’s prolific career spans over 20 years and includes multiple major contributions on over eight million records worldwide. Follow the links below to get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the music from this influential artist.
