Assasi (Aleppo/USA) and K-Lead (Homs/Finland) met in 2005 and bonded over hip-hop and a shared passion for social justice. They performed together in cities around Syria. Neither war nor displacement could separate what music united, and the two have remotely collaborated on tracks such as “Mosaic”, “963 Revolution”, and “What I’ve Seen” despite seeking asylum on separate continents.
About K-Lead
Khaled, known by his stage name K-Lead, is a Syrian rapper from Homs. His lyrics address a variety of subjects, with a focus on social issues, politics, and culture of the Middle East. K-Lead started writing songs and rapping in 2004, initially as part of the group Street Art. He performed extensively throughout Syria and collaborated with many Syrian rappers including Murder Eyes, Assasi, and Bu Kulthoum.
Street Art, the first rap group formed in Homs, was founded by K-Lead and his cousin in 2004. This group recorded its first album, “Ta2 Baraghi طق براغي” and several singles before separating in 2011. At this point, K-Lead carried on as a solo artist.
Residing in Finland since early 2018, K-Lead has appeared live at International Mikkeli Day (IMD) as well as participating in open mic sessions at Veera Restaurant (Mikkeli City). He intends to continue pursuing his craft within the Finnish hip-hop scene.