Krizz Kaliko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Krizz Kaliko
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Watson at release signing for Tech N9ne's Killer on July 1, 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Samuel William Christopher Watson |
| Also known as | Big Krizz Kaliko |
| Born | March 7, 1974 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop, rap rock, alternative hip hop |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
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Samuel William Christopher Watson (born March 7, 1974), known as Krizz Kaliko, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and voice actor. He worked closely with fellow artist Tech N9ne for many years. Krizz Kaliko was signed to Strange Music from its start in 1999. In 2021, he created his own music company called Ear House Inc.
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Music Career Highlights
Krizz Kaliko started his music journey in the late 1990s. He began working with a local music producer named IcyRoc Kraven. Around the same time, another rapper, Tech N9ne, was also working with IcyRoc. This is how Krizz Kaliko and Tech N9ne first met.
Tech N9ne was making a song called "Who You Came To See." Krizz Kaliko thought the song could have a better "hook," which is the catchy part of a song. Tech N9ne challenged him to prove it, and Krizz Kaliko impressed him greatly. Because of this, Tech N9ne brought Krizz Kaliko into his close group. This eventually led to Krizz Kaliko signing with Strange Music, a new record label started by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin.
Since then, Krizz Kaliko has often helped with Tech N9ne's albums. He has appeared as a featured rapper or provided background vocals. While much of his work is with Tech N9ne, he has also collaborated with other artists. These include former labelmates like Kutt Calhoun and Rittz. He has also worked with Kottonmouth Kings, E-40, T-Pain, and even RM from the South Korean group BTS.
First Albums and Chart Success
Krizz Kaliko's first album, Vitiligo, came out on May 6, 2008. It became popular on several Billboard charts. It reached number 19 on the Top Independent Albums chart. It also reached number 167 on the main Billboard 200 chart.
His second album, Genius, was released on July 14, 2009. His third album, Shock Treatment, followed in 2010.
On May 15, 2012, Krizz Kaliko released his fourth album, Kickin' and Screamin'. This album became his highest-charting album on the Billboard 200. It featured many well-known rappers like Tech N9ne, Twista, Chamillionaire, and T-Pain.
His fifth album, Son of Sam, was released on August 27, 2013. It also featured Tech N9ne and his wife, Crystal Watson. The album debuted at number 56 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Exploring New Sounds
On April 8, 2016, Krizz Kaliko released his sixth album, GO. This album was different from his earlier work. While his previous albums were mostly hip-hop, GO was his first R&B/pop album. It was a big success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Rap album chart. It also reached number 28 on the Top 200 chart.
New Beginnings
In October 2019, Krizz Kaliko announced he might leave Strange Music. However, he later changed his mind and signed a new contract with them on stage.
On September 18, 2020, Krizz Kaliko released his seventh album, Legend. This was his first new project in four years.
On May 15, 2021, Krizz Kaliko announced a big change. He officially left Strange Music to start his own record label, Ear House Inc. He started this new company with his wife, Crystal.
In 2022, Krizz Kaliko worked with independent artists Anthony Boggs and Messy The Man on their song "Loud Child."
Voice Acting Roles
Besides music, Krizz Kaliko has also worked as a voice actor. He voiced Dinobot in the third part of Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy. This animated series was released on July 29, 2021. He also voiced Leroy Smith in the English version of Tekken: Bloodline, an animated series released on August 18, 2022.
Personal Life and Health
Krizz Kaliko has a skin condition called vitiligo. This condition causes smooth, white patches on different parts of the body. It happens when the body loses its natural skin color. You can see some of these patches on his face. He even named his first album, Vitiligo, after this condition.
Krizz Kaliko has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This is a health condition that affects a person's mood. He named a song on his second album after this disorder.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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| 2021 | Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy | Dinobot | 4 episodes |
| 2022 | Tekken: Bloodline | Leroy Smith | 2 episodes |
Discography
Studio albums
- Vitiligo (2008)
- Genius (2009)
- Shock Treatment (2010)
- Kickin' and Screamin' (2012)
- Son of Sam (2013)
- GO (2016)
- Legend (2020)
