Kevin Federline: Big Joke or Misjudged?

By Sandy Lo Grasso
Editor-In-Chief
November 2006

Artist: Kevin Federline
Album: Playing With Fire
Release Date: November 2, 2006
Tracks to Check Out: “Privilege”, “Caught Up”, “Kept On Talking”
Look out for: Duet with Britney Spears on “Crazy”
Artist Website: http://www.kevinfederline.com

Just days before the announcement of his separation to Britney Spears, Kevin Federline was flying high. With the release of his debut album, Playing with Fire on November 2nd along with his promotional club tour, K-Fed was ignoring the negativity of the critics and enjoying his hard work. “I really worked my ass off on this project regardless what was said and talked about.” Federline told StarShine at his New York album release party on November 3rd. His demeanor was relaxed as he smoked a cigarette and spoke with a southern drawl, like we were old friends.

Critics have continuously slammed Federline both personally and professionally, yet he doesn’t seem to pay any mind to the tabloids. “They don’t care about what people feel. I don’t give a sh*t.” If you agree with the tabloids, you have to admire K-Fed for one thing: going after what he wants. “I don’t care if I’m a white boy rapper. People are already talking bad about me and saying whatever they want to say anyway, so I’m going for it.”

Tabloids and critics aside, Playing with Fire isn’t such a joke. Despite the disappointing record sales (debuting at #151 on Billboard), the album acted as a sounding board for Federline against the haters. “I didn’t make this album for everybody to relate to.” Says K-Fed. “I made this album for everybody to understand how I feel.” Keeping in true starving artist form, Federline didn’t use big name writers and producers for the album. He looked for people who had passion. “I’m not out to be number one my first week. I want to gradually build. I don’t care about the money either, I mean it’s great. It’s about the love of music.”

So honestly, how does Kevin Federline’s album add up? I guess he says it best on track 9: “I’m not saying I’m the best, but I’m saying f**k the rest. I’m in a league of my own.” Surprisingly there’s definite potential in Kevin’s music. The beats are danceable and club-worthy. The rhymes are amusing, but can be a bit elementary--no different than most of the rappers out there right now. Kevin’s success will ultimately depend on whether the audience listens to the tabloids more than the album. As sad as it is, that’s what could make or break an artist nowadays.

If Kevin Federline the Rapper doesn’t continue, StarShine sincerely doubts we will never see K-Fed ever again. He’s a man of many hats: dancer (remember that’s how he and Brit met), actor (did you see him on CSI?), wrestler (WWE thinks so--see him wrestle John Cena on January 1st), and who knows what else is up Kevin’s sleeve.

StarShine’s advice: go to www.kevinfederline.com, listen to the album for yourself. Be your own critic. Don’t let other people tell YOU what’s good and what’s bad.