King of Cups: Kirko Bangz

Even today a quick listen hits the ear like the very first time.

Yet it’s been 13 years since “Drank in My Cup” debuted. And when it did, the smooth as silk rap single by Kirko Bangz rocketed to the top of Billboard Rap Charts, where it peaked at #1 on both the Billboard Rap Songs and Billboard Rhythmic charts.

In record time, it earned Platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America for over one million units sold. Soon, Rappers like 2Chainz and Juelz Santana joined the official remix, while other notable artists like J. Cole, Tyga, Trey Songz and Redman paid homage with their own version.

What was so special about the song?

“It was different for the time,” explains Kirko during our exclusive interview. “Most music in that era was on trend so when I came out with this new sound people gravitated to it like a magnet.” Something the Houston born artist brands“The Kirko Effect.” Today, a new audience is experiencing the effect as “Drank in My Cup” climbs up the charts again, this time thanks to Gen Z and Tik Tok. Together, they have fueled a resurgence through thousands of posts that have garnered millions of views, all featuring the song as the background for everything from fun dance videos to Get Ready with Me reels to couple skits.  And the lyrics –an ode to liquor or an ode to love depending on your interpretation– pair perfectly with every post.

Kirko Bangz.

Ironically, many teens posting the track were barely toddlers when the song debuted September 9th, 2011. It was the second single by a visionary artist whose slow and rhythmic cadence was symbolic of his southern roots. Kirko, a Houston native with a self-styled moniker inspired by Kurt Cobain, had solidified a new sound in one take –much like his namesake. The subsequent reaction to the single seemed like the stuff of overnight success. But for the then 21-year-old artist it was years in the making. Kirko’s rap career began around 15, when he focused on music as both a creative and financial outlet to support his single parent household. His talent and focus landed him at Prairie View University, a school with a rich history of alumni who became icons of southern rap, such as DJ Premier and Party Boys. By his junior year, Kirko decided to join their ranks by dropping out early to focus on his debut mixtape, Procrastination Kills, which he released the same year. Still navigating life outside of college, he followed up with three more independent mixtapes, Progression and Procrastination Kills 2, and Procrastination Kills 3, all released within two years of him leaving college.

“At that time,” says Kirko reflecting on the momentous decision, “I felt that I had to move in a direction my heart was pulling me. It was one of those follow your gut feelings.”

Denim Suit: 4oureverco • hat: New Era / Houston Astros • socks: Nike • shoes: Nike.

His instincts paid off. By early 2011 he had signed with Warner Brothers for the release of his first single, “What Yo Name Iz” and the popular “Drank in My Cup.” By then his hit single was garnering millions of views on Youtube and earning Kirko serious industry accolades. The momentum is commemorated in the prestigious XXL Magazine Rap Freshman Class. Kirko was selected for the 2013 group, which featured rappers who a decade later are icons in their own lane: Travis Scott, Chief Keef, Schoolboy Q, Trinidad James, Joey Badass, Ab Soul, Logic, and Action Bronson. For the student turned star, there was clearly a bright future ahead.

Then things went dark. 

“Creative control and releasing music on a schedule can hinder one’s creative process,” says the artist about those first years under contract with a major music entity, after working independently. “I feel as an artist you build a routine that works best for you and sometimes a label can’t see that.”

This truth translated to turbulence starting with Warner Music, which he left around 2014. He subsequently signed with Atlantic Records (an imprint of Warner) that same year with plans to release his first anticipated album, Bigger Than Me. The first single from the album “Hoe,” featuring YG and Yo Gotti, debuted in January of that year at number 137 on Billboards Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs Chart and enjoys the distinction of the lowest charting single by Kirko. The promoted album never debuted and Kirko parted ways with Atlantic just one year later. His own descent into the hedonistic lifestyle the entertainment industry offers may have played a part. In an interview on the nationally syndicated show The Breakfast Club that year, he shared how partying had impacted his work.

Pants: Vorise Chantel • underwear: Tom Ford • shades: Gucci.

Fortunately, by July of 2015 Kirko signed a new deal with the label 300. Just as with his peer group at XXL Magazine Rap Freshman Class, Kirko’s signing class at 300 was a testament to his talent and pedigree. Fetty Wap, Young Thug and Migos all joined the label that year. This new era looked promising, with talk of a stint on reality show franchise Love and Hip Hop Houston in 2016, and work on a new album.  But once again, creative differences with the label seemed to emerge and, while he debuted a mixtape under the label, Kirko never released a studio album with 300, or any label for that matter. By 2017, although an established artist, Kirko was functioning as an independent. A look at his discography shows that despite the major label co-signs from Warner in 2011 to 300 in 2016, he self-released over a half a dozen mixtapes in that period, often working with label mates when he could.

It’s no wonder then that by 2017 he took a break.

The subsequent years were filled with deep lows –like the loss of his first-born son– and rich highs –like a total transformation in his lifestyle that sees the artist today, sober, focused on his health, his artistry and his label, Always Progressing Records, through which he released a 2021 mixtape Now That U Here. The work of doing it all for the album reinvigorated him and gave him renewed purpose outside of the spotlight. “You have to go through things to learn things especially when some of those things aren’t good for you,” reflects Kirko. “You might not see it in the beginning but over time you see what’s for you and what isn’t… after that it’s up to you to keep holding on to it or letting it go.”

Suit: Vorise Chantel • shades: Versace.

And Kirko let it go. 

Then something came back: his chart topping single from the past. “Drank in My Cup”’s resurgence on TikTok harkens back to the beginning of Kirko’s career when the listeners –and not the charts– measured his influence. It’s a full circle he’s both proud of and humbled by.

“Anyone that comes across my art whether it be new or old is a blessing,” he says with his signature smile. “Being able to wake up every day and doing something I love is amazing, but to have someone invest their time into it makes it all worth it in the end.”

The new wave of nostalgia for his work comes right in time for an artist who never stopped creating through it all. His latest album, Choose Self, which drops on May 21 is a mantra, a message of transformation and a movement for himself and his fans. The single “Way Too Soft” is already causing conversation with his listeners and racking up views and comments on TikTok and YouTube. As he soaks in this latest round at the top, The King of Cups feels every emotion but surprise.

Suit by Legacy Lapels.

“Can’t ever say I left the throne but this go around I’m choosing self and making that known.”

As we wrap our interview, one thing is clear, for an artist who has achieved everything in the industry (from mainstream to independent), the best part of this new era of self-discovery is that the crown fits comfortably. “Being able to push the music I create at the pace I like is a good feeling.” And with that the sober star takes a drink from his cup –this time overflowing with water.

Instagram: @kirkobangz

Don’t miss the backstage video, exclusively on PLAYGIRL+