Confidence is the essence of what Kentavia Miller, better known as KenTheMan, felt ahead of her latest release, Kinda Famous. It’s been two years since the Houston fem-cee dropped a full-length project, but only a few months since she parted ways with her former label, Roc Nation. After unexpectedly going independent, KenTheMan took control of her creative direction and her career, reclaiming her autonomy for good.
“I don’t need anybody validating me or telling me what I can and can’t do,” Miller tells GU.
The excitement and unwavering support from her fans leading up to her second independent project are all the motivation she needs to ascend to a higher version of herself. Although the transition to independence was abrupt, Miller can’t help but feel like she was being divinely guided. Just days before Kinda Famous was set to debut, her second single since going independent went viral. Despite being released in December, Miller’s TikTok video with a close friend to her hit single “First” exploded, garnering nearly 2 million views. Though the song’s success took her by surprise, it reassured her that she was on the right path.
“It’s nothing but God,” Miller said. “He’s blowing up this song that I dropped in December, a day before my project releases, so I think that’s pretty telling.”
Leading up to Kinda Famous’ release on March 4, KenTheMan found herself noticing angel numbers – the number 304, to be exact. While 304 may often symbolize promiscuous women, it represents the world’s first introduction to her artistry to Miller. Learning to trust herself while maintaining her self-imposed high standards throughout the creative process has been reassuring and exciting.
“I’ve been seeing it for two years and just wondered, what’s the significance of this? Then I realized, I think it’s this moment tomorrow,” Miller said. “I’ve never felt this confident in a project.”
Miller admits that she wasn’t initially a fan of “First” when she first recorded it, due to her own perfectionist tendencies. While she felt confident about the first verse, she was initially embarrassed by her delivery of the hook. Reassurance from her producer, Big Cuzz, and her partner, however, pushed her to release what would become the standout track of Kinda Famous. Despite her self-doubt, Miller knew that the song captured a universal theme: being someone’s first “baddie.” From one confident Black woman to another, Miller understands how difficult it can be to be someone’s first.Her advice for women who choose to stay? “Buckle up.”
“Strap up, it’s a long ride because when you’re the first, they try to do anything to break you down,” Miller said. “I wouldn’t recommend, 0 out of 5 stars.”
The rest of Kinda Famous is packed with heavy-hitting rap tracks like “Big Sh*t Talker” and “Yo Face,” offering fans a taste of the Houston flow they’ve been waiting for, just in time for summer. Miller reveals that her top five favorite tracks on the album are “Do It Like Me,” “Try Me Pt. 2,” “Can You,” “I Got Questions” featuring Kalii, and “Gimme More.”
Though the album initially had no features, an impromptu visit from her close friend, Kalii, changed that. The duo made musical magic together, finishing the album with a track about friends stunting on men.
“I scheduled us a session, we sat there and wrote the song, and I said, [Kalii] you just finished my project,” Miller said. “This is what I was missing.”
And the rest of the project is anything but missing. Miller made sure to showcase her versatility, with songs like “Do It Like Me” that make fans feel sexy, and ballads like “Home” that let listeners take it slow. In its entirety, Kinda Famous evokes confidence and the desire to have fun. Fans also get to experience a different side of Miller on the bonus track “Baggage.” Though she’s no stranger to slow songs, having spent her formative years in girl groups and talent shows, it’s not something she typically presents as KenTheMan.
More often than not, when Miller taps into her more vulnerable side, it’s because she’s hurting; otherwise, she prefers to make upbeat music. Creating an emotional track like “Baggage” was eye-opening and fun at the same time.
“I almost thought I lost myself, like I had no feelings for a moment,” Miller said. “I love that I was able to put [‘Baggage’] on there because that’s something I’ve been definitely dying to give the world.”
The Houston fem-cee hopes to make softer music in the future and incorporate more vulnerability into her artistry—hopefully without the heartbreak. KenTheMan’s versatile songwriting speaks for itself. The Crazy Bout Me rapper brings confidence back without needing validation from thirsty men, jealous women, or the cutthroat music industry. In the past, Miller has shown little interest in mainstream fame, citing her desire to stay away from industry drama and norms as key reasons for keeping her distance. However, her newfound confidence with Kinda Famous has made her more open to the idea of superstardom—and the wealth that comes with it.
“I’m not opposed at all to mainstream [fame], but I just know it’s a lot. I just wonder, how would I fit in this?” Miller said.
For now, KenTheMan’s primary focus is bringing Kinda Famous to life and continuing to push her creative independence as an artist. Miller confirmed that fans can expect a deluxe version of Kinda Famous as well as another opportunity to see her on tour.
“Kinda Famous is for y’all, I can’t wait for them to hear it,” Miller said.