K.A.S.P
Rob Sawan, a.k.a. K.A.S.P, is an 11time award winning and 7-time nominated Cree hip hop artist, DJ, motivational speaker and workshop facilitator from British Columbia, Canada. Currently residing in Kamloops, British Columbia, K.A.S.P grew up in the rougher areas of East Vancouver where he was first introduced to hip hop music.
K.A.S.P grew up listening to hip hop music in the 90s, characterized as the “golden age of hip hop”, and rappers like Nas and Tupac inspired the music he makes today. “I really loved the culture - what hip hop music was all about,” says K.A.S.P. “Hip hop music was my medicine, and it just brought me back to who I’m at in being Indigenous.” Today, K.A.S.P says his music is inspired by his traditions, family, life and just being able to celebrate with music.
K.A.S.P started his music career in 2000 with the hip hop group 7th Generation, and in 2010 made the decision to branch out as a solo artist. Most recently, K.A.S.P won West Coast Rap Album of the Year at the 2015 Canadian Hip Hop Awards and the Aboriginal Arts Excellence Award at the 2016 BC Arts Awards. His latest single “Thank You” from his upcoming album is on the Top 25 Indigenous Music Countdown.
In 2013 K.A.S.P took some time off from his music career to focus on his other passion: motivational speaking. K.A.S.P has spoken all across Canada, and in some parts of the United States. He has worked with youth organizations, bands, health centers, ministries, Ministry of Children and Family Development and delegated agencies, jails and prison settings, conferences and family events.
K.A.S.P has two year-round tours, the “Reach our Native Youth” and “Addictions Awareness” tours, and has also recently teamed up with North of 60’s Dakota House and Comedian Aboriginal Hypnotist Scott Ward for the “Going M.I.L.E.S” tour. K.A.S.P’s goal is to reach as many Indigenous communities as possible in order to inspire and motivate people to better themselves. Motivational Speaker, Facilitator, Hip Hop Artist