Forever on the grind, DMV-based hip-hop duo 2wiin Kingz recently took a break from their daily studio sessions for an exclusive interview with I Love Us. Describing themselves as “trendsetters” and “boundary pushers,” they’re here to let the rap scene know that there are two crowns, and the Twins are coming to claim them.

Bringing a brotherly bond to their craft, 2wiin Kingz use their twin connection to complement each other’s sound while challenging each other lyrically. By blending their creative powers, they produce a more “organic and realistic” style for their audience.

“We’re real twins. This isn’t a gimmick with cute nicknames and dressing alike in public; that’s my blood brother!” Twin says.

“That’s what drives us,” his brother continues. “As twins, we have a connection and understanding between us that no one else has. We’re each other’s biggest competition and supporter at the same time, always able to look to each other for inspiration.”

When asked how someone can tell them apart, Twin immediately answered, “You don’t. My brother and I are a pair; you’ll almost never see me without him. So when someone speaks to us or references us, it’s always about us, never the individual. That said, we both go by ‘Twin.’”

With roots planted throughout Maryland and a part of their childhood spent in New York, the Twins recall their earliest encounters with true hip-hop, sparking a lifelong love affair with the art form.

“We were in middle school playing ball with our family in New York. We used to see cyphers at the park and the sense of community that came with it. Listening to them freestyle and break down the raps bar by bar was incredible to us. Then one time, our cousin joined the cypher, and after that, we wanted in. We started writing raps on napkins and receipts from the store, re-listened to some of our favorite rappers to understand their cadence and flow. Rap is an art form, and we became real students of the game.”

Citing several artists, from pioneers like Nas and DMX to modern rappers like Joyner Lucas and Big K.R.I.T., the Twins also name iconic duos such as Outkast and Method Man & Redman as foundational sources of creative inspiration.

“One thing about us,” Twin comments, “even today, if we respect your pen, we respect your pen. And we pay attention. We prefer listening to artists who have something to say.”

Now fully-fledged artists with their own platform, 2wiin Kingz are eager to discuss their growth and introduce their latest project, It’s Funny How Life Is.

Debuting on streaming services this past spring, the Twins describe the album as “something new that’ll keep the fans happy yet on their toes.”

“You’ll never hear the same sound from us,” Twin promises. “If you hear our tape and didn’t get anything from it, then I have to reassess why.”

One unique aspect of the album, which the brothers are proud of, is the way the song titles spell out a series of phrases:

First Things First / Recognize the Truth / By Owning / Your Fears / When Fulfilling / Your Desires / You’ll Find Love / So Let Go / Of Your Past / & Earn Respect / By Knowing / Who / You Are / Especially / How People / Can Be / Inherently / Selfish

“With this album, we wanted to open the emotional spectrum and explore the stages of ‘what it feels like to be human?’ It’s a very reflective, very vulnerable project from us,” Twin explains.

“That’s the reasoning behind the song titles; it’s the direction we were going and want our audience to go with us. Think of it like a basketball game. The first quarter is for naysayers and fans alike; a statement of ‘we hear what the streets have been saying, and we’re coming back!’ The second quarter covers the ups and downs of a relationship, from courtship to breakup, allowing listeners to hear both sides. The third quarter is about reassurance and the reminder that you can rise again. The final quarter reflects on the idea that ‘people can be inherently selfish, regardless of how much you give. So be mindful of the company you keep.’”

With such thought put into the concept, it’s evident that this project holds a special place in the 2wiin Kingz’ discography.

“This album cut really deep for me,” Twin shares. “I was going through a terrible experience with someone I truly cared about, and I had to rap about what I felt. Though it hurt, it allowed me to highlight the traumas that come with relationships. It’s an honesty most rappers, especially men, don’t talk about.”

His brother adds, “That’s why the follow-up tracks are just as important. Hearing that after being broken, you can overcome sadness and get back up is empowering.”

At its core, It’s Funny How Life Is serves as a colorful example of the five principles the Twins want to share as a legacy with their audience.

“For us, it’s God first, pay homage to those before you, take care of those around you, leave something for those after you, and have fun!”

With humorous skits to balance the levity, the Twins ensure a mix of grit, growth, and grandeur throughout the listening journey.

So, what’s next for 2wiin Kingz?

The duo hints at a few creative ventures they’re currently exploring, including The Kiss Project, which will exclusively drop on their website later this year, and another creation geared toward Black History Month, set to debut this upcoming February.

A pair of brothers blazing trailways and studio booths, 2wiin Kingz continue to forge ahead in the industry, springboarding off each other and creating a catalog they can look back on with pride.

Cover photo: Credit: Styves Exantus