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Artist Spotlight: Kudavtk — From YouTube Diss Tracks to Underground Emotion

Emerging from the Bronx with a story as layered as his sound, Kudavtk is an artist unafraid to merge vulnerability with vision. A product of experience, growth, and raw emotion, his music is more than a sound — it’s a reflection of the life he’s lived and the truth he’s still discovering.

The Origins

Kudavtk’s journey into music began around 2016–2017, when he first started dropping diss tracks on YouTube with a group he was part of at the time. But it wasn’t until 8th grade that music became something deeper. A close friend taught him how to structure his bars and speak with intention — not just to rhyme, but to say something.

“That’s when it all changed,” Kuda recalls. “I realized I could express what I was going through — and at the same time, help others who felt the same.”

That realization would become the foundation of his artistry.

The Name: Kudavtk

The name “Kudavtk” carries personal history. It’s a combination of two names: Kuda, and VTK — short for his former alias, VesperTheKidd. Both names were inspired by the game Call of Duty: Black Ops 3.

  • “Vesper” came from a fast-firing gun in the game, matching his rapid-fire rap style at the time.
  • “The Kidd” was added after the passing of Juice WRLD, as a tribute to an artist who deeply influenced him.
  • “Kuda” also came from the game — a weapon he saw as reliable, just like himself.

During a livestream, Kuda asked his audience if he should change his name — the chat agreed. From that moment on, Kudavtk was born.

“It stuck — and it’s been that ever since.”
K5 🩸💎

The Process

Kuda’s creative process is rooted in emotional truth. He only records when he’s deeply connected to the feeling behind a song. Whether it’s pain, anger, love, or reflection, he believes music has to come from an authentic place — or the audience won’t feel it.

“If you’re not genuine in what you’re rapping or singing, people can pick up on that. I only record when the feeling is real.”

Evolving Beyond Drill

Kuda’s last official release, “Feet On Land,” was his final drill record — at least for the foreseeable future.

“That track was about anger. I wanted to prove that if I really wanted to, I could dominate that sound. But I’ve said what I needed to say there.”

With drill dominating the NYC and Bronx music scenes, Kuda is intentionally pivoting toward underground sounds, determined to show that New York artists can — and should — break the mold.

The Most Personal Song: Hangin’ W Da 5

Out of his growing discography, one track stands out as his most emotionally significant: “Hangin’ W Da 5.”

In it, Kuda opens up about his relationship with his son’s mother, the emotional challenges they faced, and his desire to hold onto love amidst the chaos. He also pays tribute to 5insiris, the crew he considers family. The song was so personal that he admits he cried while making it.

“It might not make sense to everyone right away. But if you really listen, the lyrics tell the story. It came straight from the heart.”

The Bigger Picture

Kudavtk’s mission is simple: be real, stay grounded, and show the world there’s more than one way to make music in NYC. He’s stepping away from the expected and pushing toward something deeper — something that lasts.

Whether it’s pain, reflection, or raw energy, Kuda brings it with purpose. And as his journey continues, one thing’s clear: he’s not here for the trends — he’s here to tell his story.

K5 🩸💎

Listen to Kudavtk on all major streaming platforms.
Follow him on [socials] for music, updates, and more.
#Kudavtk #K5 #BronxMusic #FeetOnLand #HanginWDa5 #UndergroundNYC #RealRap

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