American rapper KRTZ (Karats) said she is inspired by Jamaican music, specifically dancehall.

“I love the beats and the realness of Jamaican music. It is gritty and raw. I also love the way the singers have the ability to draw you into the songs as well. It’s something about a good dancehall beat to make your hips move,” said KRTZ. “I have a lot of Jamaican friends and when the music comes on the way they move their hips to the beat is mesmerising. I want my music to put people in a mood just like that.”

Currently promoting her latest single Level Up, she plans to do a dancehall remix with either Charly Black or Popcaan.

“I would love to collaborate with either Popcaan or Charly Black. I am a fan of their work and it would be a dream come true to work with either,” she told Jamaica Observer.

KRTZ spoke about her music.

“I feel I bring real life experiences to the table from a woman’s point of view. I tell the stories of our struggles and triumphs as women giving the world a unique look into what we go through daily. There is very little representation for real women living real lives trying to make it out here and that is where my music will fill the gap. I have a variety of topics that I will cover giving the world a look into the complexity of women the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Level Up was released last month on the Diamond Bag Entertainment label.

“Well, it’s been a journey, eight years to be exact. It started with me starting record label from the hospital bed in my living room to me becoming the artist because artists do not exhibit the same drive as I do. It has been full of ups and downs but I never gave up. I have a very big vision and I have had to show time and time again that I am dedicated to success. I’m optimistic that I bring something unique to the table so that people will relate and it will all be worth it when I reach my goal,” she added.