An Exclusive Interview with Hip-Hop Superstars Kevin Zhen & Pranay Vemulamada
This past weekend was Hip Hop Showcase. A lot of kids danced. Twerking was involved. Exactly four preps fainted after witnessing the compilation of performances.
The Exonian sent one of its best writers to capture the sentiments of the participants, specifically two performers who captured hearts of the entire town. Their real names are Kevin Zhen and Pranay Vemulamada, but you probably know them by their stage names: Yung Kev and P-Swag. Both have quickly risen to fame. Following their performance, both were immediately offered positions as back-up dancers for Beyoncé’s new world tour.
Lower who sold his soul to The Exonian: “So, Mr. Zhen and Mr. Vemulamada, what was the inspiration behind organizing this year’s Hip Hop Showcase?”
Kevin: “What Hip Hop Showcase?”
Pranay: “It’s really all about fame. You either have it or you don’t. Yeah, so, since we performed, I’ve gotten five new IG followers. It’s not big deal… but it’s kind of a big deal. Let’s put it in perspective: there are like 1000 people at Exeter… so that’s like a 0.5 percent increase. Any CFO would be proud.”
Lower: “What was the reaction to your performance?”
Kevin: “A lot of females approached me. It was really overwhelming. My mom told me that grades are more important than girls—and that they have cooties… and that I haven’t been vaccinated yet.”
Pranay: “I’ve gotten exactly 17 compliments to date. I write them all down so that I can remember them. *Pulls out notebook* This is my favorite one: ‘For someone so big, you move quite well.’”
Lower: “What do you think could have been improved at this year’s Hip Hop Showcase?”
Kevin: “There was a Hip Hop Showcase?”
Pranay: “People didn’t cheer loud enough. It was kind of a bummer. Also, I tried to body surf and that didn’t really work out…”
Lower: “What did you think of the other dance groups?”
Kevin: “My favorite dance group was actually Billy the Rapper. I see a real future for that kid.”
Pranay: “Imo, Shakti killed it.”
Lower: “What would you say was the most challenging part of the whole Showcase?”
Kevin: “I guess pulling people together and trusting them was quite an emotional hurdle. It’s really important to love everyone and spread peace and freedom and liberty.”
Pranay: “Definitely adapting to the fame. It’s real tough. I can’t take two steps without someone complimenting my outfit, or my performance, or the way my square glasses rest upon the bridge of my nose. It’s been a real transition. Before people only knew me because I was cool. Now I have to deal with the pressure of living up to the expectation.”
Lower: “If you could describe your performance in one word, which word would it be?
Kevin: “Inspirational.”
Pranay: “Flawless.”
Lower: If you could describe this your performance in one word, which word would it be?
Kevin: Inspirational.
Pranay: Flawless.