Today, we’re thrilled to premiere Kara Major’ s latest music video, “White Collar Gangsta“—a bold EDM-hip-hop anthem that flips the script on modern ambition. This electrifying track dives deep into the world of financial power players, blending pulsating beats with razor-sharp storytelling to expose the high-stakes games of corporate elites.
Directed with a cinematic flair that mirrors the intensity of its theme, the music video for “White Collar Gangsta” opens with a striking snippet of President George W. Bush addressing the nation during the 2008 financial crisis. The scene transitions to Kara Major in a sleek black-and-white ensemble, embodying corporate chic while delivering her hard-hitting verses.
As the video unfolds, Kara appears with bold chess-inspired makeup, seated at a chessboard—a powerful symbol of strategy and calculated moves in the high-stakes world of finance. Money packs cascade from above, emphasizing the allure and excess of wealth, while Kara stands tall behind a globe, portraying her dominance and influence on a global scale. In a final enigmatic twist, she dons a bull mask, a symbol of aggressive market trends and resilience, further cementing the video’s deep commentary on power, ambition, and financial supremacy.
In our exclusive interview, Kara peels back the layers of her creative process, the inspiration behind “White Collar Gangsta,” and the powerful message she hopes to share with listeners navigating their own journeys of ambition and self-empowerment.
Stay tuned to discover how Kara Major crafted this unique anthem and what’s next for this fearless artist in 2024 and beyond. For now, hit play on “White Collar Gangsta” and dive into the world where EDM meets hip-hop and ambition reigns supreme.
Kara, “White Collar Gangsta” has such a powerful concept, blending EDM and hip-hop to tell a story of corporate ambition and power. What inspired you to explore this side of modern ambition, and how did the idea of the ‘white collar gangsta’ come about?
I actually wrote this song back in 2008 during the subprime mortgage crisis. I work in the financial industry and just couldn’t believe the financial treachery I was witnessing. It was one of the toughest moments not only in my entire career but an unprecedentedly tough moment for Americans in general. The level of financial irresponsibility and corruption that led to that situation left me awestruck, and just like any other event that strikes me deeply emotionally, I felt the need to write a song about it.
The song features a bold statement in the chorus: “When I grow up, I want to be a white collar gangsta!” How do you see that sentiment playing out in today’s culture, especially when it comes to the pursuit of power, money, and status?
I see it every time a major case of fraud or corporate corruption hits the headlines. From Ponzi and crypto schemes to whistleblower cases, these people can make millions and even billions of dollars appear then disappear, receiving only a 2 or 3-year prison sentence. That’s equivalent to the length of a typical car lease. It’s quite amazing, actually. However, it should also be noted that not all those I consider white collar gangstas are “bad” and ill intended. There are a lot of very smart people in this category that have just learned how to play an extremely complex and intriguing game very well. They see the world from a macro perspective and have a special kind of mind and skill set that they have utilized to bring their desires to life, creating generational wealth in the process not only for themselves but for all associated with them. Sometimes it takes a little dose of “gangsta” to make the tough calls that most of us don’t have the guts to make, as well as a certain type of “gangsta” skin to withstand the ruthless nature of the financial world in general. Humans don’t eat each other carnivorously like other animals in nature; we often do it financially, whether we realize it or not.
The fusion of EDM and hip-hop in “White Collar Gangsta” is seamless. What was your creative process like in blending these genres, and how did you approach the production to ensure both the intensity of the beats and the lyrical message were equally impactful?
When I first wrote the song back in 2008, it was a hip-hop track with a beat I used back then. We basically took that original sound and remade it with the EDM fusion. Because the framework was already in place, it wasn’t too hard at all. Well, that and because I have Vinny, my amazing and super creative producer. He’s capable of creating magic no matter the complexity of the task!
Your music has always combined personal insight with high-energy sound. How does “White Collar Gangsta” fit into your broader musical journey, and what does it represent for you as an artist in 2024?
For me, this is the first track where I really got to showcase more thoroughly what I love the most, which is the story telling and rapping. Also, it was fun to step outside the box and make a song with a bit of a darker and somewhat sarcastic undertone. I love to inspire, but I also like to inform when possible and appropriate. Unfortunately, some life lessons don’t include sunshine and rainbows, but we still benefit from learning about them. It is my intention for my musical journey to remain balanced, including themes both light and dark.
The song gives listeners a peek into the world of corporate elites and financial powerhouses. In your opinion, what role do these power players have in shaping global economies, and how does “White Collar Gangsta” reflect their influence on the world today?
As the old saying goes, “He/she who makes the money, makes the rules.” That pretty much explains it. I think their role is massive and reaches far deeper than most may realize.
You’ve always been known for empowering messages in your music. In what ways do you see “White Collar Gangsta” as a motivational anthem for your audience, especially those who are navigating high-pressure careers or entrepreneurial ambitions?
Those who are navigating high-pressure careers or entrepreneurial ambitions should absolutely be motivated to become as creative and crafty as these modern-day gangstas. Making money is one thing, but learning to keep it, protect it, and grow it is something completely different. I would hope it motivates them to pursue all the above!
You’ve cultivated a reputation for blending energy with messages in a way that gets people thinking. What do you hope listeners take away from “White Collar Gangsta” beyond just the music itself?
The message of this song is “finance is an offensive and defensive language everyone should learn to speak.” My intention with this song is to hopefully draw attention and awareness to the financial world in an eye-opening manner for anyone currently unfamiliar. Money does indeed make the world go round, and the more familiar with it and the vehicles utilized to grow it we become, the more empowered we become. By the same token, understanding the darker side of finance is just as powerful. If one studies what all took place during the crisis of 2008 or any other financial crisis for that matter, the better their chances are of not only protecting themselves from another looming crisis but also benefiting from it. Crisis means horror for some but opportunity for the self-educated financial gangstas who are paying attention. If they weren’t paying attention before, I hope they will now.
Looking at the bigger picture, where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years? What’s your vision for the future of your career and the type of impact you hope to leave on the music industry?
I see a lot more music and a lot more messages! I’m thrilled that I have finally made it through the tougher early stages of this new career and have now established a sort of rhythm as far as creating new music consistently. I intended for that to always be the case and I’m hoping all my music leaves listeners inspired, empowered, and, of course, entertained!
Lastly, what’s next for you after this single? Are there any exciting collaborations, upcoming projects, or performances that fans can look forward to in the near future?
Yes and yes! Collaborations and performances are definitely in the works, as I am planning to release my first full album next year. There are still a few details to work out, but it’s all on the way!
Follow Kara on Website, Spotify, Instagram, and TikTok for more music, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments.
