Kibbutz-Born Rapper John King Honors Fallen Friend on New Album

Rapper John King, born and raised in Kibbutz Bari, has released a new album titled "Upside Down," which deeply reflects the trauma of the October 7th Hamas attack and the loss of his childhood friend, Inbar Boyum, and Inbar's father, Gil Boyum. King, whose real name is Jonathan Louis King, was visiting the graves of his friends when he spoke about the surreal experience of navigating life and creating music in the shadow of such profound loss.

King, who also works as a farmer managing avocado, mango, and jojoba fields, finds parallels between agricultural labor and his music, describing both as therapeutic. His musical journey began in his youth with rock and hip-hop influences, but it was during a period in military prison that he started writing his first rap songs. He credits his mother for introducing him to Israeli hip-hop artists like Subliminal and Ha'Tzel, and later Lokach, Izzy, and Hadag Nahash.

Recounting the events of October 7th, King described being in his kibbutz home when the attack began. He and his brother Shalev took shelter, eventually being rescued that evening amidst the chaos. He learned of Inbar's death days later, on October 11th, the same day his new album was released. Inbar Boyum was killed while trying to arm himself to defend his home after encountering terrorists. His father, Gil Boyum, was killed shortly after in a battle within the kibbutz.

The new album, "Upside Down," features collaborations and samples, including the voice of Inbar Boyum himself, incorporated into songs that grapple with grief, loss, and the struggle for agricultural revival. King sees his music as a way to process these experiences and to ensure the memory of his friend and others lost is preserved. He remains committed to living in Kibbutz Bari, despite the ongoing challenges and the reduced population, viewing his return and continued presence as a form of resilience and a commitment to the kibbutz's future.