Starting in 2002, Rapid City hip-hop artist KOD rode a wave of

success, first on the strength of his single, "Hear My Cry," which

got significant radio play here, and later with his full album,

"Rolle to the Fullest."

That initial success led to major-label interest, a spot on the

Billboard charts and slots opening for Afroman, 2 Live Crew,

Tone-Loc and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Now, KOD is getting his second album ready and has landed a

sponsorship deal with rapper Lil Jon's Crunk Energy Drink. That

sponsorship has allowed KOD to build his street team of 25 people up

to more than 75.

But beyond the continuing flirtations with fame, the local rapper,

whose name is Andre Truitt, is finding ways to give back to the

community that has embraced his music.

And he's starting by putting on a hip-hop workshop for kids at the

Rapid City Public Library. During the two-hour workshop, KOD will

cover writing, performing and marketing.

"It's open to all ages, but it's mostly geared toward the kids," he

said. "I'll be talking about how I got into the music business."

The workshop will also have time for the kids to write some lyrics

themselves.

Building on his previous success and staying involved in the

community are responsible for the longish gap between his first

album and the one he has in progress.

"A lot of people have been asking me why it's taken so long to

release a new album," KOD said, but the lapse hasn't diminished his

popularity. The local music cycle is favoring hip-hop again, he

said.

"I've been in the studio a whole lot," he said, "People are starting

to feel the music again."

And despite the cancellations of a couple big-name rap and hip-hop

concerts here, KOD remains optimistic about his fortunes on the

music scene in the Black Hills.

"South Dakota is really unpredictable," he said, "One minute,

everyone wants to see you; the next minute, they forget about you."

But his activity in the community - such as coaching youth

basketball teams and organizing local concerts and the hip-hop

workshop - forges a bond with the people who listen to his music.

"You got to show love to the people who love you," he said. "They

buy my albums because of who I am as a person."

That personal connection with the community makes KOD believe he can

make it big based in the Black Hills.

"I think that I can do it from right here," he said.

If you go

What: Hip-hop workshop with local rapper and recording artist KOD

When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29

Where: Rapid City Public Library

The workshop is part of the library's No School Discovery Day

series.

Contact Eric Lochridge at 394-8321 or

eric.lochridge@rapidcityjournal.com.