Krizz Kaliko’s ‘Genius’ Gains New Popularity After Feature in Apple iPhone Commercial

Krizz Kaliko’s ‘Genius’ Shines in New Apple Commercial

In the heart of Kansas City, music lovers are buzzing with excitement! Just recently, fans caught a fleeting moment of nostalgia during a commercial break while cheering for their favorite football teams, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, on Amazon Prime. The star of the show? None other than a classic track from a local hip-hop legend, Krizz Kaliko.

Spotting ‘Genius’ in the Spotlight

The ad promoting the new iPhone 16 Pro featured a snippet from Kaliko’s 2006 hit, “Genius.” This 30-second commercial not only showcased the advanced features of Siri but also highlighted renowned actress Bella Ramsay, known for her role in “The Last of Us.” In this fun party scene depicted in the commercial, Ramsay spots someone familiar and hilariously turns to Siri for help in recalling their name. As she gets her answer, the catchy chorus of “I am, Genius” drifts through the air, sending longtime fans into a frenzy!

Fans React with Joy and Excitement

If you tuned in to the game, social media was ablaze with nods to this Kansas City artist. One fan tweeted, “Who’s the KC kid on Apple’s marketing team that got a @KrizzKaliko sample in the new Apple ad? 18-year-old me is mind-blown right now!” Another user chimed in, “I just heard Krizz Kaliko’s voice on an Apple commercial during this Thursday Night Football game. ‘I am, Genius!’” This track has evidently left a lasting impression, and it’s clear folks are still riding the wave of his brilliance.

Jason Whitlock, a sports columnist, even encouraged listeners to download the track, declaring it, “Great song off one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history.” It’s incredible to see a song that has been around for 15 years still being praised for its impact and relevance.

Kaliko’s Evolving Career and New Ventures

For those who are fans of Krizz Kaliko, born as Samuel Watson IV, you might recall him as a cornerstone of Tech N9ne’s Strange Music label for two decades. He made waves with his unique vocal style and collaborations before branching out on his own in 2021 to create his own label, Ear House Inc. This bold move marks a new chapter as he continues to innovate in the music scene, now right from his basement in South Kansas City.

But that’s not all! Kaliko isn’t just making music; he’s diving into voice acting too. You can hear him as the anti-hero Dinobot in the Netflix animated series “Transformers: War for Cybertron” and as Leroy Smith in “Tekken: Bloodline,” showcasing his talents in yet another creative arena.

Upcoming Events

Ready for some live action? Kaliko is gearing up for the Fly High Tour, kicking off on Friday, October 4, in Farmington, New Mexico. Fans in Kansas City won’t have to wait long, as he’ll be hitting the stage at The Westport Bowery on Sunday, October 13. It’s an event not to be missed, so mark your calendars!

The spotlight on Krizz Kaliko’s “Genius” in an Apple commercial is a delightful reminder of how local talent continues to shine on a global stage. As Kansas City residents celebrate this moment, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride in having such remarkable artists in our midst.