Lil Kev
Hartbeat / Paramount+ · Series · 2025
Composer
KOVAS composed the original score for Lil Kev, the adult animated series starring Kevin Hart, streaming on Paramount+. The series is set in 1993 North Philadelphia and follows Kevin Hart’s childhood.
The score uses drum machines and keyboards from the era: the MPC 60, SP-1200, TR-808 and TR-909, and the Roland JV-1080. KOVAS also wrote original ’90s-style songs placed in the story.
The voice cast includes Wanda Sykes, Deon Cole and Cree Summer. Hartbeat and ShadowMachine produce the series. Matthew Claybrooks and Michael Price are the showrunners.
In his own words, on scoring Lil Kev.
Lil Kev was set in the ’90s, so it was important to be authentic to that era musically. I broke out the MPC 3000, the MPC 60 and the SP-1200, the machines hip hop was made on in that time. They gave it the special crunch and bit reduction that gives ’90s hip hop its unique sound.
KOVAS, on Lil Kev
I wanted the score to be authentically from that time period, sonically, so it would feel like a time capsule, but also fresh and current. 19-Ninety-Now.
KOVAS, on Lil Kev
I used the keyboards and synths from that era for all the R&B. When the story shifts to Kevin’s mom and father, I created score pieces that felt like the ’70s, the sounds that were popular during their youth.
KOVAS, on Lil Kev
Who composed the music for Lil Kev?
KOVAS composed the original score for Lil Kev, Kevin Hart’s adult animated series on Paramount+ (2025).
What gear did KOVAS use on the Lil Kev score?
Drum machines and keyboards from the era: the MPC 3000, MPC 60, SP-1200, TR-808 and TR-909, and the Roland JV-1080.
Where and when is Lil Kev set?
North Philadelphia in 1993. The series follows Kevin Hart’s childhood.
Does Lil Kev have original songs?
Yes. KOVAS also wrote original ’90s-style songs placed in the story.
How do I hire KOVAS to score a series or film?
Send a booking brief at musicbykovas.com/contact or email teamKOVAS@musicbykovas.com. Management is Steve Nice, Nice Management and Consulting.
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