Keeya Keys, aka the coldest rapper to come out of the North of London, drops latest EP “Keys to the City”- a meticulously crafted package of tracks, finely tuned across two years. Keys is a home grown talent who has soaked up the diverse influences of London’s music scene, from grime to afrobeats, drill and hip hop.
With guidance from London production quartet 4PLAY, the EP places Keeya in his element, alongside featuring artists such as BOJ, Blanco and Kida Kudz. Each track solidifies the artists reputation as one of the UK’s finest upcoming UK talents. Combining garage, rap, drill and Gospel-infleunced mixes, Keeya never shy’s away from introducing an array of genres to his sound.
Honing in on the lyrical excellence, “Lean On Me” introduces the six-track EP, a feel good and exceptionally soulful piece that sets the listener up for truly enriching experience. The tone swiftly meanders into the peppy and vibrant flows of “You Don’t”, which features fellow Londoner, Blanco.
In the rappers own words, “this EP is a rebirth for myself. It is a new chapter and I’m excited to be back releasing music. Every song on this project is placed particularly as the EP is made to be played on repeat.” “Keys to the City” is a true testament to the talents of Keeya Keys, a soaring star in the UK rap scene.
We sat down with the rapper to talk through early inspirations, creative processes and future plans.
Listen to the full EP now…
Read the full interview below…
Who and what influences you to create?
I grew up in the grime era and I think the feeling of spinning a room with words always motivated me when I was younger. All my people around me have always been influences for me also . Seeing my friends have a top 5 single inspired me before I even started making music. I think there’s no better feeling than being in studio and a song just clicks. Sometimes you end up chasing that moment but I’ve learnt to enjoy every part of the process
How did you first start rapping?
I always used to rap in school, everyone in a circle around someone’s Sony Ericsson tryna take each others heads off. I loved the competition and I think I thrive when put in those situations. But really it was my friends who pushed me to start recording and taking it seriously.
How would you define the essence of your sound?
I think I mix fun and dark together in a way no one else can. It’s quite intricate with influences of grime, drill, baile funk and afrobeats. I focus on making party/club music incorporating my writing style to make it jump!
You touch on a lot of sounds but there is always that bouncy energy to the beat and flow, is that about creating a vibe?
I think that’s more down to the way we are in the studio, always dancing LOL. But we always focus on making sure the vibe is there before we even lay any vocals.
4PLAY, who you’ve worked with a lot, helm the production on the new tape – how did you start working with them, and why do you continue to do so?
4PLAY are the producers who made me who I am. I think they are the best in the UK when it comes to versatility and quality. We have a strong understanding of each other and when it all comes together we feel unstoppable. I can’t wait to show what we’ve been working on since the project.
What’s your opinion on the UK rap scene at present?
I think there are a lot of talented newcomers however I think there is a lack of honesty. I think laying yourself bare can be scary as an artist especially in a country that’s very judgemental. I hope I can change this as I show more vulnerability during the next year.
How do the cultures of football and music cross in your view?
Changing rooms! In the changing room before a game is the exact same feeling as being in a green room before a show. The anxious/excited energy is where I perform best.
What’s your pre and post match anthems?
Pre match has to be something gassed, right now it would be Scenes by Potter Payper, big tune!
Post match Keeya Keys – Boujee, that song has a celebratory feeling and hopefully we’ve won so we can do that.
Talk me through the creative process of “Keys To The City”?
We were heavily focused on making the project short and sweet giving it the chance to be digested on repeat. We made sure the songs all had a musical element as the plan is to hit them with darker hard hitting sounds after. So when people come back to this project they’re surprised at how the instrumentation is on the project.
You’ve been releasing for 4 years now, but this is your debut EP – did you want to bide your time till the perf moment?
I would love to say that but the truth is we encountered so many delays. Coming from football the only analogy I can use is it feels like being injured. You take a few steps forward then you may tweak your injury and you’re set back again while the rest of the world is moving on. It can feel dark sometimes but there’s no better feeling than overcoming it and achieving what you were dreaming of the whole time!
Love the choice of features, how did they come about? Obvs worked with Blannco before?
I’ve always been a fan of Kida Kudz, I think his flair is unreal. OGD layed down the hook for Street Life and we knew we needed someone from the UK with flair. He came to my mind straight away, we got in and made 2 bangers! The second one isn’t out yet but trust me it’s gonna shake the clubs!
Boj was someone I always took in and I wanted to explore the afrobeats alté scene, was sick to get in and work with him!
Blanco and me have very different styles when it comes to rapping but I feel they complement each other perfectly. Always feels like we’re sparring in the studio trying to get our best verses, I love that competition.
What are the main themes across the EP?
I would say believing in yourself and trusting the process, there are tunes which are a little bit more introspective (Street Life, Up Down, Lean on Me) then there are fun tunes in Boujee and Anchorman. Overall we sprinkled everything in there!
What are you trying to portray with the project / what do you want listeners to take away from it?
I wouldn’t say I came in trying to portray anything, I’m just me and I’m trying to push myself and create the best music possible. Hopefully that connects with people, I also talk a lot about the struggles of my life and how I’m trying to overcome them. I am far from my best self!
Where do you want to take your artistry?
TO THE MOON. I will be up there with the UK greats, trust the process!
What is to come from you this year?
More music, more shows, more greatness.
I’m dropping a mixtape entitled Violence and Violins this year, I’m about to take what’s rightfully mine! I’m also doing a 3-City tour so I can connect with my supporters. Can’t wait for what’s to come so lock in!