P.Keys is an artist that you need to have on your radar. In the past few weeks he has killed some of the illest electronic beats out and quadrupled his SoundCloud following. Taking an unconventional approach and going in over tracks by Kaytranada, CRNKN, Mr. Carmack, Hucci and Troyboi may come as surprise to some, but it makes me wonder why it hasn’t been done before? Taking on some of the best and most original producers beats is an intelligent but daunting task. If you’re going to try to put your stamp on these tracks you better come correct, and that’s exactly what he does. Don’t get it twisted, it’s not just the production and song selection that makes him stand out, a stellar flow, witty wordplay and relatable lyrics make him a shining star. We had the pleasure of connecting with P.Keys for an exclusive interview. We discussed his early hate for dance music, his plans for the future, what it felt like getting props from Mr. Carmack and Troyboi and more.
FUXWITHIT: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
P.Keys: I’m 23 Years, old, born + raised in Rhode Island. I moved to Fairfax, Virginia in 2008 to attend George Mason University where I studied Information Technology.
FUXWITHIT: How long have you been rapping and how did you get into hip-hop?
P.Keys: I’ve been rapping as long as I can remember, although I didn’t start writing my own until I was about 10 or so. My older brother got me into hip-hop when I was real young, east coast hip-hop. Mos Def, The Roots, Talib, Wu-Tang, Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Rakim, and the list goes on. I think it was the use of lyricism to portray a message, and the rebellious feeling that I got from listening. I was hooked after that.
FUXWITHIT: Your flips have been getting some major attention lately. What made you decide to take on different genres of electronic music? How do you select which tracks you want to flip?
P.Keys: It’s all hip-hop to me, at least I treat it as such. It’s just an evolution of the craft. I try to align an emotion I have with a production I feel. Once I have both, the words fall on the page.
FUXWITHIT: Your Mr. Carmack flip was reposted by the man himself. What was like it like to have him support your work? Have you spoken to him?
P.Keys: It was unreal, I’ll never forget that notification lol. To get the stamp of approval from him is awesome, especially because it was new and I didn’t want to take anything away from how amazing the production was. We haven’t spoken but hopefully in the future =).
FUXWITHIT: Troyboi also gave you props on the “Forgive Me Not” flip. Have any producers hit you up recently looking to collaborate?
P.Keys: Yes, the Hegemon collective are huge supporters and I have to shout them out! Some projects have come along and I’m working with some amazing up and comers at the moment.
FUXWITHIT: I found you when Manila Killa reposted your Kaytranada flip on SoundCloud. He’s been a supporter of a number of your recent releases. Are you guys friends?
P.Keys: Yes, Manila and I met a few years ago through a mutual friend. That friend said to me “You should check this kid Chris, he’s really dope.” We all know this, but, when you hear “listen to my friend” you assume that person will be mediocre at best. I heard Manila Killa and was blown away. Huge fan of his music. We also might have a couple of collabs coming soon =).
FUXWITHIT: What do you see as your best work to date?
P.Keys: ‘9ine’ would have to be my favorite. It’s a representation of my mindset at that time but it’s general enough to speak to a wide audience. Anything based of a strong emotion I like the most.
FUXWITHIT: What can we expect from you in terms of upcoming releases?
P.Keys: Oh Boy lol. LOTS. More flips coming, more collabs, and when the time is right, a new tape. I have about 25 unreleased records, so… =).
FUXWITHIT: What are you most looking forward to as an artist?
P.Keys: Changing the norm and giving the music industry a kick in the ass.
FUXWITHIT: What’s your dream collaboration?
P.Keys: YEEZUS.
FUXWITHIT: Any last words for your fans?
P.Keys: #IKYC
FUXWITHIT: Can you explain the significance of #IKYC?
P.Keys: IKYC stands for I Know You Care. It was the title of my first project released over a year ago. Basically, everything that I bring as an artist is based of what I loved as a fan. From raw hip-hop to slow emotion driven verses, I love them all. So IKYC was me believing that whatever I am as an artist, I know you’ll care about.
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