KEYD

How did you get that name?
I thought of it along time ago when I used  to tag and do graffiti art.

Where can we hear your stuff?
I have 2 myspace pages.  One is dedicated to my new releases with a couple of  free downloads and the other one I allow you to download some of  the music off of my ‘RUDE AND UNUSUAL’ cd  for FREE.  So if your looking for some West Coast, laid back, feel good music slide through.  Check out both of my myspace pages – myspace.com/keyd1 and myspace.com/keydone

What has been your biggest accomplishment?:
My biggest accomplishment was releasing my  ‘RUDE AND UNUSUAL’ mixed cd.  After alot of blood, sweat, and tears I was finally able to save enough money to get it pressed up professionally and packaged.  My cd is NOT in a slim jewel case.  Retail stores will not accept your cd if it is not shrink wrapped and store ready.  Just a hint to all my fellow independent artists out there who think about going the cheaper route and putting your hard work in a slim jewel case, it’s not worth it.  Just save the extra money and get it done right.  Remember, presentation is everything.  As a consumer, you want to get what you pay for.  Unfortunately, alot of consumers won’t take a chance on spending $5 on a cd especially if your outside a store trying to sell them on the street.  If your going to use a slim case just use it to promote a demo or a single to hand out.

What has been your most difficult challenge?
My most difficult challenge has been trying to find the right person and team to market my product.  You can have a good cd with a lot of singles that would make it in this industry but the key is how it is marketed.  If you don’t  market it correctly it could go no where.

What makes you different?
What makes me different is the topics I touch, as well as, how I express myself .  I tend to be more outspoken on subjects other rappers/mc’s are afraid to talk about due to the lyrical content.

What projects are you working on?
Right now, I just wrapped up my 2nd cd.  It’s the sequel to my first  mixed cd.  It’s called ‘STILL RUDE AND UNUSUAL.’  I also am working on my solo album.  I already have 10 official tracks that I selected that I want to use out of 25.  However, there’s still a few more artist features I would like to get on it.  I  also just finished working on a couple of songs with my boy BIG LOU from Scripp Block music.  His album is scheduled to drop early next year in 2009.  Be on the lookout for that.   Also, I’m working on a single with my homie EROCK from BLOCCKNOCK.  I plan on shooting a video for that up and coming single.
Where are you from originally? : I’m from the Bay Area but if I had to say what city I rep that would be THE HAYSTACK.  That’s Hayward, California.  If you heard of Spice 1 that’s the city he’s from.

How Long have you been making music?
I been making music since 1994.  It started off as just a hobby, you know a bunch of friends just hanging out drinking and freestyling in a cypher and kind of just evolved into something else.  More on a serious level.  I didn’t realize until 1996 that I wanted to really make it happen.

What artists inspire you?
PLAN BEE (r.i.p.) MIKE DREAM (r.i.p) those were friends I had grew up with.  Although their lives were cut short their legacy lives through me and I will continue to do what they had set out to do.

How would you define your style of music?
West Coast laid back, party fun, feel good music.

What teams are you affiliated with?
The Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A’s!

Who are some artists that you have worked with?
I’ve worked with alot of local rappers from Bay Area, such as: My son Lil Cello (be on the lookout for him I been teaching him how to rap since he was 6yr and he’s featured on both of my cds), Cizzilino, BIG LOU (Scripp Block Music), Lil Zae (Bay Bidnis), D-Shyne, Kool Guy w/ EAZE, SIN, BIG JAY 867, L.E., The Tunemaster, Atiim Chenzira, Erock,  Lo-Dub & Dizzy from Bloccknock, Da Rev, Hatchett the 1st, Queen Liz, C-Rite, DJ Sal, Tweeze, Big P, JPEEZ, and Doc Roc. I’ve also collaborated with alot of people through Myspace that are spread out all over the U.S. like Chi-City, Doeman, Shugga, Double C, Chico the Chicano  & KE from Kilbourne, Sounds, Kali Kid, KC & Mikey T. (Hott Music) Ramy, and Seilaesencia. Seilaesencia is in Spain and so is Ramy. Both are female rappers/emcees. Those are my oversea international collaborations. Modern technology gives us the ability to do oversea collaborations without flying there! It’s crazy man. If I forgot anyone else in the list please forgive me.

Who would you like to collab with?
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, DJ Quik, Cypress Hill, The Game, 50 cent, Eminem, and any producer that has bangin instrumentals.
Where do you see the future of music?
Music isn’t going anywhere.  Everybody listens to it.  With rap/hip hop it just keeps evolving.

Where do you see yourself in 1 year?
Still on the grind but hopefully by that time I would have already landed a good distribution deal and a great marketing team to market my product.

Describe yourself in one word.
Humble.

Any shout outs?
To my Biological parents Josie & John, without making me I wouldn’t be here.  I LOVE U BOTH

Email: [email protected]

myspace.com/keyd1

Management Contact Info: [email protected]