Atlanta-based Key! has been making waves since 2009, when him and Curtis Williams founded Two-9. Through mixtapes and records , both with the group and solo, Key! has been working hard to make a name for himself in the always-competitive hip hop world.
Despite the fact that he's distanced himself from the Two-9 crew, who is now gaining acclaim themselves, there is no bad blood between the artists. He said in an interview with The Source, "Yeah, because there is no bad blood, there are still my friends. I just wanted to chill and be alone; getting on my emo shit." Apparently it's working.
Currently on the Screaming Dreams tour, Key! is a name that is popping up all over the internet. Here are the ten essential tracks you should know if you're getting into his music.
Key! - Give Em Hell
Hailing from ATL, Key! filmed the music video for one of his most popular songs in NYC. He pays hommage to the birthplace of hip hop by eating pizza and walking around shirtless on what appears to be a sticky, summer night.
Key! - Guess Who (Fuckin Yo Bitch)
There's no much that asserts male dominance like getting with another man's girl. Key! is apparently doin' a bunch of that, and not shy about airing it out on the record.
Key! ft ManManSavage - Keep the Piece
Key! invites fellow ATLien ManManSavage on this cut.
Key! & ManManSavage - Trap Money
If you liked that last cut, you'll probably dig the other collab these cats have out, "Trap Money."
Key! - TMZ (prod. by FKi & ILoveMakonnen)
Key! blesses some ILoveMakonnen production with "TMZ."
Father ft ILoveMakonnen & Key! - Look At Wrist
It's a new Atlanta world order with this one, off Father's album Young Hot Ebony.
Key! ft ILoveMakonnen - Geeking
Makonnen and Key! clearly have some chemistry together. Check 'em out on "Geeking."
Key! & FKi ft Omari Shakir - Make My Mind Up
With a lot of cuts boasting hyphy trap beats, it's nice to hear some atmospheric work from the young MC. This one is off Key! and FKi's collaborative effort Fkeyi.
Key! ft Jace of Retro Sushi - Recoup
Here's one off Fathers Are The Curse, which came out in 2013.
Key! ft Curtis Williams - Scottie 2 Hottie
Check out the Two-9 founders together in action via 2012's "Scottie 2 Hottie."