Laney Keyz on Defining His Own Sound & Making 2021 His Best Year Yet
A master of conversational, easygoing melodies, Laney Keyz is the next to blow in the Bay. After years of working on his craft, the rapper set out on his career path in mid 2020, gaining hella traction with the release of singles and freestyles, like Travis Scott's "FRANCHISE" and DaBaby's "Blind." 2021 found Laney Keyz giving it all the work, making noise with the globe-trotting "Russia," the flossy trap ballad "Knockout," and "Colorful Sh*t," which features a guest appearance by Lil Yachty.
Signed to Nontra Records, Laney Keyz's determination and sheer talent is set to take him far. Speaking on staying in his own lane, leveling up, and Oakland's music scene, tap into it below to see why Laney Keyz has got next. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Thanks for coming through! How has 2021 been treating you so far?
It has been pretty good so far. I’ll be celebrating my birthday in a couple days, so everything has been going well since the year has started. I can’t complain.
How has growing up in Oakland influenced your sound?
Honestly, it hasn’t influenced my sound that much. I try not to allow my surroundings do that for me, but it has played some parts in my development as an artist. Knowing the sounds that are linked to The Bay Area, I wanted to discover more elsewhere, and make those my own.
What’s the music scene like out there?
LK: It has a lot of ups and downs here. I get that there’s competition, but while there have been some dope artists coming out of The Bay, there has been a lot of tearing down of each other over here too. Sometimes it’s like a crabs in a barrel environment here. But, you still have to do your own thing, and make it pop. There are a few good connections here, but for the most part it’s hard.
When did you know you wanted to contribute to the culture by making your own music?
LI knew when I was around 16/17. I was incarcerated the time, and I wanted to do better things with my life. When I got out at around 18, I started recording a lot of music and focused on building my career.
You’ve made major moves as a relatively new artist with a smaller discography. Why do you think your music resonates with so many people?
Because it’s different and relatable to so many people really. I have substance that people need at this time, and I try to connect with many whether in the streets or mainstream.
Your latest single, “360” goes hard. How did you and Lil Keed link up?
I linked up with Lil Keed in Atlanta to make that happen. He’s a real cool and genuine person, and we clicked immediately. Making that track was fun too, and I appreciate you showing it a lot of love.
What has the reaction been like from fans so far?
I’ve had people reach out to me asking if I should be allowed to say the word “n*gga”. But, they don’t know anything about me, where I’m from and anything outside of me as an artist. I get a lot of love for “360”, but personally I feel I haven’t released a track that I’m 110% into. I love the tracks that are out so far, but as an artist, I feel I haven’t dropped a track that has me in love with it every time I hear it. It’s just one of those things that makes me want to go harder even more as an artist.
Are you working on any new music we should keep an eye out for?
I’m always working on new music, a lot of new music. Just stay tuned for it.
In what ways do you want your 2021 to be better than last year?
Last year found me getting off the ground, but this year and by the end of the year, I want my career to elevate even more, and me and my team are making more money off of our creations. Just to see us benefitting even more, putting in more work, and connecting with more people globally.
Any message for your fans?
I want them to know that sh*t will get better. Just stay consistent in what you’re doing, stay focused on your goals, and power through for what you want. Rome wasn’t built in a day. So, just keep on working because the end goal is there, even when you can’t see it at the moment.
