Tokeyo on 'Cream' EP & Overcoming Obstacles as An Openly Gay Artist

Trendsetting Hip Hop artist, Tokeyo is an explosive performing creative. Between sold out shows around the world to explicit and very queer music videos, Tokeyo has commanded attention not only throughout the LGBTQ world, but life in general.

As a youth, Tokeyo often found himself in trouble and the consequences led him to the dictionary, where he fell in love with the art of wordplay. From there he found himself taking theatre classes and performing in talent shows, honing his skills and setting the stage for showcasing his immense talent.

2018 found Tokeyo releasing his first offficial remix and visual to "Itty Bitty B*tches". Since then the sky has been the limit for Tokeyo, as he has hosted Evita - LA's preeminent queer party, covered Paper magazine, and is fresh off the release of his new EP, 'Cream', which garnered over 20,000 streams in it's first week of release.

From stripping to rapping, Tokeyo is fearless, using his intelligence to take him to uncharted territory. Within, there is an openly gay, but very masculine, sexy and confident and aesthetic that you'd be hard pressed to find in any other artist today.

So, it was only right to catch up with Tokeyo in this exclusive interview, where we got into his drive, overcoming obstacles as an openly gay man in the industry and his new EP. Check it out below and be sure to follow up @tokesbadd.

From theatre classes to talent shows and now putting out your own original music, you’ve always had a creative spirit. Where do you draw your drive and inspiration from?

I draw on my inspirations from childhood experiences, Grown up in foster care I never had a magical childhood. My creativity stemmed from my fantasy which drew inspiration from 106 and park your videos from Ciara, Chris Brown, Beyoncé Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, and Nicki Minaj. 

You dropped your 1st official remix in 2018 to much success. How has life been different for you since then?

It’s literally been crazy, i’ve been able to tour the world. I’ve met so many of my fans. Best part for me is I get a chance to reflect the life of a LGBTQ person.

Aside from putting out dope music, you’re also a pretty big deal in the nightlife LGBTQ world. What do you love most about the scene?

That’s a really dope question.  The best part about being in nightlife, no matter what city, state or country you’re in you get to transform to The creative being that exists inside.

Everyone has a different experience, some better than others. But, what is your coming out story?

As I’ve said before I grew up in foster care So between having a lisp acting very feminine. I was never one of those that had a chance to be like hey guys I’m gay. It was always a fact. Which I’ve never denied and I never will that’s why I’m so confident.

What challenges have you faced as an openly gay artist?

In 2018 there was no Lil Nas or saucy Santana’s around LA. So I never had an easy path it’s always been no, no, no. From collaborations or having people add me to the lineup. Every ounce of spotlight or fame that I’ve gotten has been off me hustling.

How have you overcome them?

Knowing exactly who I was and what I wanted the world to hear or see. Never changing, even when offered a deal to change and be less explicit. 

So, you just dropped a new EP, “Cream”. What type of vibes were you going for while creating it?

I was going for my original freestyles found with a bit of main stream aesthetic, shout out to Keyano My Producer that made all of it possible.

Which song was the most fun to make?

Stubborn holds a strong place in my heart because it embodies the direction you sound will be going in. I created it with so much freedom against the norms of hiphop.

The EP also has a couple of features. How did those collabs come about?

Well I’m 100 percent connected to my world of art, Slayrizz, Detrek, Kameron com K, and Oliver Manifest are all creative artist that I’ve loved and respected for a few. I reached out and without question all sent there verses within that month❤️.

What is 1 thing about yourself you wish more people knew?

I’ve came from DCFS, homelessness, jails, prisons, psych wards, addiction and counting. I’m supposed to be dead. God wants me hear and i have so much more to show. I gonna use my past as experience for creativity and not an excuse.

COVID-19 has been rough on us all. How have you been adjusting?

I dislike it, but I do believe the new normal is necessary to keep people safe. I’m still very stir crazy.

What’s the first thing you’re doing once lockdown lifts?

Going to get some Di€#

Anything else we should know?

Music Video for stubborn will drop next, it will definitely give you all the vibes and be clear I’m not like anything currently out. The hiphop/ pop mainstream aesthetic will show I am a front runner.