Haastattelussa Kalifornia-räppäri Lo’Key Tha YG. Hän on tehnyt urallaan yhteistyötä muun muassa Big2DaBoyn, Playa Hammin, WC:n, Enois Scrogginsin ja Kay Nine Tha Bossin kanssa.
- What’s up, Lo’Key? How are you today?
West up! I’m doing well, just trying to elevate every day.
- Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, there’s a lot to say on that, but I’ll keep it brief. I’m 35 years old, and I’ve been doing this music thing since I was 16. I was born in Los Angeles, raised in places like Pomona, Upland, and Rialto.
- What motivated you to start creating music?
Just being around it since I was a kid—my mom was a female emcee. She was the first female rap artist out of the city of Pomona who started making headway. So, it was natural for me to develop a passion for it as well.
- Would you agree that it’s very important to learn, study, and understand old music and music history?
I definitely would agree. It’s important to study what you aspire to be, so it’s mandatory to learn from past emcees, understand what the business was like then, and compare it to now.
- What is your songwriting process like? Do the rhymes come first, or the music?
It really depends on the beat, but usually, a dope beat speaks to me, and I begin to talk back. I love writing, I love being versatile, and I enjoy going outside the box with my music.
- How did you come by your stage name?
Lo’key has been a childhood name. Friends and family called me “Dre Lo’key,” which would have been a dope stage name too, but I decided to drop the Dre part and add Tha Y.G, which stands for Young Guru.
- You just released your newest single, ‘Welcome (Remix).’ Can you talk about the inspiration for it?
I loved the original one I did, which was produced by “Tweek Beatz,” and I thought, let’s keep it going, but this time, let me add someone that really represents this West Coast culture. I couldn’t think of anyone better than “W.C” from the group Westside Connection. So, I reached out to his management, who I already had a business relationship with, and we made it happen.
- Who have been some of your favorite artists that you’ve been able to work with?
My mom “Miz Tasti,” my cousin “Aem J.R,” and some of my OGs like Kokane, Playa Hamm, W.C, and my peeps, the Young Giantz.
- Any secret releases or collabs you can let us in on?
I might have another one coming up with W.C and OG Dazzie Dee.
- How do you feel about the current state of music?
I’m not sure how I feel about it right now, but I can definitely say that there are a lot of open lanes for creators. It may be the best time to be an independent artist because of all the outlets that allow you to make your own way in this industry.
- Who would you say are your all-time favorite rappers?
Ice Cube, Miz Tasti, W.C, Jayo Felony, Snoop Dogg, and Nas.
- What are your interests outside of music?
I enjoy the marketing and promotions side of things, and I enjoy cooking.
- Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m a part of a new single coming out with my boy “Mr. Jeff” entitled “Bounce.” You’ll be able to download the track on all digital platforms and watch the video on YouTube. So, be sure to check that out; it has a nice Spanish vibe to it.
- Any last words to our readers?
Make sure to visit my website at LokeyThaYG.com and follow me on IG: @LoKeyThaYG.
Haaastattelu: J-P / Fileerausveitsi
