Lakeyah: The Biggest FlexHer

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it actually all begin for Lakeyah?

I’ve always been musically inclined. I knew I could sing, I was always performing at talent shows at school. It took me to get into a poetry slam team in high school to actually have a love for Hip Hop. I did the #SoGoneChallenge in 2015, and from there I was a viral sensation.

Now you’re a native of Milwaukee, WI, correct? So growing up in “Brew City,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, I’m a native of Milwaukee. Growing up there I didn’t really listen to the local artists. I’m a huge Nicki fan. Young Money as a whole had to be my strongest musical influences. On the R&B side of things, I listened to more old school artists; Lyfe Jennings…Musiq Soulchild, Lauryn Hill, etcetera — shout out Pandora!

At what point in time, specifically, did you even opt to pursue music on a professional basis?

I was in a rap group at first with another girl, but it didn’t work out. When I finally went solo after a year with her, I dropped my first solo project. But on a professional basis, I would say when I moved to ATL last year to pursue my career as an artist. I dropped another mixtape, and it accumulated a lot of streams and revenue. That’s when I knew I could do this on a serious note.

How do you classify your overall sound and/or style?

I would say my sound is very versatile. What do you call a R&B / Hip Hop artist? It’s like if Nicki Minaj and Keyshia Cole had a baby…it would be me.

In having said that, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration(s) from?

My own personal feelings…I’m very vulnerable with my music. Anytime I’m making a slow cut song, it’s more than likely I’m in my feelings. If it’s something hard and gritty, I probably just listened to some Tee Grizzley or Peezy and now I’m feeling like the hardest rapper out; the biggest flexher.

So what particular sting of events led to your initial linking up with the Quality Control Music imprint?

I knew I wanted to be signed to QC in 2018. When JT got out and dropped her “First Day Out” last year. I took it as the time to make my impression on them. I did my own rendition of it, and all my fans tagged Pee [label co-founder Pierre Thomas] and JT [City Girls] until they saw it . He reposted me, and we had a small conversation and he said he would sign me soon. That was back in January. I never stopped grinding to get their attention, because I thought he forgot about me. I remixed “We Paid” when (Lil) Baby first dropped it, and it caught his eye. Not even weeks later, Pee called me and the rest is history.

Your latest single / video is entitled “Female GOAT,” featuring label-mates City Girls — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it even come to fruition?

I remember the day Pee heard the original cut of “Female Goat,” we were planning my video to “Big Flexher.” He was nodding his head and dancing. He said, “Gotta put the City Girls on this!” It had no hook, and basically was just a freestyle. He sent it over and they got it done in no time. It was an automatic for the tracklist. I’ve been calling myself the “female goat” for over a year now. It’s self proclamation. It represents the pinnacles I plan to reach . In a nutshell, I wanna say I’m the best at what I do and nobody can duplicate that. You can’t make another Lakeyah.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I think I want people to feel like a boss with or without a significant other. I want girls to live that luxury lifestyle they keep up with on Instagram. Go get your nails done and buy that 40” Full Lace Wig with the HD Lace. Go shopping for yourself, by yourself, with your OWN money! You know? When I’m on a R&B song, I want girls to be able to express their feelings when they don’t have the words. I’ve been there, so I want to be the voice for those young girls going through a break up and hurt.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with any one artist…it would be Teyana Taylor! Every Killer R&B artist needs a rapper on their track. I love Teyana; she’s the true definition of an artist. Phenomenal singer, creative director, the videos, the choreography. She’s skilled.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Madison Square Garden, hands down!

In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?

My fans and my significant other have kept me level headed through everything, so I have no doubt that the support and love they give me unconditionally will keep (me) sustained in this crazy industry. Alongside the love I get from my label. Pee really is excited about me as an artist, and that keeps me going. Just having someone noticing your full potential.

Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Yes, I aspire to be an actress in a drama series; like Grey’s Anatomy or an action movie. I definitely want to drift into modeling / fashion. I just have so many goals for myself, and I plan to reach the highest pinnacles possible.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop music? And, even more specifically, women in rap?

As of today? Women are killing the rap game! So many women have been emerging in Hip Hop, and I am 1000% here for it. I feel like women are making their presence known and respected, this year especially. I’m happy in regards to myself also, because I was recognized for my talent and ability to actually rap and sing…not my looks, and what they thought they could mold me into.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

My biggest career moments would be getting interviews and articles on major blogs pages; like XXL and Complex. In addition to that, just being noticed by these huge artists that I’ve looked up to my entire life, noticing me and complimenting my skills is major for me.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

5 years from now, I’ll be about 24-25 and I truly believe that I’ll be super successful. I’m manifesting and working towards being the biggest female artist in the world. I know it’ll happen .

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Lakeyah?

As for the immediate, I’m still working in the studio. I’m actually working on my next tape as we speak. We have videos dropping from the songs on Times Up. So everybody can be on the lookout for those.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

No, I think we’ve touched everything so far. We’ll have more to talk about as I continue to progress in my career.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

I want everybody to go check out my mixtape, Times Up, if you haven’t already. Out everywhere right now! Also, my newest single “Female Goat” off the tape has a video out if you haven’t already seen it…