Keemy Casanova: Breath Of Fresh Air

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “Show Ya Right” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it actually come to fruition?

I was in the studio with producer, C Gutta, doing through some beats. When I heard this one I immediately said STOP and we got straight to work. It took no time actually. There was an instant spark of inspiration.

Of course “Show Ya Right” comes courtesy of your still forthcoming next project — What all can you reveal and / or divulge about said upcoming body of work?

It’ll only be 4 songs. It’s to hold people over until the actual Mack in the Day II project drops.

How then does this new material(s) either differ and / or compare to previous Keemy Casanova efforts?

There’s a little more right put into it. I’ve grown more attached to the character, so I have to really tap into different vibes with my music sometimes but still keep the originality of the Keemy that people know and love.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration for lyrics from my previous songs. If I’m looking for a certain vibe for the song that comes from older music or some inspirations like Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Rick James, etcetera.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Akeem Ali?

I first became interested in music around 8 or 9 years old. I wrote my first rap at 11. From then, my love for it would continue to grow exponentially. I’d start writing consistently from the age of 15 until now, and that’s what got me here.

Now you’re a native of Jackson, Mississippi, correct? So growing up in the ‘City With Soul,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, I was born and raised in Jackson. Big Krit is probably my biggest influence from Mississippi, Tha Joker was one when I was in middle school and early high school years. Of course everyone knew David Banner and couldn’t stop singing “Like a Pimp,” so he had an influence on me as well.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

My style is a big Breath of fresh air / a relief for rap and a great mixture between rap, Fonk and R&B. It’s like checking the refrigerator when there’s no food, and expecting something to be there but there isn’t anything. Then you check it again just to see, and BOOM here I am mf’s! 🕺🏾

Akeem Ali versus Keemy Casanova — Stylistically, how does one compare to the other?

Akeem Ali is more personable to who I am. Casanova is who I think I am sometimes 😂

Where does Keemy Casanova originally derive from?

A random idea I had one day riding around in my car. It took me about 2-3 weeks to write Keemy Casanova because I didn’t have the drive to really finish it, but once I did I was glad.

Switching gears here…

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Uniqueness, a certain rarity that can only be found in my music right now. I feel like the industry is oversaturated with too many people under a lot of sub genres that everyone sounds the same. With the music I’m making, I’m probably the only person you can get it from right now.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to hear it and be inspired, be confident and be okay with being eccentric. I want them to know that following the model that is set, and chasing the sound that is popular, isn’t always the only way.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?

No, but with that comes the opportunity for me to make the change I want to see. So I embrace it for now knowing it’s gonna change soon.

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

Yes, one day I want to open group homes for at risk youth and runaways. I want to look out and care for the young ones who’ve been abused, neglected and ones who feel they have nowhere to go.

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

Making Mack in the Day II has been my greatest accomplishment so far in my opinion. The time period that I made it. The effort that went into it and the way it makes me feel every time I listen to it is just crazy! I can’t wait for people to experience it and feel how I feel about it.

What’s an average day like for you?

Gym, Eat, Studio 😂

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I’m pretty close with my fans. I don’t ever want to feel like there’s a disconnect between us. I treat them like cousins. They’re the reason I’m here, so we have to bond and keep our connection Strong to maintain this relationship.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is knowing that I have the power to influence actions, feelings and perspective. I have these powers and choose to do what is right with them. I don’t abuse them and take advantage of the listeners and fans. Instead, I try to paint pictures and make things relatable on all levels. I don’t have a least favorite part about the work I do…I love all of it!

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Work your ass off, study the ones who came before you and stay consistent.

Lastly, what’s next for Akeem Ali?

Mack in the Day II Baaaayyyybbbbbyyyeeeee!!!!

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

Trust God, pray on it and stay on it!! Do good and let God handle the rest.

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

I love you, you love me. Keemy Casanova P-I-M-P. Won’t you keep on pushing, never slacking on yo Mack. When I say Show Ya Right say Show Ya Right back. 😉🕺🏾