Hip-Hop Rap Artist Key Glock

Key Glock arrived to an eager crowd of hip-hop fans holding towels and inflatable dolphins proudly waved by ticket holders.

Memphis rapper Dee Jay draws on various sources for inspiration, from Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne to Three 6 Mafia’s Juicy J and others. However, he prefers not to compare himself directly with them but focuses on developing his own distinct sound instead.

What is his real name?

Key Glock has quickly established himself as one of the hottest new rappers to hit the scene in recent years, drawing fans and followers with his hard hitting beats and entertaining wordplay. Additionally, Key is a talented artist with an intriguing backstory who has won them over as fans and followers alike.

Markeyvius LaShun Cathey, more popularly known by his stage name Key Glock, was born August 3, 1997 in Memphis, Tennessee and signed to Young Dolph’s record label Paper Route Empire in 2017.

Glock’s brutal, honest verses about sex, guns and money have struck a chord with critics and listeners alike. Additionally, he has collaborated with Dolph on two mixtape releases – 2020’s Son of a Gun and 2021’s Dum and Dummer 2 respectively.

Growing up in South Memphis proved a source of great inspiration for this rapper. He honors both Memphis’ cultural legacy and that of Black communities worldwide through his music.

Who is his manager?

Markeyvius Cathey, better known by his stage name Key Glock, is an unconventional musician from Memphis with a signature Southern rap sound that merges perfectly with contemporary hip-hop. Instead of planning ahead too closely and trying to predict his musical journey’s path forward, Key Glock prefers going with the flow and letting his music speak for itself.

Key Glock’s passion for music shines through his live performances. A charismatic performer with an engaging flow and beats that keep fans on their feet, his songs have amassed millions of views on YouTube and are played across radio stations nationwide.

Dion Leeks, Key Glock’s manager, provided us with insights into his rising star. Dion shared valuable advice about breaking into the rap game as well as creating music specifically tailored towards an audience’s tastes.

What is his background like?

Key Glock has quickly won over fans and industry professionals with his captivating storytelling and distinct style. Born into an unstable home environment (his mother Tameika spent 15 years in prison while his father remained mostly absent), Glock credits his difficult upbringing as one of the primary sources of his musical inspiration.

His straightforward lyrics and heavy beats set him apart from his peers, earning the admiration of both fans and critics alike. Glock Season was released as his debut mixtape on Paper Route Empire in 2017 to showcase his distinct sound; from it came Racks Today and On My Soul as singles featuring production by DJ Squeaky and Izze tha Producer respectively.

Glock released Yellow Tape 2 in 2023 in collaboration with Young Dolph. They paid homage to Memphis through its title and cover art by depicting an array of vehicles from Memphis’ riverfront district.

How did he become a rapper?

Key Glock rose to fame as a rapper by releasing several mixtapes that demonstrated his rapping talents. Following widespread recognition for his song, “Russian Cream”, Key signed onto Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire label and continued releasing music while increasing his standing within the industry.

He trades in street rap but stands out with an uncommonly sharp lyricism that transcends its shallow braggadocio. He tells heartrending tales from his hard-living South Memphis upbringing with an approachable tone reminiscent of Eddie Murphy.

At Empire Distribution’s Manhattan offices on a March afternoon, Key Glock sat with his crew and some Memphis artists (TiaCorine, Kenny Muney and Snupe Bandz). He was focused and engaged as he discussed his responsibility to advance PRE, the dangers of accepting features from other rappers, maintaining independence by having multiple streams of income outside rap music as well as how his mother and grandmother inspired him to pursue music as a profession.