Leikeli47

Last updated

Leikeli47
Also known asLeikeli, Denim
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
Years active2003–present
Labels
Website leikeli47.com

Leikeli47 (or Leikeli) is an American rapper [1] signed to RCA Records. In 2018, she released her second full-length album, Acrylic. [2] She is known for concealing her face with a bandana or balaclava at all performances and professional appearances. [3]

Contents

Early life

Leikeli47 was raised in both Virginia and New York, primarily in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Brownsville and Bedford–Stuyvesant. [1] [4] [5] She is of Trinidadian descent. [6] She described herself as having been a shy child who was interested in becoming a rapper from a young age. She cites Michael Jackson and N.E.R.D. as some of her favorite performers. [5]

Career

Prior to being signed to RCA Records, Leikeli released a mixtape in 2010 titled LK-47. [7] This was followed by a string of releases including the sequel mixtape LK-47 Pt. II in 2014 [1] and a self-titled EP in 2015, Leikeli47. [8] In 2015, Leikeli's song "Fuck the Summer Up" was included on Jay-Z's inaugural Tidal self titled playlist. [9]

Leikeli's first full-length debut, Wash & Set , was released on September 8, 2017. [10] It was received positively by critics. Afropunk.com wrote, "the album showcases Leikeli47’s distinctively hard-hitting yet playful lyricism, genre-bending musicianship, and enigmatic character." [11] Darryl Robertson wrote for Vibe , "the dynamic, and featureless, effort is loaded with creativity, vigor and the power of her own feminism. It's evident that Leikeli is aiming to break rules and push boundaries hip-hop." [12]

Acrylic was released on November 15, 2018. [13] The title was inspired by her mixture of southern, Caribbean, and city roots. [4] The first single on the album, "Girl Blunt", was featured on the third season of Insecure [14] and on the first season of The Wilds. [15] The album received positive critical reviews. Jenn Pelly wrote at Pitchfork.com: "Her flow is always gripping, her details novelistic: An aunt sells candy from a windowpane, an extension cord snakes across a hallway, and the lights flicker in an E train tunnel." [14] Dhruva Balram wrote for NME , "At times, and especially on ‘Iron Mike’, Leikeli47 sounds like the best of M.I.A, Cardi B and Kamaiyah rolled into one." [16] Acrylic was named one of NPR's 50 Best Albums of 2018, as well as other lists including Paper Magazine , [17] Esquire, [18] and Forbes. [19] Acrylic is the second part of a planned music trilogy that Leikeli has developed, called the "Beauty Series". [7]

She stated that the next installment to the "Beauty Series" will be called Shape Up. [4] About the theme of beauty salons, she told The Fader , "They're safe havens for all of us — all women, but especially the African-American community. I wanted to create a body of work that spoke to not looking like what you actually are going through." [5] She has stated that she seeks to normalize Black beauty standards, such as decorated fingernails. [20]

Leikeli performed with Pharrell during his I Am Other set at 2017's Complexcon, [21] as well as Natalie Portman's Boston Calling set in 2018, held at Portman's alma mater Harvard University. [22]

Her first headlined tour began in March 2019. [23]

Leikeli47's third album Shape Up was released on May 13, 2022 and received positive reviews. Pitchfork.com gave the album an 8.0 and wrote "The anonymous Brooklyn rapper's third album is a little bolder and a little rawer, but it's her versatility-across hip-hop, ballroom, house, and R&B-that keeps her sound fresh." [24]

Persona

Leikeli is known for being private and has not released her legal name or performed without her face covered. [25] In June 2019, she told Cultured Magazine , "Being black, we gotta learn how to wear a mask early." When asked about the meaning to her name in an interview with Snobette, she said that "it’s special to me, but I don’t need to share the reasoning behind it." [26]

According to an interview with Vibe , she conceals her face because "I feel like the Dark Knight, or one of those superheroes, or Superman… the mask, it represents freedom. I'm free with it on." [12]

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

Mixtapes

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Busta Rhymes</span> American rapper, record producer, and actor (born 1972)

Trevor George Smith Jr., known professionally as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL and CFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes. He has received 12 Grammy Award nominations for his work, making him one of the most-nominated artists without winning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missy Elliott</span> American rapper, singer, and record producer (born 1971)

Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott, also known as Misdemeanor, is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. She began on her musical career as a member of the R&B girl group Sista during the 1990s, who were part of the larger musical collective Swing Mob—4 All the Sistas Around da World (1994) was released by Elektra Records and met with positive critical reception despite commercial failure. She collaborated with album's producer and Swing Mob cohort Timbaland to work in songwriting and production for other acts, yielding commercially successful releases for 702, Aaliyah, SWV, and Total. She then re-emerged as a solo act with numerous collaborations and guest appearances by 1996, and in July of the following year, she released her debut studio album, Supa Dupa Fly (1997).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil' Kim</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Kimberly Denise Jones, better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper. She was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home. In her teens, she would freestyle rap, influenced by fellow female hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and the Lady of Rage. In 1994, she was discovered by fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who invited her to join his group Junior M.A.F.I.A.; their debut album, Conspiracy, generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ready or Not (Fugees song)</span> 1996 single by Fugees

"Ready or Not" is a song by American hip-hop group Fugees, from their second studio album, The Score (1996). The song contains a sample of "Boadicea" (1987) by Irish singer Enya, and its chorus is based on "Ready or Not Here I Come " by the Delfonics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jhené Aiko</span> American R&B singer-songwriter and rapper (born 1988)

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo is an American R&B singer-songwriter and rapper from Los Angeles, California. Aiko embarked on her musical career in 2002, as a backing vocalist and music video performer for the R&B group B2K. She was signed by their record label, The Ultimate Group that same year and was marketed as the "cousin" of B2K member Lil' Fizz to cultivate her own following, although they are not related. Her debut album, slated for a 2003 release through the label with Epic Records, was shelved due to Aiko instead further pursuing her education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Future (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1983)

Nayvadius DeMun Cash, known professionally as Future, is an American rapper and singer. Known for his mumble-styled vocals and prolific output, Future is considered a pioneer of the use of Auto-Tuned melodies in trap music. Due to the sustained popularity of this musical style, he is commonly regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metro Boomin</span> American record producer (born 1993)

Leland Tyler Wayne, known professionally as Metro Boomin, is an American record producer. Critically acclaimed for his dark production style, he is regarded as one of the most influential producers in modern hip hop and trap music. His frequent collaborators include Future, Young Thug, the Weeknd, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, Gunna and Nav.

Shayna McHayle, known professionally by her stage name Junglepussy, is an American rapper and actress from New York City. Her first mixtape Satisfaction Guaranteed was released in 2014. She has received recognition from different artists such as Erykah Badu and Lil' Kim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noname (rapper)</span> American rapper from Illinois

Fatimah Nyeema Warner, known professionally as Noname, is an American rapper, poet, and record producer. Since 2019, she has run the Noname Book Club, which focuses on radical texts by authors of color. She is also one third of the musical supergroup Ghetto Sage with the rappers Smino and Saba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teyana Taylor discography</span>

American singer Teyana Taylor has released three studio albums, one compilation album, three mixtapes, and fifteen singles. In 2009, Taylor released her first mixtape, From a Planet Called Harlem, which included her debut single "Google Me". It debuted at its peak of number ninety on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Around this time, Taylor featured on songs with the likes of Trey Songz, Missy Elliott, and Kanye West. Taylor has spoken about her inspiration from fellow female musician Lauryn Hill, which was noted with the release of her second mixtape in 2012. The mixtape, entitled The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor, takes its name from Hill's album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smino</span> American rapper (born 1991)

Christopher Smith Jr., better known by his stage name Smino, is an American rapper. Smino is the founder of the musical collective Zero Fatigue with Bari, Monte Booker, Jay2, and Ravyn Lenae. He is one third of the supergroup Ghetto Sage, with Saba and Noname. Smino is signed to Downtown Records and Interscope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young M.A</span> American rapper

Katorah Kasanova Marrero, better known by her stage name Young M.A, is an American rapper. She is best known for her 2016 single "Ooouuu", which peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received quintuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its accompanying music video also became a viral hit, receiving over 400 million views on YouTube by 2019. Her debut studio album, Herstory in the Making (2018) peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and was met with positive reception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">XXXTentacion</span> American rapper and singer-songwriter (1998–2018)

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion, was an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Though a controversial figure due to his widely publicized legal troubles, XXXTentacion gained a cult following among his young fanbase during his short career with his depression- and alienation-themed music. Critics and fans often credit him for his musical versatility, with his music exploring emo, trap, trap metal, nu metal, indie rock, lo-fi, hip hop, R&B, and punk rock. He is considered to be a leading figure in the establishment of the emo rap and SoundCloud rap genres, which garnered mainstream attention during the mid-to-late 2010s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardi B</span> American rapper (born 1992)

Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper. She is one of the most commercially successful female rappers of her generation. Born and raised in New York City, she first gained popularity through videos shared on Vine and Instagram. From 2015 to early 2017, she appeared as a regular cast member on the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York, which depicted her pursuit of her music aspirations, and earned further recognition with the release of her two mixtapes: Gangsta Bitch Music, Vol. 1 (2016) and Vol. 2 (2017).

Marian Azeb Mereba, known mononymously as Mereba, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

<i>The Long Goodbye</i> (Riz Ahmed album) 2020 studio album by Riz Ahmed

The Long Goodbye is the second studio album by Riz Ahmed. It was released on his own record label Mongrel Records on 6 March 2020. It is a concept album and was produced by Redinho. It features guest appearances from Ahmed's mother, as well as Mindy Kaling, Mahershala Ali, Yara Shahidi, Asim Chaudhry, Hasan Minhaj, and Jay Sean. It was accompanied by a short film of the same name directed by Aneil Karia, which won Best Live Action Short Film at the 94th Academy Awards. "Mogambo" was released as a single in 2018.

"Tunnel Vision (Outro)" is a drill song by American rapper Pop Smoke from his posthumous debut studio album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (2020). The song was written by Pop Smoke, known as Bashar Jackson, alongside 808Melo, who has the real name of Andre Loblack, Jugraj Nagra, and Carson Hackney. It was produced by the latter three. The original melody of the song is called "Wild West" and had a Western flute over it. In the lyrics, Pop Smoke raps about looking towards his future and wanting to have an impact on the music industry.

<i>Last Year Was Weird</i> (Vol. 2) 2020 EP by Tkay Maidza

Last Year Was Weird is the third extended play and second in a trilogy by Australian singer and rapper Tkay Maidza. It was announced on 15 July 2020 alongside single "Don't Call Again" and released digitally on 7 August 2020 by 4AD. The EP features contributions from JPEGMafia and Kari Faux.

<i>Acrylic</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Leikeli47

Acrylic is a 2018 studio album by American rapper Leikeli47. The second of three releases in her concept album trilogy based around beauty, it has received positive reviews from critics.

<i>Shape Up</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Leikeli47

Shape Up is a 2022 studio album by American rapper Leikeli47. The third and final release in her concept album trilogy based around beauty, it has received positive reviews from critics.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kramer, Kyle. "Invincible Eyes: What's Beneath Leikeli47's Mask?". Vice. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  2. ↑ "Acrylic by Leikeli47". November 15, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2019– via itunes.apple.com.
  3. ↑ "Leikeli47 Refashions Anonymity in Her Own Image". Cultured Magazine. June 18, 2019. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 "Leikeli47 Is Ready to Give Hip-Hop a New Look". Pitchfork. November 21, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 "Leikeli47's love letter to black sacred spaces". The FADER. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  6. ↑ "It's been an 'interesting' musical journey for incognito rapper Leikeli47". Chicago Sun Times. March 20, 2019.
  7. 1 2 Chesman, Donna-Claire. "Leikeli47 is Truth, Strength, and Love Personified". DJBooth. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  8. 1 2 "Leikeli47". Discogs. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  9. ↑ "JAY-Z: F**k the Summer Up". TIDAL Browse – High Fidelity Music Streaming. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Leikeli47 Is Ready to Give Hip-Hop a New Look". Pitchfork. November 21, 2018. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Brooklyn rapper Leikeli47 drops breathtaking debut album and new video "M I L K"". AFROPUNK. September 11, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  12. 1 2 "Leikeli47 Brings Creativity And Vigor On Her Debut Album, 'Wash & Set'". Vibe. September 8, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  13. ↑ Coleman II, C. Vernon. "Leikeli47 Shares Release Date for New Album and Three New Song". XXL Mag. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  14. 1 2 Pelly, Jenn. "Leikeli47: Acrylic". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 9, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Tune Find Com The Wilds".
  16. ↑ Balram, Dhruva (November 23, 2018). "Leikeli47 – 'Acrylic' review". NME. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  17. ↑ "PAPER's Top 20 Albums of 2018". PAPER. December 17, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  18. ↑ Miller, Matt (November 28, 2018). "The Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2018". Esquire. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  19. ↑ Suarez, Gary. "10 Great Hip-Hop Albums From 2018 You May Have Missed". Forbes. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  20. ↑ Corry, Kristin; Friedlander, Emilie; Ozzi, Dan (November 16, 2018). "An Interview in a Nail Salon with Leikeli47 About Her New Album 'Acrylic'". Noisey. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  21. ↑ "Watch Special Guests 2 Chainz, Lil Uzi Vert, and Migos Surprise the Pigeons & Planes Stage at ComplexCon". Complex. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  22. ↑ "St. Vincent, Zola Jesus to Join Natalie Portman at Boston Calling 2018". Pitchfork. May 16, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Invincible Eyes: What's Beneath Leikeli47's Mask?". www.vice.com. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  24. ↑ "St. Vincent, Zola Jesus to Join Natalie Portman at Boston Calling 2018". Pitchfork. May 16, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2019.
  25. ↑ Bacher, Danielle (September 20, 2016). "Leikeli47 On Using Music as Survival". Paper .
  26. ↑ "Leikeli47 Opens Up About Her Name And The Reason She Wears A Mask". SNOBETTE. July 26, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Leikeli47 | Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
  28. 1 2 "Leikeli47 Reveals 'Acrylic' Album Release Date: Stream First 3 Tracks". Vibe. October 24, 2018. Retrieved August 2, 2020.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.