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Percy Keith (born Percy Stewart, August 18, 1984) is an American rapper and hip-hop artist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, known for his contributions to the Southern rap scene. Emerging in the mid-2010s, Keith is recognized for his gritty lyricism and street-oriented storytelling, often reflecting his experiences growing up in Baton Rouge.
His discography includes notable tracks such as "Listen Close," "Won," and "Litty Wavvy," as well as his debut mixtape The Shaman (2018). Keith's career has been marked by musical achievements, a publicized feud with fellow rapper Kevin Gates, and legal challenges, including a high-profile arrest in 2020 that disrupted his momentum.
Early life
Percy Keith was born Percy Stewart on August 18, 1984, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a city renowned for its vibrant yet turbulent rap culture. Raised in the South Baton Rouge area, Keith grew up in an environment shaped by economic hardship and street life, themes that later became central to his music. Keith has cited Baton Rouge rap icons like Boosie Badazz and Webbie as early influences, inspiring his raw and unfiltered approach to hip-hop.
Before fully committing to music, Keith held various jobs and was reportedly involved in street activities, a common backstory among Southern rappers of his era. His transition to rap began as a creative outlet and a potential path out of adversity, aligning with Baton Rouge's tradition of producing artists who channel personal struggles into their art.
Career
Early beginnings and rise (2014–2018) Keith started rapping under his given name in the early 2010s, releasing freestyles and collaborating with local artists. His first notable project, In Due Time (2014), introduced his distinctive style—characterized by a deep voice, aggressive delivery, and introspective lyrics. Initially affiliated with Bread Winners’ Association (BWA), the label founded by his cousin Kevin Gates, Keith featured on several tracks alongside Gates, gaining traction within Baton Rouge's rap community.
Creative and contractual disputes with Gates led to Keith's exit from BWA in 2014, prompting him to pursue an independent career. His 2018 mixtape The Shaman marked a turning point, featuring key tracks like "Listen Close" and the diss track "Waffle House," aimed at Gates amid their publicized fallout. The project highlighted Keith's ability to blend street narratives with melodic elements, earning him a dedicated local following.
Legal troubles and hiatus (2016–2020)
Keith's career faced significant interruptions due to legal issues. In 2016, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges related to drug possession and firearm offenses but was released in 2018 after serving two years, reportedly due to good behavior and prison overcrowding concerns.[1] During his incarceration, Keith maintained relevance through pre-recorded releases and support from peers like Nuk, who facilitated his release from his BWA contract.
On June 10, 2020, Keith was arrested alongside his girlfriend, Kaylee Wilson, during a police raid in Baton Rouge's South Brightside View Drive. Authorities seized 40 pounds of marijuana, over 800 THC cartridges, prescription drugs, an assault rifle, two handguns, and $14,000 in cash.[2] Charged with multiple counts, including distribution of marijuana and felon in possession of a firearm, Keith was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The arrest, covered by outlets like HipHopDX, stalled his musical output at a time when his profile was rising.[3]
Post-2020 career and recent work
After his release—details of which are unclear as of 2025—Keith returned to music with renewed determination. His 2022 album Certified fused hip-hop and R&B influences, featuring tracks like "Not Playing" and "Yeah With the Yeah," which were praised for their polished production and assertive lyricism.[4] While his output has slowed since 2020, Keith remains active, adapting his sound to appeal to a broader audience while retaining his street credibility.
Personal life
Keith has a daughter and was in a relationship with Kaylee Wilson at the time of their 2020 arrest.[2] His familial tie to Kevin Gates has been both a collaborative asset and a source of conflict, with their feud becoming a recurring motif in his music and public narrative.
Keith has described his time in prison as a transformative period, deepening his focus on personal growth and creative expression.[1]
Beyond music, Keith has developed a passion for bodybuilding, a pursuit he took up during and after his incarceration as a means of physical and mental discipline. He has competed in local bodybuilding competitions in Louisiana, including the NPC Louisiana Muscle Championships in Baton Rouge, where he placed in the top five in the Men's Physique category in 2023.[5]
Keith has credited bodybuilding with helping him maintain focus and resilience, often sharing glimpses of his training regimen on social media. His involvement in the sport reflects a broader commitment to self-improvement, aligning with the introspective themes in his later work.
Discography
Mixtapes In Due Time (2014) The Shaman (2018) Albums Certified (2022) Notable Singles "Listen Close" (2018) "Waffle House" (2018) "Not Playing" (2022)
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