Lakeyah Talks Working With Quality Control Music, Supporting Black Entrepreneurs, “Mind Yo Business” and More
Moving away from your hometown at eighteen can have challenges for anyone, but that didn’t stop the “Mind Yo Business” artist, Lakeyah, from following her passions and dreams of becoming the greatest rapper ever. After enrolling in college, Lakeyah decided to drop out during her first semester and focused primarily on being a rapper, which she’s been doing since she was fourteen. After consistently uploading freestyles online, her goal was to gain the attention of a particular hip-hop label in Atlanta. After realizing the power of prayer and taking a leap of faith to move to Atlanta and quit school, Quality Control wasn’t far from her reach.
After releasing freestyles of some of her favorite artists’ songs, it wasn’t long before Lakeyah’s rhymes captivated the likes of Lil Baby and JT of the City Girls, which was more of the reason for her to continue pursuing the attention of QC. Quality Control is known to find and develop smaller artists and build them to top talent, and that was the same for Lakeyah; who is now sitting at the same table as artists like City Girls, Lil Baby, Migos, and Lil Yachty.
“QC caught my attention, not only from their roster of fire artists, but they put so much effort and support into breaking artists from the ground up. That’s not seen often with labels, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Lakeyah credits her mother as a significant influence on her musical taste and her experience in being on a poetry team in high school for giving her the confidence to start rapping and expressing herself through words. She grew up listening to artists like Rick Ross, Wale, Lauryn Hill, and her favorite, Tink, who she mentions as an influence due to her ability to be vulnerable in her music.
Up next for the 22-year-old Milwaukee native is a new series that offers a behind-the-scenes look into the lives of Atlanta’s top influencers. Lakeyah says her experience on the Bet+ docuseries, ‘The Impact ATL,’ was a different experience because she never saw herself being on reality tv. When asked about her time on the show and sharing the screen with Ari Fletcher and Jayda Cheaves, she said, “I’m blessed to be part of something so fresh and new.”
As we discussed music, we touched on her notable track “Mind Yo Business” with fellow female rapper, Latto and how that track came to exist. “I recorded Mind Yo Business in New York with Hitmaka. As soon as P heard it, he said, “we have to get Latto on this,” The rest was history.” When the topic of new music came about, Lakeyah said, “You can always expect new music from me. Music is my passion.”
Lakeyah has also made it her business to highlight and support black-owned businesses by creating a campaign that helps fund LLC costs for young entrepreneurs. “I love supporting black businesses. Being supportive is important, especially to smaller ones, because I remember my start and respect the hustle the most!”
Regarding Lakeyah’s personal style, she describes her look as Confident, Sexy, and Vulnerable. When asked about her favorite fashion houses, she mentioned Prada and Diesel as two brands she would love to collaborate with in the future. “I love the street style and sexy balance.”
Ultimately, Lakeyah knows what makes her strikingly different and understands what differentiates her from other artists.” I’m Lakeyah; I’m authentic. I’m from the Midwest and bring a fresh, youthful style to everything I do. I also do more than rap.” As Lakeyah proves she is talented and confident, I’m sure her craft will continue to grow and bloom into a successful career that will leave a lasting impression on the music industry.
Photography by Chad Lawson.
Production, Styling & Story by Oliver Brown.
Assistant Styling by India Nicole.
Assistant Styling by Sheila Fisher.
Assistant Styling by Tonya Jones.
Assistant Styling by LaTorria Williams.
Makeup by Kalene Gentles.
Hair by Fran.
Behind-the-Scenes by Da’Jon Johnson.
Special “Thank you!” to Le’ Archive and Beautiful Journey.
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