Keys

A MOMENT WITH KEYS
A singer; a songwriter; a musician; a learner– these attributes only scratch the surface of what he possesses. Discovering the love for music at an early age, he learned to foster and accept this love throughout his teenage years. “I use to hate practicing on an upright piano. My sister first started with piano lessons but somehow they (his parents) stuck me in lessons and set her free. That was messed up!” Keys’ explained this ordeal as he reflects growing up as a child. “Now that I look back, my parents knew what was best, and God, being dat perfect orchestrator, put that stuff together perfectly! I love my parents for dat and for letting God use them even when I wouldn’t!” Keys’, being the middle child has two brothers and three sisters. His parents, a devoted Pastor and first Lady, encourage their son to follow the path for his life. “My parents always motivate me to reach my maximum potential. They always pushed me to excel and to succeed”. Keys said he dad often pronounced, “I ain’t raisin’ no dummy.”
Gradually being imparted with the required skills in order to succeed, Keys humbly accepts the call and packs his bags for the journey. Keys’ explains that he’s got somewhere to be both here on earth and eternally. “Many are called, but few are chosen. I’ve began to accept the fact that everybody can’t go. So, it’s like this….If we got a ticket that says six flags, but some are trying to go to Sea World, then it’s a wrap.” As P-Diddy says , “Can’t nobody take my pride, can’t nobody hold me down, Oh no, I got to keep on moving”! Keys’ lives by the motto “just chill out and do you”.
With his first love being his family and music, he dedicates his life around that and also to his daddy up above. “I’ve learned to be me, with the good and the bad. I think sometimes we try to be so perfect, that we forget who we are. We lose our identity in the mix, trying to hide ourselves from everybody else.”
Now let’s get to know keys a little better… ________________________________________________________
A: What musical category would you say you are in?
Keys: Hmmm (scratching his head) I don’t like to place my gift in any certain musical category. I know that it was created to give HIM glory, but if it will draw someone closer to him by being categorized as “soul” or “feel good music” or whatever, then dats wassup wit me. I want it to have an overall soothing and replenishing feel. When someone listens to my music, I want them to walk away feeling better, stronger, and carefree knowing that it’s not meant for them to handle it on their own, but to lean on their daddy up there.
A: Do you have a favorite food?
Keys: C’mon, I’m in the South. You know I have to have that soul food cooking. Dressing with lots of cranberry sauce is my favorite. Let me call my folks back home now (pulls out his cell).
A: What’s in your CD player?
Keys: I’m rockin Canton Jones loud right now. I listen to “My Day” and “I wont stop” errrrday!!! I’ve been listening to Gary Mayes too.
A: What does Keys do to relax?
Keys: I don’t know what that means (laughing). Well, I like a good massage or its always relaxing to travel to somewhere I’ve never been.
A: Describe your most embarrassing moment.
Keys: My most embarrassing moment happened recently. I felt like eating by myself after church so I went to my favorite Japanese restaurant. I mean, I took my time…got about 2 or 3 plates and even built a rapport with the waiter. When I was done, I remembered that I left my wallet at home (laughing loudly).
A: If there is one thing you would change about yourself – What would it be?
Keys: To have accepted who God made me a long time ago.
A: What is your “pet peeve”?
Keys: Unorganized peeps!!!
A: Who would you like to work with?
Keys: How much time do I have? I would like to work with Kirk Franklin, Chrisette Michele, Tonex, Tye Tribbett, Gary Mayes, Kevin Bond and many many many others….