INTRODUCING:
KEI LEEZA
If there is one thing known about Kei Leeza, it is his advocacy for the ‘bigger picture’.
As an artist in modern times, the constraints of music and business begin to blur very quickly. Being based in Brisbane has allowed the MC to take up responsibility for endorsing the notion of ‘ownership’.
He has done so by leading the frontier as co-founder of the ‘4K Imperial Collective’. The influence of the 4K movement is unmistakable in the Brisbane music scene.
We sat down with him recently to discuss the energy behind his endeavours.
Interview by MATHEW SIEBUHR
Photographs by HAZE ALIEU
You've remained one of the most active Australian artists throughout the challenges of the past year. How did you build your work ethic?
I mean there are always challenges being that I’m an independent solo artist with no management and no distribution deal so the challenges are daily but it has made me self-sufficient for so long that with everything that has happened in the world in 2020 it just made me want to work and grind harder. I work this hard already solely to build a legacy, retain ownership with the work that I do, and provide for my family.
PHOTOS ABOVE: Kei Leeza wears Jacket, T-Shirt, Pants, THE ANTI-ORDER, Shoes, NIKE AIR MAX 97,
All products @culturekings
Being so well connected to the Brisbane music scene, how important is teamwork when it comes to your success?
Teamwork is very vital to everything that has culminated here in Brisbane so far. Everything wouldn’t be where it’s at if individuals didn’t come together and form and create a culture and business within the city. The nickname for the city (The 4K) was founded by Don Seu and myself. Six Degree Studios was built, created, renovated, and personally funded by Matt Noble, Mike, and myself. It means more to me to have built both of those with those people involved because it’s something that couldn’t have been created without any one of us.
Oversized Shirt, LOCALE @theiconicau, Jewellery, Kei Leeza’s Own
Being a rap artist in 2021 has a different meaning than it did 20 years ago, why do you think that is?
It’s completely different. Everyone’s motive to become a rap artist is different today and what they want out of it is different today. Back then people did it for the art and the culture of what Hip-Hop was, they did it for the love of the craft and to be able to say they are ‘The Best Rapper Alive’ and that’s always been my approach every time. But I believe there is a higher percentage of ‘rap artists’ today who are in it for more selfish reasons and the hunger and drive is gone completely. I don’t need to explain their motives further, you can hear it in the music.
ABOVE: Metallic Snap Button Overshirt, Pant, SURROUNDED BY GHOSTS @theiconicau, T-Shirt, PYRA @culturekings
Describe the perfect space to produce your best work?
My perfect space to produce comes from very quiet and selective settings. I only want the necessary people that are needed in the studio for when I record. I don’t need anything else but the microphone, instrumental, and those who I’m collaborating with when I get in the studio. It’s all about comfortability for me when I’m in the studio and being able to focus on the task at hand and I’m blessed enough to have that in my own studio space at Six Degree Studios.
What are the challenges that come with approaching hip hop as an Aussie artist?
Everything is a challenge with pursuing Hip Hop in Australia. The resources aren’t there, access to platforms aren’t there, new platforms being created aren’t frequent enough, not enough revenue coming in from local talent and companies and there is only so many cities to tour but we are at its infancy and I believe the growth in 5 - 10 years will be really substantial but more talent and platforms are needed as well as support from the larger platforms and companies.
Sweater, AERE, Pant, Jacket, LOCALE All garments @theiconicau, Shoes, CK X TIMBERLAND Collab @culturekings
How does your own culture and ethnicity influence your art?
It impacts and influences me on a daily basis. I mean being where I’m from with my background and how I look. I naturally think, feel and interpret everything differently and it influences every decision in terms of art and also in business decisions. Being a mixed-race and being that I was born and raised in Australia and my family being from Papua New Guinea it is so vital to who I am because there has never been a person to represent me so I feel there is an opportunity and a pressure of being that individual to represent something that has never been showcased or spotlighted before.
Jacket, Unnamed Vintage at SWOP @_swop, T-Shirt, PYRA @culturekings, Pants, KSUBI @theiconicau, Shoes, Air Jordan 1 Lows
What should we expect from your new music?
Expect the unexpected, nothing is off-limit.
Kei Leeza’s reputation for aggressive expansion means the upcoming months are ones to watch.
FOLLOW KEI LEEZA
TEAM CREDITS
PHOTOGRAPHY — HAZE ALIEU @h86studios
INTERVIEW — MATHEW SIEBUHR @mateo_tololo
FASHION STYLIST — EMILY HOUGHTON @emilyhoughton6
GROOMING — LIDIYA KAPLUN @lidiyakaplunmakeuphair
ASSISTANT — MATT @mofa.photography
LOCATION — THE PHOTO STUDIO BRISBANE @thephotostudioaustralia
Special Thanks