Born in Spanish Harlem, raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and based in the D.C. area of Maryland, rapper Ikey invades an abandoned building in D.C. and shares his testament of cultural awareness in a commanding visual for his Blvck Rose-produced single "When We Were Kings." The video, directed by Xavia Inniss and premiered via Pigeons & Planes, acknowledges prolific African political leaders like Patrice Lumumba, while intertwining clips of Nigerian Afrobeat artist/human rights activist Fela Kuti. "Ikey's
'When We Were Kings' represents his culture lyrically and sonically,"
stated Pigeons & Planes, "and now the video makes it complete, with
striking visuals and escalating intensity."
From the effects of the
Nigerian Civil War to the current struggle with Boko Haram, Ikey's
rhymes teach as much as they entertain. "This was the last song written
and recorded for the project," Ikey says of "When We Were Kings." "It
was recorded about 6 months after we had completed the other tracks. I
felt like the project was missing an unfiltered [and] raw view of Lagos.
Boko Haram had just bombed Jos not long ago and I remember talking to
my Mom on the phone and hearing that the power had gone out. I felt a
mixture of sadness, anger and defiance knowing that Nigeria was almost
the same as it was years ago when I lived there. I feel like this song
takes you there."
"My job as an artist is to
always show my appreciation, represent our story properly and do
whatever it takes to make sure we all achieve that American Dream," Ikey
told Okayafrica in
an interview feature about his Nigerian roots and how his experiences
have influenced his forthcoming project. Leading up to the release of
his Green Card EP, which is slated to drop March 31st, Ikey has shared several singles and videos. Complex debuted his "Olodo" video, and stated "the stunning, cinematic video is a pretty inspirational feat for the up-and-coming artist." Teaming up with SaveMoney rapper Kami de Chukwu on "Lord," Okayplayer premiered
the track, and shared praises, saying "Ikey stays soulful as he stunts,
dropping high-syllable-traffic verses that show thanks for finer
things," adding that Ikey "is continuing to impress hip-hop fans all
over the globe with his melodic and confident flow."
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