Artist Kelechi is the result of what happens when you have a young aspiring musician growing up in Atlanta who is raised by Nigerian parents. Kelechi, whose name also means ‘thank God,” grew up in a household that stressed the importance of work and education. However, by being in a city that is much dominated by music and film, Kelechi slowly grew up being strongly influenced by both Nigerian and American culture.
While at home, Kelechi’s parent’s played both American and Nigerian music, which had a great impact on his overall style of music. By the age of 14, Kelechi was already studying artists like 50 Cent, Common, Eminem, and Kanye. Rapping was merely only a hobby for the young artist until he saved up enough money to build a home-studio in his parents’ basement. Fast-forward a few years later and Kelechi starts his own music company titled, "Stndrd Music,” and drops out of college to have more time to make music. Since then, Kelechi won a rap contest sponsored by Mountain Dew’s Green Label Sound, and was also given $50,000 for recording his most recent project titled, “ Before the Quarter”.
This is just the beginning for the promising artist who also ended up on Youtube that same year with a Sway in the Morning interview, and performance on Chance The Rapper’s “ Family Matters Tour.” It is admirable to see such great work ethic from an independent artist whose goal is to make positive and uplifting music. We’re taught to think we’ll get what we deserve, but then we get to this point where we’re 23, and we have student loans, and we’re broke,” says Kelechi. “I make music for post-graduation people who are trying to figure out the world.”
For those who are dying to hear some of his work, Kelechi has plenty of music available for listeners on his Soundcloud, as well as on stndrdmusic.com. There you’ll find many dope solo tracks, as well as records with artists such as Trinidad James, Cyhi The Prynce, BJ The Chicago Kid.
Top Propsects showcase presented by DJBooth.net
Wednesday October 5th @ 9:00 PM
Aisle 5 (Old 4th Ward)