THE BIOGRAPHY OF MISS KEKE

Lyrics. Style. Image. Keke, also known as Kelechi Onwumere, is a 22 yr old female emcee/singer/songwriter that encompasses all of these characteristics and more. With both of her parents being of Nigerian descent, Keke takes pride in her culture and continuously embraces it. Although she has never been to Nigeria, her diverse array of musical inheritance is beyond measure. Keke began her interest in music at the early age of five when she developed an interest in singing. Five years later she expanded into the field of Hip Hop. At the young age of 10, the fifth grader started writing rhymes to test her lyrical abilities. “I was really young so I just used to write down words that rhymed, and see which ones made sense” says the talented rapper. “From ages 10 -12, I was trying to perfect my writing skills. At ages 12-14, I wanted to master the art of freestyling, and from the ages of 14-16, I learned how to battle” says Keke. Keke released her first album entitled “The Story of a Freestyle Pro” in 2003 at the age of 15. The album carried the hit song “Freestyle Pro” which received radio spins on 89.3 KNON and 97.9 The Beat. When asked of the album, Keke replied, “I did not want to put out an album until I knew for sure that I was confident with my rap style and battling techniques”. Keke’s hit song “Freestyle Pro” won her talent shows, collaborations, street credibility, and the opportunity to make the introductory song to 97.9 The Beats “Da Show” hosted by radio personalities Headkrack, Supa K, and Keynote . In 2002, Keke competed in the Mesquite Battle of the Bands talent show, to which she was the only hip-hop act competing against nine alternative rock bands. She took home the first place cash prize consecutively for four years until they retired her from the competition. Through her participation in the Battle of the Bands, she received features in the Mesquite News and the Dallas Morning News. Keke had also been featured for eight weeks on 89.3’s Jam it or Damn it segment as well as 97.9 The Beat’s freestyle battle contest to which she was the 13-week reigning champ. Both stations eventually retired her after numerous wins. In 2005, Keke released her mixtape “2 Hot 4 Cd” which helped her build a larger fan base in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Through this mixtape, she gained visibility in different states, and even received a feature in southern hip-hop magazine, Block2Block. Keke was also a performer at the 2005 Texas Summer Music Conference, one of the largest urban film, fashion and music conferences in the United States. Keke was recognized as Most Talented at her 2005 Mesquite High School prom, and received this award again at her college in 2006 through the University of Texas at Arlington’s Alpha Phi Alpha Collection of Brothers ceremony. In 2007, Keke released a mixtape titled “The Prototype” which received great feedback from consumers. The release included an extravagant release party that led to several newly created avenues. Having graduated in May 2009 with a Bachelors degree in Political Science and a minor in communications, Keke is back to execute her goals in the entertainment industry. With a recent appearance made on the Hot 16 segment of B.E.T.’s “The Deal,” Keke has shown the world that she is back to make her mark. With the new release of her highly anticipated mixtape titled “The Beginning of the Future,” Keke has gained a new fan base as well as a new love for music. She is currently working on releasing her new single entitled “1^st Class Chick” which is scheduled to release in the first quarter of 2010. With this project, she hopes to gain the attention of many supporters with her primary goal being in creating an impact. “I call myself a New Breed of Chick because I know there is no one else in this world that is like me, and I am here for the greater good. I have been making music for approximately 12 years now so I am fully equipped. I am here to raise the bar and set the standards. I am a respectable, classy woman and those are who I speak for so now that voice must be heard.” With the oversaturation of the entertainment industry, Keke hopes to set herself apart from other artists in general and create a new path strictly for her. What’s next for Keke? The possibilities are limitless. One thing she believes is, with God on her side, she has nowhere to go but up.