DESCRIPTION:
Young Keno is an artist on the rise, hailing from Los Angeles, who has been taking a unique approach to building a rap career. Over the last several years, he's been able to generate interest/buzz through the release of singles ... opposed to flooding the market with mixtapes and Youtube videos, and/or a full-length project. In 2008, Keno enjoyed his first taste of success when he dropped a single with Latin rapper Omar Cruz and Wiz Khalifa called "Let's Get Together". It took off, earning a spot in rotation on Los Angeles' biggest station, Power 106. He followed a year later with massive street single, "Tattoos & Jewelry" featuring Tyga, Ya Boy and TK (Terry Kennedy), which went on to garner over 1 million-plus views across the Internet. Since then, Keno has released a handful of singles -- "Ball Outrageous" featuring Young Jeezy and "Fast Life" featuring Jim Jones, among others -- that have received as much fanfare, if not more. However, in the past year, Keno endured personal tragedy and contemplated if music was the path he was meant to walk. He's shaken off the doubts though, and is back with a new found motivation. In part one of our interview with the young rapper, he explains why he's called "Mr. 300"; the impact "Tattoos & Jewelry (Remix)" had on his career, how it took off and why fans loved it; and how the loss of both his mother and father took a toll on him and sidelined his music career. Despite it all, he isn't going anywhere. Young Keno has several business dealings set to take place in the coming year, so he's definitely a face to watch for in 2012. Follow him on Twitter @IAmYoungKeno and on Facebook at Facebook.com/YoungKeno300.