Keeno

Hes been in the game for years, rapping, producing and providing a haven for aspiring emcees throughout Memphis. And while at times, hes been faced with obstacles and overwhelming adversity, Keeno (Markeeno Gibbs) has always persevered. His affinity for Hip Hop is just that unshakable.

Im trying to make some money in this game, but thats not my biggest motivation, Keeno relays when asked what hes trying to accomplish. I want to be heard more than anything because this game influences a lot of people. I want my words to help rather than hurt folks.

Like most of his generation, he fell in love with Hip Hop in the late 80s, drawn to the genre because it spoke intimately to him. By the mid-90s, he had delved into the art form head first as an aspiring emcee. Eventually, he began producing, acquiring his own musical equipment along the way. Soon, he had one of the most well-known studios in Memphis, WAV LAB.

Hes released a couple of solo albums (BEHIND ENEMY LINES) as well as a compilation, propelled by gritty production and candid lyrics that touch on numerous topics.

Im just telling the same story my point of view, he realizes. I hope to bring a big fat reality check to the table and I hope folks will get more involved in world issues because a lot of world leaders are getting way with a lot of bullsh*t.

Armed with an unadulterated sense of community, Keeno isnt content staying within the bounds that mainstream Hip Hop artists have set, but instead chooses to speak about issues that he feels most pertinent to his core listening demographicyoung Black youth.

To me, Hip Hop means freedomfreedom to do and say what you want, he contends. In the future, I would like to see more artists give more back to the community instead of buying all this sh*t they cant take to the grave with them.

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