Rather Unique: Eight Things You Should Know About 88-Keys

Peep AllHipHop's Exclusive Debut of 88-Key's video for "True Feelings"

Given his eclectic moniker by none other than celebrated beatsmith Large Professor, 88-Keys is soon to be mentioned in the same sentence as some of his own musical idols. Stealthily working behind the boards over the years with high-profile artists such as Mos Def, Macy Gray and Beanie Siegal, the humble producer is now set to establish himself as an artist.

Keys' just released (Nov. 11) debut The Death of Adam, is a narrative ode to the trials and tribulations of the opposite sex. Fresh off the heels of his Adam's Case Files summer mix-tape, Keys’ grind is a true testament to the proverb, “The last shall be first.”


1. Most Known Unknown: Better known for his work with Black Star and soul singer Musiq, 88-Keys has also blessed rappers Scarface, J-Live, The Pharcyde, Grafh, Consequence, Foxy Brown and Joe Budden with tracks.

88-Keys Death of Adam EPK




2. Politickin’: Best bud Kanye West exec-produced The Death of Adam which features Redman, Bilal and Phonte of Little Brother.  Ever so diverse, his assorted industry pals include Freeway, Q-Tip, David Banner and Mobb Deep affiliate Alchemist.

Stay Up! (Viagra) ft. Kanye West - 88-Keys

3. Paper Chasin’: The hardest industry lesson 88-Keys has learned is to never chase a check. Says Keys, “If you don’t have my ‘front-end’ up front, I’m out. That’s a deal-breaker when I’m working with anyone.”

4. Find Ya Wealth: “I would do beats for cats and they would love my beats. But then the album would drop and the lesser-known producers would get left behind. I’d wonder, “Why am I trying to convince someone else how great my beats are when I can focus on creating my own buzz and have them come to me? Now I focus on doing what I do best: making good beats.”

5. You Must Learn: “The best advice I ever got was to learn the Akai MPC 3000. I was 14 years old when I used it and it never failed me since.”

88-Keys URB cover shoot

6. Flip Side: “My beats are simply versatile; I just make good-ass beats. Anybody with any ounce of talent can rock to my stuff, from Jigga-Man to Joel Madden (Good Charlotte).”

7. In My Lifetime: “Production-wise, “Happy” by N.E.R.D definitely describes my life right now. Not necessarily the lyrics but based on the hook, I can relate.”

8. Make-ups 2 Break-ups: Very happily married, 88-Key’s favorite ode to love is (ironically), Main Source’s “Looking at the Front Door”. “He (Large Professor) knew when to quit before it (the relationship) got to a level it didn’t have to go. That’s actually my favorite song of all-time.”

88-Keys "The Death of Adam"