We recently had the chance to connect with Louis Key and have shared our conversation below.
Louis, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Out of the three, integrity really means the most to me. Integrity, in my opinion, is the reason you want to educate yourself and the souls around with intelligence. Integrity is the reason you gain the needed energy to accomplish your goals or to even begin giving them thought. Integrity is what you stand on, believe in and most importantly, what you move for. That’s what makes “integrity” the most important trait if you ask me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I go by the stage name Louis Key a.k.a Mr. Villain and I am an American rapper, songwriter and producer from Dayton, Ohio. I’m also a videographer and graphic designer, creating most of my visual and project artwork. I began making music back in 2020, but I’ve been writing and “freestyling” for as long as I could remember. Over the years, I’ve gotten better at my craft working day in and day out, knowing that one day all of the trials, tribulations, blood, sweat and tears will eventually pay off. I just recently released the third installment of the villain tape series being “The Villain Tape 2: I Cry at the Thought of Growing Old Sometimes” and I must say, this is one of my personal favorite bodies of work. From the ups and downs, the different interactions and experiences, and all else above or below, this project captures it all. TVT2 is now streaming on all music platforms if interested and I actually have a second side on the way. That’s just between us though …
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That my “true” purpose was elsewhere other than the music. Once I got older and started to “find myself”, a lot of things started to fall in and out of place for me. Through it all though, art and music has also been near and dear to me, no matter how far I tried to run. Once I got to the point and age of “understanding” and being aware enough to know which way is which, I decided it was time to fully embrace my musical abilities.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that there is always a bigger picture behind what is presented. The most work done and most pain felt happens after everyone has checked out for the night. Behind the dark and lonely stage curtain after the “big show”. In the quiet gym with just you and a few dim lights while completing extra reps before the “big game”. Success never happens instantly or overnight, there will always be a grind process that must be followed in order to become “successful”. Especially if you’re the one possessing the dream and I am learning quickly.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my mother for her character and the way she carries herself through everything. As much as she could use and “abuse” her power as a mother, she doesn’t and never has. I’ve seen her give up most she’s had just to feed and dress my brothers and I. I’ve seen her go through some of the best of times and some of the worst of times, but remained humble and herself through it all being an inspiration to the four of us. If there is one person or one soul that I can say inspired and shaped me into the human I am today, I would mention my mother every chance I got.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Once it’s all said and done, I just want the people to carry over the fact that I never gave up. No matter who told me to, no matter how many times it was “taken” from me and no matter how down I felt. As a kid, I used to tell God and I that my main goal here is to just inspire. As long as I can accomplish that goal in the best and most positive way possible, that’s all that matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Sirlouiskey?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafGUXKzD8Wf-MW0cLrcS7fyA339aU4YMJeXJXI0EL4IuqrdtT5vZmrOY5jZmA_aem_IlEfmKoubVNa49WiVB4mVA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akalouiskey/
- Twitter: https://x.com/akalouiskey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelonelyproductions937
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/EVWNJzODn0F7pT7iBN
Image Credits
Photography by @avithashooter
