After a thread of arresting SXSW performances, the cloaked musician published her self-titled LP featuring a mix of released and brand new tracks. Leikeli47 was featured in our favorite, Pussy Riot’s video “Straight Outta Vagina.” She was also invited to to play a show on New Year’s Eve with Diplo and Skrillex at Madison Square Garden.
So… what’s up with the mask, Leikeli47? “The mask gives me magical powers,” she said at her interview with XXL. “I’m able to open up, I’m able to curse—and express myself just the way I want.” As Leikeli47 described, “pardon my language, but it’s like, ‘Nigga I’m here!’ I’ma do me, you know? When you put that mask on, it’s empowering. You feel invincible.”
What music inspired the talented 47? She grew up in a very musical household, from gospel to Herbie Hancock to Queen to Mary J. Blige, you name it. She does not class music, just like she likes her mask, genderless, faceless, and race-less. She revealed, “the more the mask becomes a lens on the world, the more power it takes on. This mask represents freedom, you put it on and you escape.” The RCA-signed artist raps like a machine gun at times, and occasionally singing colorful dance beats. Her style is energetic and aggressive; but still has the voice of a close friend.
“‘Money’ isn’t about currency, it’s about the work.” Leikeli47 confessed. “The phrase ‘I’m money’ or ‘I got money’ means I practice, it means I study, I’m confident, I’m that action and I’m results... Hard work and sacrifice can and will eventually lead you to whatever your version of the ‘good life’ is, but you gotta be money before you can see money.”
Here’s our love and support to you, Leikeli47. Drop whatever you’re doing, and make some “money” NOW!
