Album review: "Inmortal" by Keysokeys
The road women artists have to take to gain some measure of recognition and success in the Latin urban music industry has become, if not better paved, certainly wider over the past few years. This progress is due to the tireless effort of legends who were front ’n’ center since day one, and more recent leaders who gained significant foothold and cracked that meddlesome ceiling. A generational shift can be credited too, as younger audiences are quantifiably more receptive than ever before to embrace women even in genres historically dominated by men.
In Puerto Rico, the land of Ivy Queen (no moniker has aged better), the last handful of years has seen a number of women break through into the hip-hop/trap scene. Some have done so with the helpful push of allies, such as Ñejo and his well-meaning (but cringeworthy subtitled) “Mi Estilo de Vida (Female Version)” which gave starring roles to up-and-comers La Duraca, Irania, Yneliz, and Elysanij; or more recently Joyce Santana who invited Young Miko and Villano Antillano to his remix of “Besties”. But still others have had to go at it with less resources and shallower pockets.
While she’d graced recording booths before, it wasn’t until the energetic “C O N E” that Keysokeys truly burst onto the scene and started turning heads. Audiences who tuned into the Shoury Santana-directed music video quickly became acquainted with her striking look, and bore witness to her undeniable screen presence and charismatic command of her space (skip to 1:35 if you want to see a star be born). Most importantly, she had the goods as well — her knack for catchy hooks and aggressive cadences was on full display. With her foot firmly on the gas pedal, she quickly rolled out more bangers: “Bandida,” “Como Yo,” and “Pikete” with Fiamma which has already surpassed 1M streams on Spotify. All her work hasn’t been for naught — last September she showed up on Bad Bunny’s curated Latinx Heritage Month playlist for TIDAL.
Just under a year after “C O N E,” she’s now reached another milestone: the release of her debut EP, Inmortal. Boasting seven tracks, the album includes traps more akin to what she’s dabbled in so far, but also material that pushes her into new territory.
Appropriately released on 4/20, “Flxr” is a standout that doubles as weed paean and brag track. The axelghxst and Barcode-produced beat’s mighty bass bombs back up Keys as she raps just as blazing hot as the titular flowers. The album also includes a surprising traipse into reggaetón with “Sola,” which finds Keys displaying a deft handle on Kennoly’s perreo beat as she waxes lyrical about living her best solo life.
Another highlight is the remix of “Bandida,” Keys’ third solo single from late last year. Here she’s joined by La Faraona and YoSoyJenN, two fellow indie shooters who bring their A-game and heighten an already bravura track. The trio segues to-and-from each other impeccably, keeping the track moving briskly as they put on a rap clinic.
If there was any reticence about wading into uncharted sounds or themes, it doesn’t come across here. “Caminando,” produced by Søul and GIIO Cent, thrusts her onto a drum ’n’ bass beat that she uses to vent about unrequited love. While from the outside her compelling aesthetic might seem intimidating and coarse (and she’s certainly no pushover), she allows listeners a glimpse into her feelings with “Me Da Lo Mismo”. In it she despairs about a failed relationship that’s left her heartbroken, but all the while standing her ground about her decision to walk away. With both songs she communicates that just because you lament something ending, it doesn’t mean you have to chasten yourself to self-pity.
While the project doesn’t have any obvious breakouts (although “Flxr” comes extremely close, and might still slow burn into one) it also lacks any misfires. Keysokeys made herself known as a brash and captivating talent with untapped promise, and Inmortal continues strengthening that idea. With some small nudges a future that unlocks Keysokeys as a formidable voice in the trap scene is closer than ever, and the genre will be richer for it.
Follow Keysokeys on Instagram and Spotify, and listen to Inmortal here: