Kee Beez, a/k/a Markee Webb, is an artist from Richmond, CA. Ever since he was a teen, he always knew there was something extraordinary about life.
Kee Beez got into film and television production while attending high school. He became the owner and CEO of Da Kee, INC. in 2008 and began creating his own short films. He is the executive producer of all of his projects and continues to work as an independent artist and work his way into the industry.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kee Beez about the latest project, adapting during a pandemic, what he stands for, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I am from the Bay Area, Richmond, CA. I feel my style of music is a cross breed of old school new school hip/ hop. I like the old school melodies, beats and vibes. When I’m creating, I like to mesh laid back feel with new modern sounds and modern flavors.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I’ve always loved music and always loved making music. I felt like music was calling me away from distractions and destruction. The city of Richmond can mislead you as a black man into thinking that your life may just plateau at 25, but once I answered that call I have never looked backed. I have sacrificed and grown into the artist that I am today, and it was not easy. Discipline and hard work have been driving me to continue to strive forward.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
For my latest project I really took the time out to harvest my sounds. I personally picked each beat for this album to make sure that I showed up and showcased the right side of me. I wanted people to really feel where I have been and where the future was going for me. This album is more of a reflection of my career as an artist. Also, I think I feel more balance on Thumnation …. More of a broader sound from my environment.
The theme for this project was catered after my record label Thumnation. The meaning behind the name is to keep working so you can keep counting and stacking money. I wanted to be able to express myself to the world through my creation.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
A big challenge for me was still being able to reach my fanbase without live performances. I travel and perform a lot, so when the pandemic slowed that down completely, it slowed down opportunities and income for me. I had just released a project called grind all just before the shut down and it slowed everything down a lot.
I had to stay prayed up and realize that the creator will have the final say in any and everything. I utilized this down time to really put time into myself and my music. I began focusing on how I wanted my brand to be perceived and what message I wanted to deliver. I worked on my online presence and made sure there was an avenue for my fans to have access to my music. I understand this was going to be a long process so I wanted to make sure I did not lose focus on the prize.
I have been collaborating with different producers and visual artist. I am stepping outside of my realms and exploring different people in the industry. Always seeing the art, understanding the art, create the art, I am the art !!
What do you stand for?
I always stand for the right thing. God first , I stay positive and understand there’s things I can change and there’s things I can’t …. Gotta understand which is which
What was the last song you listened to? Does that artist influence you in any way?
I think it was the Migos Modern Day …. Migos are inspiration to keep up the hustle. They are a positive group and always a great influence… they work hard and stay creative fa sho!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
Streaming all day-but you know I can say that I messed around with them all. Who would have thought there would be scratch free, skip-free music listening.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Anything else before we sign off?
TNo, just to say thank you for your time!
