Wazzup Xclusive | Julian Keyz talks New Project “90’S Baby”, Tour, and SNAKESKINS Album | @juliankeyz
Wow! Its been a while since R&B sensation Julian Keyz last visit to the Wazzup Tonight platform. We recently caught up with Julian in the midst of planning his tour and working on his new album, “90’s Baby”. The album “90’s Baby” is set to be released later this year. The buzz at the moment, is Julian’s latest offering, a instant classic album entitled, “SNAKESKINS”. The album SNAKESKINS: An American Hustle featured the hit singles, “Bucket List”, “NA$TY”, and “Beautiful Lies”.
In December of 2021, Julian dropped the club banger “2am”, which to this day stays locked on radio stations nationwide.
Exclusive Interview
WT: Hello, Julian Keyz, as an artist, where do you see the future of R&B going with hip-hop artists such as Drake combining the two genres?
Juian Keyz: I definitely see it continuing to evolve. Additionally, the essence of what R&B is will continue to thrive forever because it’s soul music. Hip Hop was essentially created based off of that same soul music via sampling and dj’ing. So it’ll forever be around, especially representing black music and culture.
Rap artists have also always utilized the genre to gain a broader reach and mass appeal. So the formula has been working for a minute, I don’t see it changing, just evolving.
WT: We understand that your background in the music industry began in Chicago, tell us how you landed at the World Famous Apollo Theater and became a 3x winner?
Julian Keyz: I’m relatively young, but I’ve been doing music for over 20 years now. I’ve seen a lot of change. One of the changes was how you had to build up a “buzz”. It’s relatively easy now to be seen and heard with social media platforms. Before in the early 00’s and prior, it was all about being really active on the scene and networking.
I started off doing talent shows around Chicago which allowed me to meet many show promoters. One of which was named Verda Rodgers. She used to host talent shows all over Chicago. I won a few of those talent shows and she took me under her wing. She eventually introduced me to Jane Harley in New York who was the talent coordinator for the Apollo at the time. I auditioned and was booked to perform at Amatuer Night. I went on to win 3 times.
WT: Did you receive any formal training as a youth for the arts?
Julian Keyz: I received a lot of training when I was younger. My mom kept me really busy. I trained in everything from dance, singing, instruments, acting and much more. I’ve trained at some really good schools that ranged coast to coast from New York to LA.
WT: At Interscope, what was your job function, and what projects were you involved with?
Julian Keyz: When I was in college at California State University, Northridge in 2017, it was required to get an internship to complete your marketing degree. Considering my background in music and my current pursuit in college, I ended up getting a digital marketing internship at Interscope Records. I was fortunate to work on many big artist projects during my tenure. My very first day working there I was in an ideation meeting for J.I.D. and Dreamville Records. It was really dope.
WT: In the last decade, you have made an amazing transition, what would you contribute to your growth as an artist?
Julian Keyz: I would solely contribute life experiences within the last 10 years towards my growth with not only my career, but life in general. Nothing beats time and wisdom.
WT: We hear that you have a new project on the horizon, please elaborate?
Julian Keyz: I’m preparing for my new project entitled “90’S BABY”. I’m really excited to share the vision and music. We’re shooting for an August release. S/O to all my 90’s babies.
WT: The “Snakeskins” album was different and unique on many levels, what direction are you going moving forward?
Julian Keyz: The benefit of being an independent recording artist is that you can allow yourself to experiment with sounds, concepts and overall branding. SNAKESKINS was a great project for me because it allowed me to experiment. You do have to be careful to stay engaged with your supporters and not go too far off rails, but that project was great for me. It was definitely a different look and sound than what people are accustomed to from me, but it allowed me to open up a new avenue for fans. You can definitely expect a follow up to that project within the next year or so.
Concept wise, it was refreshing for me to create. I’m an entrepreneur. I’ve always been. It was nice to speak from that artistic side as opposed to strictly R&B and relationship related concepts.
WT: Who are some of the artists or producers you’ve worked with presently or in the past that have made an impact on your career?
Julian Keyz: I was mentored by Rob “Diggy” Morrison when I was young. He influenced me a lot because he’s super creative. He’s an excellent musician which makes him a dope producer. He also scores films and he taught me how to add extras to a basic track to create and “experience” in the song.
’ve also worked with the respected Lamar “Hula” Mahone from the Outhere Brothers on my first record. That gave me the drive to want to pursue recording music.
WT: What’s Next for Julian Keyz, 5+ years?
Julian Keyz: What’s next for me within the next 5 years is a #1 album on billboard 200, #1 single on Hot 100 chart, high grossing world tour, good health & wealth, forbes list and lastly being one of the top entertainers in the world.
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