Lil Tony is walking on a different path and with a different message. Born Tekai Elijah Key, the rapper from Atlanta has aimed to lead a positive lifestyle after seeking God and receiving spiritual revelation while facing two recent incarcerations. In numerous interviews, Tony has detailed how his mentality has shifted, to explain the change in his musical content and overall feel. This transformation can be heard on his most recent body of work, aptly titled Tkey vs. Tony.
Since delivering the album, there have been five visuals to come out: “Answer My Prayers” (Track 06) “Racks In The Morning” (Track 11), “Healing Pain” (Track 05), “Success” (Track 04), and “I Was Blinded” (Track 01). The most recent came this week and was cinematically more thematic to go along with the song’s title and Tony’s message. An actor plays the role of ‘Lil Tony’ (before his mind renewal), as the artist himself can be seen describing his transformation. In the scenes, he’s shown alone and with a close friend outside of a church and its surrounding areas. I assume the spots chosen to film around are where TKey grew up.
After speaking over atmospheric sounds on the album introduction, “I Was Blinded” is the first song where TKey is rapping. He uses this opening musical selection to address his spiritual awakening and lay out the album’s direction which mirrors his life’s rerouting. The song unfolds with wind instruments, which are closely followed by an electric guitar, as Tony outlines his conversion and spiritual journey: “I was blinded. Didn’t know what I know now, so now that I know, I guess it’s time that we start deciding.”
Tony’s production selections have become lighter in the way they feel, and his lyrical content has grown to be uplifting, as he aims to influence listeners to increase their faith, take care of their family and loved ones, and dress well. The Atlanta emcee has always stood out among other young rappers who were introduced with a drill-centered sound, by showing signs of wisdom and musical knowledge, which could be heard on his prior projects Born Again like “Ain’t Been Enough”, and “Lord I’m Sorry.” Instead of screaming at you on the microphone, Tony is now talking to you, and talking about his current revelations, daily dealings as a father of a baby girl, and rising emcee.
What is important about this redirection of Tony’s musical content, is the positive effect it has had on his fans and supporters – old and new. Across his social media platforms, you can see numerous comments commending the 21-year-old for making significant life changes without dampening his musical appeal.
Watch the music video below, and listen to Tkey vs. Tony here.