Lyrics. Style. Image. Keke, also known as Kelechi Onwumere, is an 18-yr-old female rapper and singer that encompasses all of these characteristics and more. Keke began her interest in music at the early age of five when she started singing. Five years later she developed a taste for the rap game. At the young age of 10, the fifth grader started writing rhymes to test her lyrical abilities. “I was really young so I just used to write down words that rhymed, and see which ones made sense” says the talented rapper. “From ages 10 -12, I was trying to perfect my writing skills. At ages 12-14, I wanted to master the art of freestyling, and from the ages of 14-16, I learned how to battle” says Keke. Keke released her first album entitled “The Story of a Freestyle Pro” in 2003 at the age of 15. The album carried the hit song “Freestyle Pro” which gained spins on 89.3 KNON and 97.9 The Beat. When asked of the album, Keke replied, “I did not want to put out an album until I knew for sure that I was confident with my rap style and battling techniques.” Keke’s hit song “Freestyle Pro” has won her talent shows, collaborations, street credibility, and the opportunity to make the introductory song to 97.9 The Beat’s “Da Show” hosted by Headkrack, Supa K, and Keynote . In 2002, Keke competed in the Mesquite Battle of the Bands talent show, to which she was the only hip-hop act competing against nine alternative rock bands. She took home the first place cash prize consecutively for four years until they retired her. Through her participation in the Battle of the Bands, she has been featured in the Mesquite News and the Dallas Morning News. She has also been featured for eight weeks on 89.3’s Jam it or Damn it segment as well as 97.9 The Beat’s freestyle contest as the 13-week reigning champ. Both stations eventually retired her after numerous wins. In 2005, Keke released her mixtape “2 Hot 4 Cd” which helped her build a larger fan base in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Through this mixtape she has gained visibility in different states, and even received a feature in southern hip-hop magazine, Block2Block. Keke has also performed at the 2005 Texas Summer Music Conference, one of the largest urban film, fashion and music conferences in the United States. At her 2005 Mesquite High School prom she was recognized as “Most Talented,” and she received this award again in 2006 through the University of Texas at Arlington’s Alpha Phi Alpha “Collection of Brothers ceremony.” She is currently working on her new highly anticipated album entitled “New Breed of Chick” which includes the hit singles “Debit or Credit”, “Yo Girlfriend”, and “Changes.” With this project, she hopes to gain the attention of a major label. So what’s next for Keke? The possibilities are limitless. But one thing is for certain. She is the freestyle pro and she is going to put it down wherever she goes!