Leikeli47 is an American rapper and songwriter known for her distinctive musical style and her former practice of concealing her face during public appearances. After her song ‘Fuck the Summer Up’ was featured on Jay-Z’s inaugural Tidal playlist in 2015, Leikeli47 built a reputation for her distinctive musical style and innovative artistry. Prior to this industry recognition, Leikeli47 had independently released her debut mixtape, LK-47, in 2010, followed by LK-47 Pt. II in 2014, and a self-titled EP, Leikeli47, in 2015.
The album’s lead single, ‘Girl Blunt,’ gained significant traction through its inclusion in the third season of HBO’s Insecure and the first season of Amazon Prime Video’s The Wilds. Acrylic garnered widespread acclaim, notably being recognized by NPR as one of its 50 Best Albums of 2018, and also featured on year-end lists from Paper Magazine, Esquire, and Forbes. Continuing her momentum, Leikeli47 performed at Natalie Portman’s Boston Calling in 2018 and embarked on her first headlining tour in 2019, connecting directly with her growing fanbase. She released her third album, Shape Up, on May 13, 2022, which continued to receive positive reviews, with Pitchfork.com praising its exceptional versatility across various genres and cementing her status as a dynamic and innovative artist.
In October 2024, Leikeli47 announced her eagerly awaited fourth album, Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only, simultaneously releasing its lead single, ‘450.’ The accompanying music video for ‘450’ marked a pivotal moment in her career, as Leikeli47 publicly removed her signature face covering for the first time, stating, ‘It feels right. Its time. The mask served its purpose, and now we move forward.’ This move signals a bold new chapter for the artist, building on a decade of impactful contributions to contemporary music.