KEKE

"KEKE" is a song that glorifies a dangerous and illegal lifestyle, with the lyrics focusing on themes of violence, drug dealing, and sexual conquests. The artists, 6ix9ine, Fetty Wap, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, boast about their daily activities on the block, which include confrontations with the police and rival gangs. The recurring phrase "on the regular" emphasizes the routine nature of these illicit actions. The song's overall message is one of defiance against authority and a celebration of a lawless existence. It paints a picture of a harsh street reality where power and respect are earned through aggression and criminal enterprise.

The song's narrative is a raw and unfiltered depiction of a defiant and dangerous street lifestyle, delivered with an aggressive and confrontational energy. The central theme revolves around the artists' regular activities on their block, which are consistently portrayed as being in opposition to the law and societal norms. The lyrics open with a bold declaration of their presence and actions, repeatedly emphasizing that their illicit activities are a part of their daily routine, or "on the regular." This includes violent confrontations, specifically mentioning brandishing firearms and being ready for conflict. The artists boast about their sexual conquests in explicit terms, further contributing to the song's provocative and unapologetic tone.

A significant portion of the lyrical content is dedicated to bragging about wealth, criminal exploits, and a complete disregard for authority. There is a strong emphasis on materialism, with references to expensive cars and a constant flow of money. The act of "water whipping straight drop" alludes to the process of cooking crack cocaine, explicitly detailing their involvement in the drug trade. This is presented not as a necessity, but as a part of their dominant and successful street persona. The lyrics also convey a sense of paranoia and the need for constant vigilance, as they are always armed and prepared for potential threats or attacks. This readiness for violence is a recurring motif, with graphic descriptions of inflicting harm on their rivals.

The featured artists, Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, each contribute verses that build upon this established theme of a lawless and aggressive lifestyle. Their contributions echo the sentiments of the main artist, reinforcing the collective identity of a crew that is deeply entrenched in street culture. They rap about their own experiences with violence, their material possessions, and their risky behaviors, creating a unified and consistent narrative throughout the song. The overall message is a glorification of a dangerous and illegal lifestyle, where power, wealth, and respect are gained through intimidation and illicit activities. The song paints a picture of a world where survival and success are dictated by a completely different set of rules, far removed from mainstream society.

"KEKE" was officially released on January 14, 2018, as the third single from 6ix9ine's mixtape Day69. The song is a collaboration with fellow American rappers Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie. It was produced by WalteezyAFN. Interestingly, a solo version of the track titled "On The Regular" was uploaded to the ELEVATOR music channel in March 2017 but didn't gain significant traction initially. The remixed version with Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie was previewed by 6ix9ine on his Instagram in late 2017 before it was officially released. The music video, directed by Figure Eight Films, was premiered by WorldStarHipHop and features the three artists in the streets of New York, stylistically similar to 6ix9ine's previous music videos for "Gummo" and "Kooda".

The rhyme scheme in "KEKE" is straightforward and direct, primarily utilizing simple end rhymes that contribute to the song's aggressive and chant-like quality. The rhythm is driven by a hard-hitting trap beat with a prominent bass line and skittering hi-hats, typical of the genre. The rappers' flows are energetic and often off-kilter, adding to the chaotic and confrontational feel of the track. The repetition of the phrase "on the regular" at the end of several lines in the chorus creates a hypnotic and memorable hook, reinforcing the song's central theme of a normalized, dangerous lifestyle. The interplay between the driving rhythm of the beat and the aggressive, often shouted, vocal delivery creates a sense of urgency and intensity.

The song employs a number of stylistic techniques to achieve its aggressive and confrontational tone. 6ix9ine's vocal delivery is characterized by its loud, almost screaming style, which has become one of his signatures. This, combined with the dark, minor-key synth production and hard-hitting drum programming, creates an intense and menacing atmosphere. The lyrics are explicit and direct, with a focus on vivid, and often violent, imagery. Repetition is a key literary device used throughout the song, most notably with the phrase "on the regular," which serves to normalize the extreme lifestyle being depicted. The song also features ad-libs and shout-outs, such as "Scum Gang!", which help to build a sense of group identity and loyalty.

"KEKE" was a significant song in the rise of 6ix9ine's controversial career. It followed his breakout singles "Gummo" and "Kooda," further solidifying his aggressive, in-your-face style that garnered him both massive attention and notoriety. The song performed well commercially, peaking at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success helped to cement 6ix9ine's place as a prominent figure in the SoundCloud rap scene of the late 2010s. The music video, which amassed a large number of views, continued to build upon his viral fame with its raw and energetic depiction of New York street life. While not as widely impactful as some of his other hits, "KEKE" was an important step in his rapid ascent to fame and a key track on his successful mixtape, Day69.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "KEKE" is "on the regular." This phrase is repeated at the end of multiple lines in the chorus and serves as the central motif of the song. It is used to emphasize that the illicit and dangerous activities being described—such as fighting with the police, drug dealing, and promiscuous sex—are a normal and consistent part of the artists' lives. The repetition of this phrase acts as a defiant declaration, normalizing a lifestyle that is far from ordinary for most people. Another recurring motif is the imagery of violence and weaponry, with frequent references to guns and a readiness to engage in conflict. This reinforces the aggressive and dangerous persona that the artists are projecting.