In an industry dominated by big personalities, it takes a lot for a hip hop artists to stand out. Brooklyn based rapper Leikeli47 has taken on this challenge, ironically, by disguising herself behind a mask – one she dons in interviews and during shows, and is rarely seen without. However, you shouldn’t take the mask as a clue of her being shy, since on her latest album Acrylic she proves she is anything but. Her flow is playful and brash, and on tracks like “Tic Boom” and “Girl Blunt” she experiments with unconventional vocal intonation and rhythm in her takedowns of those who might doubt her individuality and self assurance. Leikeli47 is just one of many talented artists who will be playing this year’s SXSW festival – you can catch her set on March 13th at the Hip Hop/Rap Showcase, and stream Acrylic below. -Sunny Betz
