Ivory Keys – “In The Mix” (Video)

Ivory Keys is a 21-year old rapper from Summerville who just released a music video for his song “In The Mix”. I had the chance to catch Ivory Keys live at Cory’s Grilled Cheese about a year ago, back when it was tucked away in the corner of the Harris Teeter parking lot on Maybank Highway. I had listened to and enjoyed the The Keys to Boone Hall EP that he did with fellow Charleston rapper Jeremiah Boone, but the sound at Cory’s that night really didn’t do justice to Ivory Keys’ set. Thankfully his recorded music doesn’t have that problem, and we can clearly hear that this kid’s got talent.

“In The Mix” is a single that Keys released back in November, and it also features a verse from Jeremiah Boone. The song is about a one-sided relationship, where one person wants to be fully present while the other just wants somebody to keep around. The message of the song is represented in the video by a one-sided game of Jenga, with Ivory Keys playing against an invisible opponent who makes all ther right moves. It’s professionally done (by director Liam Rowley), which I’m happy to say is becoming more common in the world of South Carolina hip-hop.

Speaking of the mix, the song itself was produced by Stephan Looney and C. Nami, both of whom are also based in Charleston. I’d definitely encourage any Charleston rappers reading this to reach out to them about your next release. “In The Mix” is well-done.

Watch the video below, and catch Ivory Keys at The Purple Buffalo this Saturday night for a Charleston Sky Entertainment showcase called Liquor Made Me Do It. More info on the show here.