The artist QB, legal name of Keith McKinney, announced his debut album ‘Not Tired Yet’ to be released March 21, 2021. QB has been involved with music since the age of 5 but has been involved in several projects and albums since. In his early ages he would sit in his living room and listen as his brothers’ band, Shades of Ebony, would practice for hours as the number one band in the San Antonio area in the late 70’s.
The musical influence was evident as he started playing drums for the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and assisting his brother on music projects as he got older. QB’s first official project, QB Productions, was completed in 1997 but was never released due to label disputes and contract breakdowns. Frustrated with the business side of music, QB spent the years following working on contracted projects by ghost writing and producing. Many friends, family, and fans wondered if QB would resurface back into the music scene.
After the passing SOE entertainment founder and his brother, lifelong musician Alonzo (Mac) McKinney, QB decided it was time continue to complete what had been left undone with this first album being dedicated to his brother.
The first single ‘Can I Breathe’, was released MLK day 2021 as a timely social justice piece addressing current events to critical acclaim. “Incredible feel! The instrumental track lands hard and allows the lyrical content to feel even more meaningful and well-constructed than it already is. Lyrically, this is a killer work. All together, these elements conspire to deliver a listening experience that’s as memorable as it is meaningful!” – Jon Wright
With a blended style of Jazz, RnB, and hip-hop, QB displays a unique fresh style that has not been felt in hip-hop in years. All done with no explicit lyrics, QB gives music everyone can be shared and listened too by everyone.
Where do you hail from?
Currently live in Orlando, FL. But originally from Eastside of San Antonio, Texas
How did your artist name come about?
My artist name of QB started from obviously playing the football position through my child, high school, College life. But when you truly are something it will transcend to all areas of your life. I found that leading people in a unique and special way was a gift and in many situations, even when I did not want to be, I always ended up in the “QB” position of the situation. Thus the name “QB”
How long have you been making music?
Started making music at the age of 11 when my brother brought me a Yamaha DX27 synthesizer. When I turned 17 in 1991, I added an alesis Drum machine and then I was off to the races.
How would you describe the sound around your music, the background/inspirations behind it?
This sound is a blended composition of modern beat patterns, laced with jazzy melodies, and complex complementary sounds. My brother was a lifelong musician and sound engineer. He had the number 1 funk band in SA in the 70’s. So his funk/Jazz influence is in everything I do and the inspiration behind this album. This combined with clever, skillfully crafted lyrics that mask the fact there is no curse words through the tracks without being termed “Christian Hip-Hop”. This will be the first Hip-Hop Album to come out in awhile totally geared towards motivation, inspiration, and doing LIFE!
How do you spend your time outside of the business?
Licensed Real Estate Agent. Also serve on Leadership for National Sales and Marketing Company.
What are your current thoughts of the music business in 2021?
The music business has changed into a music marketing business in my opinion. Madonna showed us how marketing could make a difference in your Album sales in the 80’s. Social Media has just taken that to a whole new level.
What have you got planned for the near future?
The full album ‘Not Tired Yet’ drops March 21, 2021 through SOE entertainment. Then I am producing a Jazz Album that we will begin recording in the summer for Eric ‘Guitar Man’ Watler. The next project for me personally will be an instrumental hip-hop LP tentatively due out July 28, 2022 called ‘Around the world in 14 days’. This will be focused on 14 tracks with musical influences from 14 different countries. Also, A christian hip-hop EP from artist Jay-Bird (My daughter) in 2022.
What inspires you when you make your music?
I am inspired by the sound and the depth of the focal element of the track. I search for a deeper meaning of what that element is ‘trying to say’, then I begin to build around it. That’s the true producers ear my brother had. To be able to hear the beauty from the complex and turn it into something simple for everyone to hear.
What music are you bumping at the moment?
At the moment you can catch me playing: Freddie Joachim, Iamnobodi, BeOnIt (Live Arrangements), Nipsey Hussle
Who’s in your Top 5 greatest artist of all time?
Ice Cube, Heavy D, Rakim, MC Lyte, Ludacris
Where can the world find you on the web?
iTunes Can I Breathe – Single by Q.B.
Spotify URL Can I Breathe
Music Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhnIRcv-Q8g
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/QB.NotTiredYet
Jango: QB – Not Tired Yet
Do you have anything you’d like to plug or let the people know about?
– New single from full album called “The Awakening” will be released February 22nd. – There will be a Virtual Album Release Event on March 18th then followed by the full Album release on March 21st. – New website to launch by March 1st!
Thanks for your time and we look forward to hearing more from you in future!
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