Mouchee Deeki biography
Artistry, consciousness and excellence
Since its early days, rap's finest performers have sought to both entertain and educate their audiences. South Louisiana native and current Indianapolis resident Mouchee Deeki has a foot in both worlds of the rap game. Due to the things he's seen growing up and experienced dealing with life in America for a Black man during the 21st century, he wants his songs and commentaries to inform audiences about tough realities like racism, drug addiction, crime, corruption and injustice. But he's also aware of music's ability to heal, unite and just make people feel good, and his capability in both areas have been an equal part of what he brings to the table as a performer.
For some Americans, the notion a "plantation culture" still exists seems remote and unreal. But Deeki witnessed first hand the remnants of those attitudes throughout his youth. Baton Rouge and Southern Louisiana in general retain both charming and deplorable elements from that background. Deeki heard and absorbed the sounds of jazz, R&B, blues, gospel, reggae and country that comprise the region’s diverse musical blend. But he also saw frustration and an often depressing environment where people's dreams went unfulfilled and their spirit crushed through poverty and a lack of opportunity. He was determined not to become another statistic, another casualty of that situation.
Along with an early love of music, he became enamored with the power of words and the impact being a dynamic storyteller could have on others. He discovered that wordsmiths who understood mood, pacing, timing and expressiveness could combine that with inventiveness and flair as a musician. The bass guitar, an instrument that can be either a key supportive part of the ensemble or a flamboyant lead item, would ultimately be for him a means of combining playing proficiency and verbal fluidity. Hip-hop developed into more than just a hobby or a pastime: it became a way of life.
However, Deeki also thoroughly studied the hip-hop universe, and realized it takes time, determination and perseverance to become successful, especially in something as precarious and competitive as rap and music. So he wisely pursued a degree in mechanical engineering while simultaneously polishing his skills as a rapper. When a cousin from the West Coast moved to the country and brought along a Tascam four-track and substantial keyboard skills, that was the final ingredient Deeki needed to push him ahead and stoke his creative fires. He earned his engineering stripes, but also kicked things forward in the rap game.
After college, he began graduate work in the spoken word field, where he accelerated development of the verbal and performing skills necessary to survive in the fierce hip-hop world. Writing and performing gave him an outlet for expressing his feelings, not only on what he'd already seen, but on developments that were occurring around him. He also saw changes in rap, as independent owners and companies began breaking away from the corporate-controlled world of commercial music. He took stock of the fact many acts and groups with similar multiple skills were forming their own labels, controlling their music in every way. Inspired by the example of Cash Money and No Limit, he formed his own company LougaMusic.
Since 2007, Mouchee Deeki has issued a series of bold, forthright and highly individual discs that showcase his versatility, thematic flair and charismatic style. The first release, "Bidness," was an eight-song vehicle that alternated between party tunes, autobiographical entries, and topical/political commentary. The cut "Lean the Seat Back" (both single and radio versions) exhibits his penchant for humorous asides and colorful presentation, while "Nightmares" dips into the surreal and supernatural, "Shame" is one of his earliest and strongest socio-political pieces and the duo of "Come Here" and "Get Some" highlight the party/flashy aspects of his personality.
But growth is paramount to any artists' evolution, and Deeki showed plenty of it with the 2010 release "Fa True." The number of tracks doubled to 16, he's joined by skilled partners Rashad The Poet, Aphropik, Ink Diva, Iyen Frierson, Miz Tiff E., and D. Carmouche, and he shows heightened flamboyance as a producer, writer and performer. Aided by his cousin 7Tre, this disc offers something for everyone. Those who prefer celebratory or competitive banter will enjoy cuts like "Bartender," "Jungle Funk," :Shake Dat Leg," or the opener "Fa Time."
Hide message history
However, Deeki's immersion into topical and conscious material continues with other magnificent cuts that examine in stark terms hard-edged and complex themes. "DWB" tells an all too familiar story about the perils of being behind the wheel as a Black person when the cops approach." Struggling" with lyen Frierson," "Black Men S.o.L.," and "What's the Problem with Rashad The Poet," and "My Brother's Keeper," with Mz. Tiff E., show Deeki's willingness to engage and interact with collaborative, like-minded performers. The same is true of "The Storm" featuring Ink Diva.
Those two productions set the table for the best Deeki effort yet, the new release "The Compound Effect," which drops in November. These are 14 lean, smart and topflight cuts that again display a diverse, profound performer. There are certainly cuts aimed at the Afrocentric bunch such as "Jim Crow Back" featuring Mz Tiff E," "Me For DWB," "Meditation Revelation" and "The Upside." But he also has words of wisdom regarding contemporary artists in "Rappers Out Here," and testimony as to his ongoing desires and feelings in "Love Me Hate Me," "My Money Makes Money," "Still Hungry," "Outta My Mind" and "On My Relations Ship."
Progressive, thoughtful and individualistic voices never have it easy in a world that seems to place more value on conformity and performers who embrace it. But that doesn't bother or scare Mouchee Deeki. He says bring it on, because that's what he's doing, with messages that stamp him as a singular and gifted artist unwilling to worry about what the crowd's doing, ready to establish his own direction, and present it to audiences. These qualities separate those with passion and talent from those who prefer to imitate and follow. Mouchee Deeki's a leader, and someone who will definitely be heard from for years to come.