Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Pierre "Keyz" Parker, 1988-2009






















Goodbye.

Local rapper Keyz was murdered Sunday morning.

Beyond the unspeakable nature of this and other all-too-common tragedies, two minor coincidences have left me rattled. Earlier that evening I parked on the street next to Grand Slam Liquors. Parker was shot nearby just a few hours later. The next day, still oblivious to the murder, I happened to toss this Keyz promotional flyer into my bag at 7th Heaven. Eerie.

The Pitch ran a music-oriented story and a crime-oriented piece. Here's a death notice in the Star.

This track from Keyz's latest mixtape, based on a Minnie Ripperton sample, isn't great, but it's typical of the post-Fat Tone sound that's still favored by the majority of Kansas City's rappers. In this context, of course, the track's thuggish nature makes for difficult listening.

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I loved Tony Bennett's effort last Saturday night. I also reviewed The People's Liberation Big Band on Friday.

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Kansas City Click: The New Vintage Big Band assembles tonight at BB's Lawnside BBQ.

(Note: I'm uncertain of this track's title and of Parker's year of birth.)

4 comments:

Harper said...

One of the suspects in Keyz' murder is more than twice his age. The other is about ten years older. What is going on in this city?

Happy In Bag said...

It's sickening, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

What is this world coming too...my family still suffers the love of two loved ones that were shot to death a nephew in 1991 and my baby sister in 1993. The pain never goes away but it does lighten up trust in the LORD and know everything he does is well Done.My prayers are with his family.

Anonymous said...

Rest in Paradise Pierre...I miss you so much!!! <3