• Comment: The sources only consist of interviews and Genius.com, as well as coverage of his "Cyanide Syndicate" group. However, coverage of this group is not specific to the subject, hence standalone-notability of the individual has not been established from the looks of it. Utopes (talk / cont) 12:26, 13 August 2024 (UTC)

Keyboard Kid
Phillips in 2023
Phillips in 2023
Background information
Birth nameGregory C. Phillips Jr.
Born (1986-06-25) June 25, 1986 (age 38)
Oahu, Hawaii, U.S.
GenresHip hop, Trap, Cloud rap, Experimental
Occupation(s)Music Producer, DJ
Years active(2009 - present)
Member ofThe Cyanide Syndicate[1]
Websitekeyboardkid206.com

Gregory C. Phillips Jr. (born June 25, 1986), professionally known as Keyboard Kid, is an American music producer and DJ renowned for his work in the cloud rap genre. Rising to prominence in the early 2010s through his collaborations with rapper Lil B.[2]

Early Life and Career

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Phillips was born in Oahu, Hawaii, at the age of three, he relocated to the Bay Area. By the time he was six, he had settled in Seattle, Washington.[3] In 2008, he sent a beat to Lil B, leading to a close collaborative relationship that significantly influenced the cloud rap genre. Their partnership has persisted over the years, with Keyboard Kid also taking on the role of Lil B's resident producer and live DJ.[2]

In 2019, Phillips came together with rapper Nacho Picasso and Key Nyata to form the group The Cyanide Syndicate.[4]

Artistry

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Musical Style

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Phillips’ musical style is a blend of reimagined soul and funk samples with a futuristic twist. He often takes classic R&B elements and transforms them into atmospheric, spacey soundscapes, creating a blend that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Phillips' work features a mix of ambient beats, heavy reverb, and eclectic sampling, resulting in a sound reminiscent of traditional soul but with a modern, otherworldly edge.

His album Cosmonaut illustrates his versatility, combining maximalist techno with sci-fi themes and digital influences, reflecting his interest in old-school video games and space imagery. This contrasts with his R&B-focused productions, where he creates a space-age version of symphonic soul, looping and relocating classic R&B angst into a futuristic context. His mixtapes, such as Digital Blunts and The Mind is So Complex When Your're Based, further showcase his range, blending playful beats with experimental sounds.[5] [2]

Phillips has stated that his production style has notable similarities to that of Clams Casino, particularly in their shared use of atmospheric beats and ethereal soundscapes. Both producers are known for their contributions to the cloud rap subgenre, characterized by their ambient and experimental approach to hip-hop production.[2]

Phillips has also cited Kanye West's song "Through the Wire" as a significant inspiration. The track inspired him to start making beats, marking a key moment in his decision to pursue music production.[3] [2]

Discography

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Albums/Mixtapes

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  • Adventures from the Cigar Galaxy (2010)
  • Based in the Rain (2011)
  • The Transition (2011)
  • Based in the Rain Twice (2011)
  • Dro, Electro + Nint3ndo (2011)
  • The Mind Is So Complex When Your're Based (2011)
  • Throwaways (I Do This Shit) (2012)
  • Based Treasure (2012)
  • Digital Blunts (2012)
  • Based Soul (Southern Hospitality) (2012)
  • Computers X Drugs (2012)
  • Rare Drops from the Sun (2012)
  • I Think I'm Santa (2012)
  • Don't Leave BasedWorld (2013)
  • Rare Drops from the Water (Water God's Journey, Pt. 1) (2013)
  • Based in the Rain 3 (2013)
  • AnimexMe (2013)
  • Pain in the Rain (2013)
  • Gods + Goons (2013)
  • Namor Treestyle Mixtape (2014)
  • Wavy Baby (Namor) 2014
  • Thankful (2014)
  • Under the Sea (Namor) (2014)
  • Treestyle 2 (2015)
  • Based in Japan (2015)
  • Winter's Pain (2015)
  • Evil Keyboard (2015)
  • Based Soul II (2015)
  • Evil Keyboard 2 PosiKey (2015)
  • DualGodFlow (2016)
  • DualGodFlow Instrumentals (2016)
  • Based in the Rain 4 (Bitr4) (2017)
  • Mollynium Thraxx (2017)
  • Mindcraft (2019)
  • Based Soul III (2022)
  • Chasing the Rain (2023)

[6]

References

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  1. ^ "The Cyanide Syndicate Needs Their Flowers". October 14, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Keyboard Kid on Based life and building beats for Lil B". Fact Magazine. February 20, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Currier, Alyce (June 7, 2012). "Earmilk Interview: Keyboard Kid 206".
  4. ^ "The Cyanide Syndicate Needs Their Flowers". October 14, 2020.
  5. ^ Lester, Paul (April 26, 2012). "Keyboard Kid 206 (No 1,258)". The Guardian.
  6. ^ "Keyboard Kid Albums and Discography". Genius.