Young Stoner Life’s standing at the forefront of hip-hop came crashing down in the past year. Not only is Young Thug and the label facing a slew of RICO indictments, but have also experienced a tragic loss in the promising Lil Keed.
Leaving us all too soon at 24 years old, his latest single “Long Way To Go” (Feb. 3) showcases the growth of the Atlanta artist nearly a year after his passing. His mother, Tonnie “HoodMama” Woods-Reed, took to his Instagram to announce the single and upcoming project Keed Talk to ‘Em 2 by way of a heartfelt letter.
“This song holds a special place in my heart, and as you guys will see it, will reflect on many aspects of Keed's journey here on Earth.”#LilKeed’s mother announces his first posthumous single “Long Way To Go” set to drop this Friday. #RIPKEED 🕊️ #OGM pic.twitter.com/G21oSl6rQj
— Our Generation Music (@OGMusicCo) January 30, 2023
Produced by the trio of DJ SIDEREAL, Aidan Han and Ajax, “Long Way To Go” serves as the line between reflection and motivation. Lil Keed finds himself looking back on how far he’s come and the path that was laid in front of him. His distinctive melodic flow and lively delivery floats over the production, as the coinciding visual is shot in Keed’s hometown of Atlanta. It showcases footage of some of his best and worst moments — incorporating cameos from his daughter, mother, brother and close collaborators.
Got a long way to go, but I’m closer than ever
I Chanel the belt, I Chanel the sweater
I go through a lot but I keep it together (I go through a lot)
I’m pullin’ up, four hundred and better
Lil Keed – “Long Way To Go”
Keed passed away on May 13, 2022 from a rare blood condition called eosinophilia — a disease-fighting white blood cells in the bloodstream. The rising rapper emerged of out Atlanta in the beginning of 2018 thanks to the first installment of Keed Talk to ‘Em & Trapped in Cleveland series. In 2019, he signed with YSL and released his debut album Long Live Mexico that brought him into prominence with appearances from Young Thug, Roddy Ricch and Gunna.
#LilKeed’s official cause of death was due to natural causes and NOT linked to drugs or alcohol, per his mother. #OGM
— Our Generation Music (@OGMusicCo) January 4, 2023
He suffered from Eosinophilia: An excess of eosinophil in the blood that’s associated with parasitic infection, an allergic reaction or cancer. #LongLiveKeed pic.twitter.com/ksGRQ1D5xf
There’s currently no official release date for the project, however, we’re looking forward to hearing Keed Talk to ‘Em 2 in full soon. As we continue to come to terms with the sad passing, his brother Lil Gotit and family will continues to keep his name alive.
Check Out “Long Way To Go” below!