Brooklyn-born artist Leikeli47 has always been something of an enigma. Known for her anonymity and signature ski mask, she’s carved out a singular lane in hip-hop over the past decade—one defined by fearless genre fusion and cultural tribute. But now, for the first time in her career, the world is seeing her fully, both musically and visually.
Leikeli47 recently released Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only, her first full-length project in two years and the most intimate of her career. The album not only showcases a new sonic direction but also marks the moment she removed the mask that once symbolized her artistic persona. This isn’t just a shift in image; it’s a declaration. “The mask served its purpose, and now we move forward,” she says. That forward momentum is the heartbeat of this album.
Her previous release, Shape Up (2022), closed out her acclaimed Beauty trilogy, a three-album arc that cemented her reputation as one of hip-hop’s most inventive voices. Across those projects, Leikeli blended gritty confidence with moments of vulnerability, drawing on elements of house, bounce, hip-hop, and soul. But Lei Keli ft. 47 pushes further. Produced alongside Harold Lilly, it’s her most liberated and sonically daring record yet, weaving everything from EDM and R&B to bashment rhythms and ballroom fire into one fearless body of work.
Though she’s often been referred to as a masked mystery, Leikeli47 has always made music that’s rooted in personal and cultural truth. She’s a self-described church kid who was raised by grandparents, bouncing between East Coast cities, absorbing the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Marvin Gaye, Bon Jovi, and PBS shows like Sesame Street. That mix of tradition and chaos became her creative compass. She’s long cited ballroom culture, EDM, and island influences as key touchpoints—and she fuses them here with heightened clarity.
Tracks like “Soft Serve” and “Passenger 47” reflect her unique ability to twist everyday metaphors into dancefloor mantras. On “Passenger 47,” she plays on the words “Boeing” and “boing,” using the imagery of elevation—both literal and metaphorical—to encourage listeners to rise above. Meanwhile, “Soft Serve” turns ice cream into a declaration of style and power, celebrating the ballroom ethos of feminine dominance and expressive performance. In her hands, wordplay becomes a weapon and a balm.
One of the most defining aspects of this era for Leikeli47 is her unmasked appearance. While fans may see it as a massive shift, for her, it was simply time. “47 was never a character,” she explains. “It was my purpose. I’m not here to be sold—I’m here to serve.” With her identity no longer hidden, she feels more connected to her audience and responsible for inspiring others to live fearlessly and with purpose.
This new chapter isn’t a reinvention—it’s a revelation. Lei Keli ft. 47 / For Promotional Use Only captures an artist in full bloom, stepping boldly into her truth while still honoring the legacy she’s helped build. The album doesn’t shy away from complexity. It embraces it—just like Leikeli herself. And whether you’ve followed her from the start or are discovering her now, this project is the perfect place to begin witnessing who she really is.
Be sure to follow @hiphopuntapped for Hip Hop News, Entertainment , Fashion , & Sports.
