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Removed source tag, it is a video where he can be seen saying the quote. Also removed opinion piece from a political activist on that very issue as if fails BLP.
 
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{{Short description|British rapper and activist}}
{{about|the British-Iraqi rapper|the American rapper of the same name|Lowkey (American rapper)|all other uses|Low key (disambiguation)}}
{{about|the British rapper||Low key (disambiguation)}}
{{BLP primary sources|date=July 2015}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2011}}
{{Use British|date=November 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2011}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Lowkey
| name = Lowkey
| image = LowkeyBristol5.jpg
| image = LowkeyBristol5 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Lowkey performing in Bristol, 21 September 2009
| caption = Lowkey performing in Bristol, 2009
| image_size =
| birth_name = Kareem Dennis
| birth_name = Kareem Dennis
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1986|05|23}}
| alias =
| birth_place = [[London]], England
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1986|05|23}}
| genre = {{flat list|
| birth_place = [[London]], [[England]]
| genre = {{flat list|
* [[British hip hop]]
* [[British hip hop]]
* [[Grime (music genre)|grime]]
* [[Grime (music genre)|grime]]
}}
}}
| occupation =
| occupation =
| label = Mesopotamia Music<br>SO Empire Recordings
| label = Mesopotamia Music<br />SO Empire Recordings
| years_active = 2001–2012<small><br></small> 2016–present
| years_active = 2001–2012<small><br /></small> 2016–present
| associated_acts = {{flat list|
| associated_acts = {{flat list|
* [[Akala (rapper)|Akala]]
* [[Akala (rapper)|Akala]]
* [[Immortal Technique]]
* [[Immortal Technique]]
* [[Mongrel (band)|Mongrel]]
* [[Mongrel (band)|Mongrel]]
* [[Black the Ripper]]
* [[Marcel Cartier]]
}}
}}
| website =
| website =
| background = solo_singer
}}
}}


'''Kareem Dennis''' (born 23 May 1986),<ref name="suuk"/> better known by his [[stage name]] '''Lowkey''', is a [[British Iraqi]] [[rapper]] and [[activist]] based in London, England. He first became known through a series of mixtapes he released before he was 18,<ref name="vol3r"/> before taking a hiatus from the music business. He would return in 2008 with wider music coverage, featured on BBC Radio<ref name="1xtra">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk//1xtra/semtex/20081031.shtml|title=31 Oct&nbsp;08, Brand New Kanye West, Q-Tip & Lowkey|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=2009-01-15}}</ref><ref name="bbcasian">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fc7v4|title=Lowkey is live in the studio to talk about his BBC Electric Proms performance|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=2009-01-15}}</ref> and appearing at various festivals and concerts including the [[BBC Electric Proms]],<ref name="proms">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms/2008/artists/lowkey/|title=Electric Proms Artists|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|accessdate=2009-01-15}}</ref> [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]], [[T In The Park]] and [[Oxegen]]<ref name="hhk">{{cite web|url=http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2009/01/lowkey-interview/ |title=Lowkey Interview |last=Hallick |first=Stuart |date=4 January 2009 |publisher=Hip-Hop Kings |accessdate=2009-01-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20090123212731/http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2009/01/lowkey-interview/ |archivedate=23 January 2009 }}</ref> in the buildup to his first solo album ''[[Dear Listener]]'', as well as collaborating with other British musicians to form the supergroup Mongrel. He released his second solo album, ''[[Soundtrack to the Struggle]]'', independently on 16 October 2011.
'''Kareem Dennis''' (born 23 May 1986),<ref name="suuk"/> better known by his stage name '''Lowkey''', is a British rapper and activist from London. He first became known through a series of mixtapes he released before he was 18,<ref name="vol3r"/> before taking a hiatus from the music business. He would return in 2008,<ref name="1xtra">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk//1xtra/semtex/20081031.shtml|title=31 Oct&nbsp;08, Brand New Kanye West, Q-Tip & Lowkey|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=2009-01-15}}</ref> with appearances on BBC Radio<ref name="bbcasian">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fc7v4|title=Lowkey is live in the studio to talk about his BBC Electric Proms performance|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=2009-01-15}}</ref> and at various festivals and concerts including the [[BBC Electric Proms]],<ref name="proms">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/electricproms/2008/artists/lowkey/|title=Electric Proms Artists|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=2009-01-15}}</ref> [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury]], [[T In The Park]] and [[Oxegen]]<ref name="hhk">{{cite web|url=http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2009/01/lowkey-interview/ |title=Lowkey Interview |last=Hallick |first=Stuart |date=4 January 2009 |publisher=Hip-Hop Kings |access-date=2009-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090123212731/http://www.hip-hopkings.com/2009/01/lowkey-interview/ |archive-date=23 January 2009 }}</ref> in the buildup to his first solo album ''[[Dear Listener]]'', as well as collaborating with other British musicians to form the supergroup [[Mongrel (band)|Mongrel]]. He released his second solo album, ''[[Soundtrack to the Struggle]]'', independently in 2011.


After a five-year hiatus, Lowkey released a string of singles between 2016 and 2018 to precede the release of his third album, ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2'', released on 5 April 2019.
After a five-year hiatus, Lowkey released a string of singles between 2016 and 2018 to precede the release of his third album, ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2'', released in 2019.


==Early life==
==Early life==
From the age of twelve he began to rap, initially imitating American rappers but soon began using his own accent.<ref name="suuk">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukhh.org/index.php/Interviews/Lowkey.html |title=Lowkey |publisher=Stand Up UK |accessdate=2009-01-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106144617/http://www.ukhh.org/index.php/Interviews/Lowkey.html |archivedate=6 January 2009 }}</ref> He began attending the [[open mic]] sessions which took place at the Deal Real record shop on [[Carnaby Street]], [[Central London]].<ref>http://www.ukhh.com/oldreviews/twelve-inch/1661.html/{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The first time he went he introduced himself as Lowkey and was told there was already a regular there by that name; the two had a rap battle to decide who would continue to use the alias, Kareem emerged victorious and continued to use the name thereafter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopug.com/lowkey.html/|archive-url=https://archive.is/20100922222914/http://www.hiphopug.com/lowkey.html/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-09-22|title=Hiphopug.com}}</ref>
Lowkey was born in [[London]] to an [[Iraqis|Iraqi]] mother and an English father.<ref>[https://www.greenbelt.org.uk/artists/lowkey/ Lowkey]. Greenbelt Festival. Retrieved 2022-04-16.</ref> From the age of twelve he began to rap, initially imitating American rappers but soon began using his own accent.<ref name="suuk">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukhh.org/index.php/Interviews/Lowkey.html |title=Lowkey |publisher=Stand Up UK |access-date=2009-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106144617/http://www.ukhh.org/index.php/Interviews/Lowkey.html |archive-date=6 January 2009 }}</ref> He began attending [[open mic]] sessions at the Deal Real record shop on [[Carnaby Street]], Central London.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ukhh.com/oldreviews/twelve-inch/1661.html |title=Ukhh.com &#124; reviews &#124; twelve-inch &#124; Lowkey - Politics |website=www.ukhh.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816115054/http://www.ukhh.com/oldreviews/twelve-inch/1661.html |archive-date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The first time he went he introduced himself as Lowkey and was told there was already a regular there by that name; the two had a rap battle to decide who would continue to use the alias. Kareem emerged victorious and continued to use the name thereafter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopug.com/lowkey.html/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100922222914/http://www.hiphopug.com/lowkey.html/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-09-22|title=Hiphopug.com}}</ref>

After a five-year hiatus, Lowkey released a string of singles between 2016 and 2018 to preceded his third album, ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2'', released on 5 April 2019.


==Music career==
==Music career==
===2003–09: Mixtapes & ''Dear Listener''===
===2003–09: Mixtapes & ''Dear Listener''===
The first part of his mixtape series ''Key to the Game'', was released independently in 2003.<ref name="hhk"/> Within a year and a half he had released a second and third volume, all of which gained critical acclaim from UK hip hop circles.<ref name="vol3r">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukhh.com/reviews/lp/2036.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219065352/http://www.ukhh.com/reviews/lp/2036.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2005-12-19 |title=Key to the Game Vol 3 Review |publisher=UK Hip Hop |accessdate=2008-11-03 }}</ref> Though the first volume largely used music from other artists, the second was mostly original work in conjunction with numerous artists and producers while the third, which had no skits or short songs like a traditional mixtape would, was mostly his own work.<ref name="hhk"/>
The first part of his mixtape series ''Key to the Game'', was released independently in 2003.<ref name="hhk"/> Within a year and a half he had released a second and third volume.<ref name="vol3r">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukhh.com/reviews/lp/2036.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219065352/http://www.ukhh.com/reviews/lp/2036.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2005-12-19 |title=Key to the Game Vol 3 Review |publisher=UK Hip Hop |access-date=2008-11-03 }}</ref> Though the first volume largely used music from other artists, the second was mostly original work in conjunction with numerous artists and producers while the third, which had no skits or short songs like a traditional mixtape would, was mostly his own work.<ref name="hhk"/>


While Lowkey the man was busying himself with European tours in support of [[Immortal Technique]], [[Canibus]], and [[Dead Prez]],<ref name="hhk"/> he began to make musical contacts and set about recording his official debut album. Though stalled by [[Lowkey#Other work|other artistic endeavours]], ''[[Dear Listener]]'' was eventually released in January 2009.<ref name="bbcreview">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/d5mq|title=An album full of poetry.|last=Small|first=Elle J|date=5 February 2009|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2009-09-29}}</ref><ref name="fm">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmagazine.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1718&Itemid=32|title=Lowkey 'Dear Listener'|last=Oliver|first=Matt|date=7 January 2009|publisher=Fact Magazine|accessdate=2009-01-18}}</ref> He bookended the year with another release, ''Uncensored'', with highlights from the entire ''Key To The Game'' series and ''Dear Listener''. This was released digitally in December through [[iTunes]].<ref name="uncens">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/uncensored/id340715527|title=Uncensored by Lowkey|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|accessdate=2010-01-18}}</ref>
While Lowkey was busying himself with European tours in support of [[Immortal Technique]], [[Canibus]], and [[Dead Prez]],<ref name="hhk"/> he began to make musical contacts and record his debut album. Though stalled by [[Lowkey#Other work|other artistic endeavours]], ''[[Dear Listener]]'' was released in October 2008.<ref name="bbcreview">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/d5mq|title=An album full of poetry.|last=Small|first=Elle J|date=5 February 2009|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=2009-09-29}}</ref><ref name="fm">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmagazine.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1718&Itemid=32|title=Lowkey 'Dear Listener'|last=Oliver|first=Matt|date=7 January 2009|publisher=Fact Magazine|access-date=2009-01-18}}</ref> In December he released the compilation album ''Uncensored'', with highlights from the entire ''Key to the Game'' series and ''Dear Listener'', digitally through [[iTunes]].<ref name="uncens">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/uncensored/id340715527|title=Uncensored by Lowkey|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|access-date=2010-01-18}}</ref>


===2009–12: ''Soundtrack to the Struggle''===
===2009–12: ''Soundtrack to the Struggle''===
After touring with Immortal Technique the two made a single, "Voices of the Voiceless" which was released in September 2009.<ref name="metro09">{{cite news|url=http://e-edition.metro.co.uk/2009/08/13/25.html|title=One to watch: Lowkey|last=Haider|first=Arwa|date=13 August 2009|newspaper=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]|accessdate=2009-08-22}}</ref>
After touring with Immortal Technique the two made a single, "Voices of the Voiceless" which was released in September 2009.<ref name="metro09">{{cite news|url=http://e-edition.metro.co.uk/2009/08/13/25.html|title=One to watch: Lowkey|last=Haider|first=Arwa|date=13 August 2009|newspaper=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]|access-date=2009-08-22}}</ref>


The second single, "Long Live Palestine" (also known as "Tears to Laughter") was digitally released on 9 March 2009. In December 2009, Lowkey revealed he would release a second part to "Long Live Palestine" featuring international artists including Palestinian rap group [[DAM (band)|DAM]], Anglo-Palestinian soloist [[Shadia Mansour]], [[Narcy (rapper)|Narcy]] from Iraq, Iranian artists [[Hich Kas]] and [[Reveal (rapper)|Reveal]], Syrian-Lebanese performer [[Eslam Jawaad]] and African-American Muslim [[Hasan Salaam]]. "Long Live Palestine" was packaged in an EP with Part 1 and the instrumental.<ref name="llp2">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0031CS65U|title=Long Live Palestine Parts 1 & 2: Lowkey|accessdate=2010-01-13}}</ref> The single received statements of support from [[Tony Benn]] and [[Benjamin Zephiniah]].<ref>[http://www.palestinecampaign.org/about/patrons/ Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Our Patrons] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104021810/http://www.palestinecampaign.org/about/patrons/ |date=4 January 2015 }} palestinecampaign.org</ref>
The second single, "Long Live Palestine" (also known as "Tears to Laughter") was digitally released on 9 March 2009. In December 2009, Lowkey revealed he would release a second part to "Long Live Palestine" featuring Palestinian rap group [[DAM (band)|DAM]], Anglo-Palestinian soloist [[Shadia Mansour]], [[Narcy (rapper)|Narcy]] from Iraq, Iranian artists [[Hich Kas]] and [[Reveal (rapper)|Reveal]], Syrian-Lebanese performer [[Eslam Jawaad]] and African-American Muslim [[Hasan Salaam]]. "Long Live Palestine" was packaged in an EP with Part 1 and the instrumental.<ref name="llp2">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0031CS65U|title=Long Live Palestine Parts 1 & 2: Lowkey|website=Amazon UK|access-date=2010-01-13}}</ref> The single received statements of support from [[Tony Benn]] and [[Benjamin Zephiniah]].<ref>[http://www.palestinecampaign.org/about/patrons/ Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Our Patrons] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104021810/http://www.palestinecampaign.org/about/patrons/ |date=4 January 2015 }} palestinecampaign.org</ref>


''Soundtrack to the Struggle'' was released on 16 October 2011. The album entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] on 23 October at number 57 – becoming Lowkey's first entry on the national charts. In the [[UK Download Chart]], ''Soundtrack to the Struggle'' peaked higher than its [[UK Albums Chart]] position – at number 14. And in the [[UK R&B Chart]], the album received its highest ''[[The Official Charts Company|OCC]]'' position, number 6. In the [[UK Indie Chart]], the album peaked at number 9.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/3/2011-10-29/|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/17/2011-10-29/|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/13/2011-10-29/|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/7/2011-10-29/|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref>
''Soundtrack to the Struggle'' was released on 16 October 2011. The album entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] on 23 October at number 57, becoming Lowkey's first entry on the national charts. ''Soundtrack to the Struggle'' peaked at number 14 on the [[UK Download Chart]]. On the [[UK R&B Chart]], the album received its highest ''[[The Official Charts Company|OCC]]'' position, number 6. In the [[UK Indie Chart]], the album peaked at number 9.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20111023/7502/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-albums-chart/20111023/115/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-chart/20111023/131/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Archive Chart|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-downloads-chart/20111023/7003/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=23 October 2011|date=23 October 2011}}</ref>


===2012–16: Musical hiatus===
===2012–16: Musical hiatus===
On 17 April 2012, Lowkey officially put his musical career on hiatus, announcing the news on [[Facebook]]. He said that after months of contemplation, he has decided to "step away from music and concentrate on my studies". With this, he announced that he would deactivate his Facebook page, which had over 180,000 followers.<ref name="sbtvlowkeydeparture">{{cite web|url=http://sbtv.co.uk/2012/04/lowkey-announces-his-departure-from-music-news/|title=Lowkey Career Pause|author=Mehreen|date=18 April 2012|publisher=UK Hip Hop|accessdate=2012-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422190012/http://sbtv.co.uk/2012/04/lowkey-announces-his-departure-from-music-news/|archive-date=22 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On 17 April 2012, Lowkey put his musical career on hiatus, announcing the news on [[Facebook]]. He said that after months of contemplation, he had decided to "step away from music and concentrate on my studies". With this, he announced that he would deactivate his Facebook page, which had over 180,000 followers.<ref name="sbtvlowkeydeparture">{{cite web|url=http://sbtv.co.uk/2012/04/lowkey-announces-his-departure-from-music-news/|title=Lowkey Career Pause|author=Mehreen|date=18 April 2012|publisher=UK Hip Hop|access-date=2012-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422190012/http://sbtv.co.uk/2012/04/lowkey-announces-his-departure-from-music-news/|archive-date=22 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===2016–present: Return and touring===
===2016–present: Return and ''Soundtrack to the Struggle'' trilogy===
On 26 July 2016, various sources shared an image on social media relating to Lowkey's return to the music scene with new single "Ahmed". On 29 July 2016, Lowkey released a video for the single, the subject matter of which revolves around the refugee crisis and Europe's response. In addition, a seven-day tour across the UK in September 2016 was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-ahmed-new-track-uk-tour/|title=Lowkey returns with new track 'Ahmed' and announces a UK Tour - SBTV|last=SBTV|date=29 July 2016|access-date=30 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802025727/http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-ahmed-new-track-uk-tour/|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 3 September, his next single "Children of Diaspora" was released. The track addresses issues of racism and xenophobia, and mentions victims of police brutality in the UK and US.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-children-of-diaspora-mai-khalil/|title=Lowkey returns with video for Mai Khalil-assisted 'Children of Diaspora' - SBTV|last=SBTV|date=5 September 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104022006/http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-children-of-diaspora-mai-khalil/|archivedate=4 November 2016}}</ref>
On 26 July 2016, various sources shared an image on social media relating to Lowkey's return to the music scene with new single "Ahmed". On 29 July 2016, Lowkey released a video for the single, the subject matter of which revolves around the [[European migrant crisis|refugee crisis]] and Europe's response. In addition, a seven-day tour across the UK in September 2016 was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-ahmed-new-track-uk-tour/|title=Lowkey returns with new track 'Ahmed' and announces a UK Tour - SBTV|last=SBTV|date=29 July 2016|access-date=30 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802025727/http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-ahmed-new-track-uk-tour/|archive-date=2 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 3 September, his next single "Children of Diaspora" was released. The track addresses issues of racism and [[xenophobia]], and mentions victims of police brutality in the UK and USA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-children-of-diaspora-mai-khalil/|title=Lowkey returns with video for Mai Khalil-assisted 'Children of Diaspora' - SBTV|last=SBTV|date=5 September 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104022006/http://www.sbtv.co.uk/watch/music-videos/lowkey-children-of-diaspora-mai-khalil/|archive-date=4 November 2016}}</ref>


In August 2018, Lowkey announced via social media that he would be releasing his single "Ahmed", which features Mai Khalil, on platforms such as Spotify and iTunes on 2 September 2018, stating that this would be his first commercial release since 2011. He also confirmed that he was in the process of making a second album, titled ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2''.
In August 2018, Lowkey announced via social media that he would be releasing his single "Ahmed", which features Mai Khalil, on platforms such as Spotify and iTunes on 2 September 2018, stating that this would be his first commercial release since 2011. He also confirmed that he was in the process of making a second album, titled ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2''.


''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2'' was released on 5 April 2019, with UK tour dates scheduled to start less than a week later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Topple |first=Steve |date=2019-04-18 |title=Lowkey has dropped the most important album of the decade |url=https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2019/04/18/lowkey-has-dropped-the-most-important-album-of-the-decade/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Canary |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422230335/https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2019/04/18/lowkey-has-dropped-the-most-important-album-of-the-decade/ |archive-date=2024-04-22}}</ref>
On 23 January 2019, ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2'' was revealed to have a release date of 5 April 2019. The UK tour dates were revealed to start less than a week after the album release.

''Soundtrack to the Struggle 3'' was released on 28 October 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-26 |title=New Music This Friday: October 25, 2024 Edition |url=https://nomusica.com/new-music-this-friday/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Macleod |first=Alan |date=2024-10-27 |title=The Album Israel Tried to Kill: Lowkey's Soundtrack to the Struggle Out Now |url=https://www.mintpressnews.com/lowkey-soundtrack-to-the-struggle-3-review/288510/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=MintPress News |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Collaborations===
===Collaborations===
Lowkey joined a hip-hop group called Poisonous Poets with which was formed by rapper Reveal and released one self-titled mixtape in 2005.<ref name="ukhhpp">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukhh.com/features/interviews/poisonous_poets/index.html |title=Poisonous Poets Interview |author=Mehreen |date=2005-04-22 |publisher=UK Hip Hop |accessdate=2009-01-18 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223222022/http://www.ukhh.com/features/oldinterviews/poisonous_poets/index.html |archivedate=23 February 2012 }}</ref> Poisonous Poets (sometimes known as Double P) the group also consisted of Doc Brown whom Lowkey met at Real Deal records, [[Reveal (rapper)|Reveal]], Stylah, Tony D and Therapist.<ref name="ukhhpp"/>
Lowkey joined a hip-hop group called Poisonous Poets with which was formed by rapper [[Reveal (rapper)|Reveal]] and released one self-titled mixtape in 2005.<ref name="ukhhpp">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukhh.com/features/interviews/poisonous_poets/index.html |title=Poisonous Poets Interview |author=Mehreen |date=2005-04-22 |publisher=UK Hip Hop |access-date=2009-01-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223222022/http://www.ukhh.com/features/oldinterviews/poisonous_poets/index.html |archive-date=23 February 2012 }}</ref> Poisonous Poets (sometimes known as Double P) the group also consisted of Doc Brown whom Lowkey met at Real Deal records, Reveal, Stylah, Tony D and Therapist.<ref name="ukhhpp"/>


Lowkey's manager passed on the first two parts of ''Key to the Game'' to [[Jon McClure]], frontman of [[Reverend and The Makers]] who is also an outspoken political activist.<ref name="hhc">{{cite journal|last=McNally|first=James|date=December 2008|title=Low Life|journal=[[Hip Hop Connection]]|issue=229|pages=48–51}}</ref> Wanting to mix popular music with politics, and mix [[indie rock]] with [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]], the two set about making a supergroup, [[Mongrel (band)|Mongrel]], composed of other noted musicians. Also in the band is [[Arctic Monkeys]] drummer [[Matt Helders]] and ex-bassist [[Andy Nicholson]] alongside bassist of [[Babyshambles]] [[Drew McConnell]] and a revolving set of other musicians. They have had trouble coordinating their busy careers to perform live dates<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/sep/05/mongrel.debut.album|title=Indie supergroup Mongrel reveal debut album|last=Michaels|first=Sean|date=5 September 2008|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=2008-11-03}}</ref> and their debut album has already been pushed back from October<ref name="bbcbeat">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7613000/7613318.stm|title=Arctic Monkeys 'supergroup' form|last=Jones|first=Damien|date=16 September 2008|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2008-11-03}}</ref> to 2009 along with a February tour.<ref name="BBC6">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/6music/news/20081103_mongrel.shtml|title=Mongrel announces tour|last=Rogers|first=Georgie|date=3 November 2008|publisher=[[BBC]]|accessdate=2008-11-03}}</ref> The album, ''[[Better Than Heavy]]'', was released for free with ''[[The Independent]]'' on 7 March. The band were asked to perform live in [[Venezuela]] on the invitation of President [[Hugo Chavez]].<ref name="monrelease">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/indie-supergroup-mongrel-to-release-debut-album-free-with-ithe-independenti-1633962.html|title=Indie supergroup Mongrel to release debut album free with The Independent|date=27 February 2009|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=2009-06-13}}</ref> Lowkey visited [[Caracas]] during the first summit of [[CELAC]], championing Chavez as "a leader who is striving to build an independent alternative to the neo-liberal capitalism which has disenfranchised his people for decades."<ref name="ceasefiremagazine.co.uk"/>
Lowkey's manager passed on the first two parts of ''Key to the Game'' to [[Jon McClure]], frontman of [[Reverend and The Makers]] who is also an outspoken political activist.<ref name="hhc">{{cite journal|last=McNally|first=James|date=December 2008|title=Low Life|journal=[[Hip Hop Connection]]|issue=229|pages=48–51}}</ref> Wanting to mix popular music with politics, and mix [[indie rock]] with [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]], the two formed a supergroup, [[Mongrel (band)|Mongrel]], with [[Arctic Monkeys]] drummer [[Matt Helders]] and ex-bassist [[Andy Nicholson]], [[Babyshambles]] bassist [[Drew McConnell]] and a revolving set of other musicians.<ref name="bbcbeat">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7613000/7613318.stm|title=Arctic Monkeys 'supergroup' form|last=Jones|first=Damien|date=16 September 2008|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=2008-11-03}}</ref> The album, ''[[Better Than Heavy]]'',<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/sep/05/mongrel.debut.album|title=Indie supergroup Mongrel reveal debut album|last=Michaels|first=Sean|date=5 September 2008|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=2008-11-03}}</ref> was released for free with ''[[The Independent]]'' on 7 March. The band were asked to perform live in Venezuela on the invitation of President [[Hugo Chavez]].<ref name="monrelease">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/indie-supergroup-mongrel-to-release-debut-album-free-with-ithe-independenti-1633962.html|title=Indie supergroup Mongrel to release debut album free with The Independent|date=27 February 2009|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|access-date=2009-06-13}}</ref> Lowkey visited [[Caracas]] during the first summit of [[CELAC]], championing Chavez as "a leader who is striving to build an independent alternative to the neo-liberal capitalism which has disenfranchised his people for decades."<ref name="ceasefiremagazine.co.uk"/>


==Political activism==
==Political activism==
Lowkey is a vocal opponent of [[Zionism]] and is a patron of the [[Palestine Solidarity Campaign]]. He characterises Zionism as [[colonialism]] and [[ethnic cleansing]].<ref name="ceasefiremagazine.co.uk">[http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/interview-lowkey/ Exclusive Jody Mcintyre interviews Lowkey] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305210353/http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/interview-lowkey/ |date=5 March 2016 }} Ceasefiremagazine.co.uk, 27 May 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.palestinecampaign.org/Index5b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=2&l2_id=12 Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Patrons] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302091920/http://www.palestinecampaign.org/Index5b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=2&l2_id=12 |date=2 March 2009 }} palestinesolidaritycampaign.org, 2 November 2011</ref>


Lowkey is a vocal [[Anti-Zionism|opponent of Zionism]] and is a patron of the [[Palestine Solidarity Campaign]]. He characterises Zionism as [[colonialism]] and [[ethnic cleansing]].<ref name="ceasefiremagazine.co.uk">[http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/interview-lowkey/ Exclusive Jody Mcintyre interviews Lowkey] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305210353/http://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/interview-lowkey/ |date=5 March 2016 }} Ceasefiremagazine.co.uk, 27 May 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.palestinecampaign.org/Index5b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=2&l2_id=12 Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Patrons] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302091920/http://www.palestinecampaign.org/Index5b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=2&l2_id=12 |date=2 March 2009 }} palestinesolidaritycampaign.org, 2 November 2011</ref>
In February 2009, he travelled to Palestinian refugee camps around the [[West Bank]] area to perform fundraising shows to help rebuild the [[Gaza Strip]] but was detained by the [[Israel Police]] for nine hours at [[Ben Gurion International Airport]] and interrogated, while having his passport confiscated.<ref name="detained">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.nme.com/news/mongrel/43171|title=Mongrel rapper Lowkey detained in Israel airport|date=3 March 2009|magazine=[[NME]]|accessdate=2009-08-22}}</ref>{{dl}} Later in 2009, he travelled with [[M-1 (rapper)|M-1]] of [[Dead Prez]] to carry out a humanitarian aid mission and bring medical aid to the [[Palestinian people]] in the [[Gaza Strip]]; this led to a collaboration between the two on ''Soundtrack to the Struggle''.<ref name="conspiracyworldwide.podomatic.com">{{cite web|url=http://conspiracyworldwide.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2010-03-22T15_25_47-07_00|title=PodOmatic - Best Free Podcasts|work=PodOmatic|accessdate=1 September 2015}}</ref> He was detained for a second time in July 2010, en route to a number of concerts and musical workshops in refugee camps in the West Bank. After detaining him for twelve hours, an online petition was started and he was later released.<ref>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=301454 Israel releases British rapper detained at airport] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317063049/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=301454 |date=17 March 2014 }} Ma'an News Agency, 21 July 2010</ref>


In February 2009, he travelled to Palestinian refugee camps around the [[West Bank]] area to perform fundraising shows to help rebuild the [[Gaza Strip]] but was detained by the [[Israel Police]] for nine hours at [[Ben Gurion International Airport]] and interrogated, while having his passport confiscated.<ref name="detained">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.nme.com/news/mongrel/43171|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304233344/http://www.nme.com/news/mongrel/43171|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2009|title=Mongrel rapper Lowkey detained in Israel airport|date=3 March 2009|magazine=[[NME]]|access-date=2009-08-22}}</ref> Later in 2009, he travelled with [[M-1 (rapper)|M-1]] of [[Dead Prez]] to carry out a humanitarian aid mission and bring medical aid to the [[Palestinian people]] in the Gaza Strip; this led to a collaboration between the two on ''Soundtrack to the Struggle''.<ref name="conspiracyworldwide.podomatic.com">{{cite web|url=http://conspiracyworldwide.podomatic.com/entry/eg/2010-03-22T15_25_47-07_00|title=PodOmatic - Best Free Podcasts|work=PodOmatic|access-date=1 September 2015}}</ref> He was again detained for half a day by Israeli airport police in July 2010, en route to a number of concerts and musical workshops in refugee camps in the West Bank.<ref>[http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=301454 Israel releases British rapper detained at airport] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317063049/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=301454 |date=17 March 2014 }} Ma'an News Agency, 21 July 2010</ref>
Lowkey has been a prominent member of the [[Stop the War Coalition]] and has spoken against the invasion of Iraq. Furthermore, he has been a sharp critic of United States and British foreign policy, claiming that the two powers are only interested in supporting leaders who are under their influence or are willing to assist them. He also claims American media overlooks those within the country who do not believe in American military supremacy.<ref name="ceasefiremagazine.co.uk"/>


In January 2011, Marcus Dysch writing for ''[[The Jewish Chronicle]]'' about the involvement of Lowkey in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign commented: "One expert studying anti-Israel activity described the increasing influence of performers such as Lowkey as a 'potential nightmare,' and compared the impact of his backing for the campaign to the effect of artists such as [[Annie Lennox]] and [[Elvis Costello]] 'attacking the Jewish state' ".<ref>[http://www.thejc.com/node/44347 Palestine Solidarity Campaign hits the youth trail] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195601/http://www.thejc.com/node/44347 |date=4 March 2016 }} thejc.com, 27 January 2011</ref>
In May 2017, Lowkey endorsed [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]] in the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017 UK general election]]. He said: "We have a choice between policies which foster empathy and policies which foster greed, resentment, estrangement and alienation."<ref name="thecanary1">{{cite news|last=Sykes|first=Ed|url=https://www.thecanary.co/2017/05/19/legendary-uk-rapper-lowkey-explains-why-he-backs-jeremy-corbyn-wholeheartedly-video/|title=Legendary UK rapper Lowkey explains why he backs Jeremy Corbyn ‘wholeheartedly’ [VIDEO]|work=|location=|publisher=[[The Canary (political blog)|The Canary]]|date=19 May 2017|accessdate=11 June 2017}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="thecanary2">{{cite news|last=Topple|first=Steve|url=https://www.thecanary.co/2017/06/08/rapper-lowkey-tells-canary-whatever-happens-8-june-country-needs-corbyn-video//|title=Rapper Lowkey tells The Canary Corbyn has turned disenchanted people into ‘shapers of the future’ [VIDEO]|work=|location=|publisher=[[The Canary (political blog)|The Canary]]|date=8 June 2017|accessdate=11 June 2017}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In November 2019, along with other public figures, Lowkey signed a letter supporting Corbyn describing him as "a beacon of hope in the struggle against emergent far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism in much of the democratic world" and endorsed him in the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 UK general election]].<ref name="nme">{{cite news |last=Neale|first=Matthew|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-letter-supporting-jeremy-corbyn-2568734|title=Exclusive: New letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn signed by Roger Waters, Robert Del Naja and more |work=[[NME]]|location= |date=16 November 2019|accessdate=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="theguardian">{{cite news |last=Thorpe|first=Vanessa|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/24/celebrities-endorse-radical-labour-arts-plan|title=Celebrities turn out to support Labour’s vision for the arts|work=The Guardian|location= |date=24 November 2019|accessdate=27 November 2019}}</ref> In the same month, along with 34 other musicians, he signed a letter endorsing the Corbyn in the 2019 UK general election with a call to end austerity.<ref name="theguardian1">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/25/musicians-backing-jeremy-corbyns-labour|title=Musicians backing Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour|work=[[The Guardian]]|location= |publisher= |date=25 November 2019|accessdate=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="theguardian2">{{cite news |last=Gayle|first=Damien|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/25/musicians-backing-jeremy-corbyns-labour|title=Stormzy backs Labour in election with call to end austerity|work=[[The Guardian]]|location= |date=25 November 2019|accessdate=1 December 2019}}</ref> In December 2019, along with 42 other leading cultural figures, he signed a letter endorsing the Labour Party under Corbyn's leadership in the 2019 general election. The letter stated that "Labour's election manifesto under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership offers a transformative plan that prioritises the needs of people and the planet over private profit and the vested interests of a few."<ref name="theguardian3">{{cite news |last= |first= |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/03/vote-for-hope-and-a-decent-future|title= Vote for hope and a decent future |work=[[The Guardian]]|location= |date=3 December 2019|accessdate=4 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="theguardian4">{{cite news |last=Proctor|first=Kate|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/03/coogan-klein-lead-cultural-figures-backing-corbyn-labour|title=Coogan and Klein lead cultural figures backing Corbyn and Labour|work=[[The Guardian]]|location= |date=3 December 2019|accessdate=4 December 2019}}</ref>


Lowkey has been a prominent member of the [[Stop the War Coalition]] and has spoken against the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]. He has been a sharp critic of American and British foreign policy, stating that the two countries are only interested in supporting leaders who are under their influence or are willing to assist them. He also said American media overlooks those within the country who do not believe in American military supremacy.<ref name="ceasefiremagazine.co.uk"/> In 2012, Lowkey turned down an opportunity to appear on [[Tim Westwood]] TV in protest, explaining in an article written for ''Ceasefire Magazine'' that he did so because of Westwood's decision to broadcast a segment of his show from [[Camp Bastion]] in Afghanistan; Lowkey argued that Westwood's decision amounted to an endorsement of the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|war in Afghanistan]].<ref name="auto">[https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/lowkey-no-to-westwood-tv/ Lowkey: Why I had to say no to Westwood TV] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023701/https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/lowkey-no-to-westwood-tv/ |date=4 March 2016 }} ceasefiremagazine.co.uk, Wednesday 25 January 2012</ref>
Lowkey witnessed the [[Grenfell Tower fire]] disaster on 14 June 2017 which resulted in the death of more than 80 people. He criticised the British government, Queen [[Elizabeth II]], corporations and the mainstream media in the wake of the disaster; and opined that the tragic event was a result of the injustice and criminality at the heart of Britain’s current political system.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecanary.co/2017/06/16/lowkey-explains-grenfell-disaster-must-death-knell-tory-rule-video/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809182131/https://www.thecanary.co/2017/06/16/lowkey-explains-grenfell-disaster-must-death-knell-tory-rule-video/ |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In May 2017, Lowkey endorsed [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]] in the [[2017 United Kingdom general election|2017 UK general election]]. He said: "We have a choice between policies which foster empathy and policies which foster greed, resentment, estrangement and alienation."<ref name="thecanary1">{{cite news|last=Sykes|first=Ed|url=https://www.thecanary.co/2017/05/19/legendary-uk-rapper-lowkey-explains-why-he-backs-jeremy-corbyn-wholeheartedly-video/|title=Legendary UK rapper Lowkey explains why he backs Jeremy Corbyn 'wholeheartedly' [VIDEO]|publisher=[[The Canary (political blog)|The Canary]]|date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212043610/https://www.thecanary.co/uk/2017/05/19/legendary-uk-rapper-lowkey-explains-why-he-backs-jeremy-corbyn-wholeheartedly-video/|archive-date=2017-12-12|access-date=2022-04-06}}</ref> In November 2019, along with other public figures, Lowkey signed a letter supporting Corbyn describing him as "a beacon of hope in the struggle against emergent far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism in much of the democratic world" and endorsed him in the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 UK general election]].<ref name="nme">{{cite news |last=Neale|first=Matthew|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-letter-supporting-jeremy-corbyn-2568734|title=Exclusive: New letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn signed by Roger Waters, Robert Del Naja and more |work=[[NME]]|date=16 November 2019|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="theguardian">{{cite news |last=Thorpe|first=Vanessa|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/24/celebrities-endorse-radical-labour-arts-plan|title=Celebrities turn out to support Labour's vision for the arts|work=The Guardian|date=24 November 2019|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> In the same month, along with 34 other musicians, he signed a letter endorsing Corbyn in the 2019 UK general election with a call to end austerity.<ref name="theguardian1">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/25/musicians-backing-jeremy-corbyns-labour|title=Musicians backing Jeremy Corbyn's Labour|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=25 November 2019|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="theguardian2">{{cite news |last=Gayle|first=Damien|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/25/musicians-backing-jeremy-corbyns-labour|title=Stormzy backs Labour in election with call to end austerity|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=25 November 2019|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> In December 2019, along with 42 other cultural figures, he signed a letter endorsing the Labour Party under Corbyn's leadership in the 2019 general election. The letter stated that "Labour's election manifesto under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership offers a transformative plan that prioritises the needs of people and the planet over private profit and the vested interests of a few."<ref name="theguardian3">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/03/vote-for-hope-and-a-decent-future|title= Vote for hope and a decent future |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=3 December 2019|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="theguardian4">{{cite news |last=Proctor|first=Kate|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/dec/03/coogan-klein-lead-cultural-figures-backing-corbyn-labour|title=Coogan and Klein lead cultural figures backing Corbyn and Labour|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=3 December 2019|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref>
==Controversy==
===Involvement with Palestine Solidarity Campaign===
In January 2011, Marcus Dysch writing for the ''[[Jewish Chronicle]]'' about the involvement of Lowkey in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign claimed "One expert studying anti-Israel activity described the increasing influence of performers such as Lowkey as a "potential nightmare," and compared the impact of his backing for the campaign to the effect of artists such as [[Annie Lennox]] and [[Elvis Costello]] "attacking the Jewish state."<ref>[http://www.thejc.com/node/44347 Palestine Solidarity Campaign hits the youth trail] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195601/http://www.thejc.com/node/44347 |date=4 March 2016 }} thejc.com, 27 Jan 2011</ref> [[Fox News]] host [[Glenn Beck]] mocked Lowkey on his radio show, poking fun at the lyrics of his song "Terrorist?", and recorded himself dancing to the song and showing gang signs in an effort to ridicule the content.<ref>[http://www.theblaze.com/stories/why-is-glenn-beck-dancing-throwing-up-gang-signs-and-listening-to-anti-american-rap/ Why is Glenn Beck dancing, throwing gang signs and listening to anti American rap] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113082405/http://www.theblaze.com/stories/why-is-glenn-beck-dancing-throwing-up-gang-signs-and-listening-to-anti-american-rap/ |date=13 November 2012 }} theblaze.com, 10 Feb 2011</ref>


Lowkey was critical of the response to the [[Grenfell Tower fire]] in 2017 stating that "the tragic event was a result of the injustice and criminality at the heart of Britain’s current political system".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecanary.co/2017/06/16/lowkey-explains-grenfell-disaster-must-death-knell-tory-rule-video/ |title=Rapper Lowkey watched people die at Grenfell. Now he's dropped a truth bomb on Theresa May &#91;VIDEO&#93; &#124; the Canary |access-date=30 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809182131/https://www.thecanary.co/2017/06/16/lowkey-explains-grenfell-disaster-must-death-knell-tory-rule-video/ |archive-date=9 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Chipmunk===
[[Chip (rapper)|Chipmunk]] released a freestyle over the instrumental Woo Riddim, where he mentioned a line about rapper [[Dot Rotten]]. In June 2010, Lowkey posted to [[Twitter]] that "If Dot Rotten doesn't [[Duppy#In music|duppy]] Chipmunk with a [[riddim]], I might have to, Baghdad style."<ref>[http://www.thelalareport.com/jhome/2010/6/16/lowkey-vs-chipmunk-the-saga-continues.html Lowkey VS Chipmunk – The Sage Continues] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308031659/http://www.thelalareport.com/jhome/2010/6/16/lowkey-vs-chipmunk-the-saga-continues.html |date=8 March 2016 }} The LALA Report Wednesday, 16 June 2010</ref> Chip's response highlighted that he was not aware of who Lowkey was whilst also tweeting that "(he) shouldn't be allowed to tweet (him)." This consequently led to a series of tweets between the pair which eventually led Lowkey to release a diss track towards Chip titled ''The Warning'', it was freestyled over Puff Daddy's ''[[Victory (Puff Daddy song)|Victory]]''.<ref>Tom Talks the Truth: [https://tomtalksthetruth.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/lowkey-v-chipmunk/ Lowkey v. Chipmunk beef] Published: July 30, 2010. Accessed: February 9, 2019</ref> When asked about Lowkey's diss track Chipmunk stated that he did not remember the Twitter feud had taken place.<ref>Little Donatella: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKpgCbWua8w&feature=youtu.be&t=123 Interview with Chipmunk]: Addressed Dot Rotten and Lowkey feud (2010)</ref>
In an interview with Community Voice FM in 2011, Lowkey addressed the issue, saying that he shouldn't have taken it as far as he did, however, the reason he released the diss track was that he took offence to Chip's response.<ref>Community FM: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooOvnV7UJko&feature=youtu.be&t=237 Lowkey Interview], addresses Chipmunk beef. (2011)</ref> The two tied in tenth place on [[MTV Base]]'s poll of ''Best Of The Best: UK MCs 2010'' with [[Tinie Tempah]] in the top position. Despite garnering over half of all public votes with over 3000, the panel ranked him lower when taking a wider context into consideration.<ref>[http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/urban/259114-best-of-the-best-uk-mcs-2010-list-explained BEST OF THE BEST: UK MCs 2010] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115052346/http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/urban/259114-best-of-the-best-uk-mcs-2010-list-explained |date=15 January 2016 }} www.mtv.co.uk, 02/21/2011</ref>


During the [[Israel–Hamas war]], Lowkey has appeared on ''[[Piers Morgan Uncensored]]'' and criticized Israel's conduct and [[Media coverage of the Israel–Hamas war|media coverage of the conflict]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvrsn6uO5e8 |title="Israel Has More Enemies Than EVER Before" Lowkey vs Piers Morgan |date=2024-10-01 |last=Piers Morgan Uncensored |access-date=2024-12-01 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ismail |first=Aymann |date=2023-10-26 |title=The Person Covering Palestine-Israel Best Is ... Piers Morgan? |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2023/10/palestine-israel-coverage-piers-morgan.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |work=Slate |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Elmasry |first=Mohamad |date=2023-11-08 |title=No, Piers Morgan is not impartial on Israel-Palestine |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-palestine-war-piers-morgan-not-impartial |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}</ref>
===Tim Westwood===
Lowkey turned down an opportunity to appear on [[Tim Westwood]] TV in protest, after Westwood chose to broadcast his show from the British military base [[Camp Bastion]] in Afghanistan.<ref name="auto">[https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/lowkey-no-to-westwood-tv/ Lowkey: Why I had to say no to Westwood TV] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023701/https://ceasefiremagazine.co.uk/lowkey-no-to-westwood-tv/ |date=4 March 2016 }} ceasefiremagazine.co.uk, Wednesday 25 January 2012</ref>


==Other work==
==Other work==
In July 2008, the [[Theatre Royal, Bath]] put on a production of 'Max and Beth', a contemporary adaptation of [[Macbeth]] by [[William Shakespeare]] written entirely in rhyme.<ref name="m&b">{{cite web|url=http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/media/press+releases/2008/communityliving/Max+and+Beth.htm|title=Max & Beth|date=11 July 2008|publisher=Bath & North East Somerset Council|accessdate=2008-11-03}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Lowkey also helped publicise the [[NSPCC|NSPCC's]] ''Don't Hide It'' campaign, also contributing a free song to it, in which his lyrics are delivered from the perspective of a female victim of sexual abuse.<ref name="hhk"/> He also formed a non-profit organisation, ''People's Army'' with fellow rapper Logic, who he has also made an unreleased album with (New World Order<ref name="suuk"/>), and met up with then-[[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] leader [[Menzies Campbell]] as a representative of his local community.<ref name="hhc"/> He has written articles for ''[[The Guardian]]''<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jan/10/police-stigmatising-hip-hop-696-form The Met police are stigmatizing Hip-Hop] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509020308/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jan/10/police-stigmatising-hip-hop-696-form |date=9 May 2016 }} Guardian.com, 10 January 2012</ref> and left-wing website ''Ceasefire Magazine''<ref name="auto"/> and regularly appeared on [[RT (TV network)|RT]] to discuss the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdHGYbThLzw Lowkey: ME speech 'People will not be fooled'] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311175751/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdHGYbThLzw |date=11 March 2013 }} youtube.com, 2011</ref>
In July 2008, the [[Theatre Royal, Bath]] put on a production of ''Max and Beth'', a contemporary adaptation of ''[[Macbeth]]'' by [[William Shakespeare]] written entirely in rhyme.<ref name="m&b">{{cite web|url=http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/media/press+releases/2008/communityliving/Max+and+Beth.htm|title=Max & Beth|date=11 July 2008|publisher=Bath & North East Somerset Council|access-date=2008-11-03}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Lowkey also helped publicise the [[NSPCC]]'s Don't Hide It campaign, and contributed a free song to it, in which his lyrics are delivered from the perspective of a female victim of sexual abuse.<ref name="hhk"/> He also formed a non-profit organisation, People's Army with fellow rapper Logic, with whom he has also made an unreleased album with (New World Order<ref name="suuk"/>), and met up with then-[[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] leader [[Menzies Campbell]] as a representative of his local community.<ref name="hhc"/> He has written articles for ''[[The Guardian]]''<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jan/10/police-stigmatising-hip-hop-696-form The Met police are stigmatizing Hip-Hop] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509020308/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jan/10/police-stigmatising-hip-hop-696-form |date=9 May 2016 }} Guardian.com, 10 January 2012</ref> and left-wing website ''Ceasefire Magazine''<ref name="auto"/>


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 98: Line 93:
! colspan="3" scope="col" | Peak chart positions
! colspan="3" scope="col" | Peak chart positions
|-
|-
!style="width:3.5em; font-size:85%"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<br><ref>{{cite web|title=Lowkey Chart History|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/lowkey/|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|accessdate=23 October 2011}}</ref>
!style="width:3.5em; font-size:85%"|[[UK Albums Chart|UK]]<br /><ref>{{cite web|title=Lowkey Chart History|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/lowkey/|publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]]|access-date=23 October 2011}}</ref>
!style="width:3.5em; font-size:85%"|[[UK Indie Chart|UK<br>IND]]<br><ref name=autogenerated1 />
!style="width:3.5em; font-size:85%"|[[UK Indie Chart|UK<br />IND]]<br /><ref name=autogenerated1 />
!style="width:3.5em; font-size:85%"|[[UK R&B Chart|UK<br>R&B]]<br><ref name=autogenerated3 />
!style="width:3.5em; font-size:85%"|[[UK R&B Chart|UK<br />R&B]]<br /><ref name=autogenerated3 />
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Dear Listener]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Dear Listener]]''
Line 118: Line 113:
! scope="row" | ''[[Soundtrack to the Struggle 2]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Soundtrack to the Struggle 2]]''
|
|
* Released: April 5, 2019
* Released: 5 April 2019
* Label: Mesopotamia Music
* Label: Mesopotamia Music
* Formats: Digital download
* Formats: Digital download
Line 135: Line 130:
*''The Dubs Mixtape'' (2007) <small>(with [[Stylah]], hosted by DJ Limelight)</small>
*''The Dubs Mixtape'' (2007) <small>(with [[Stylah]], hosted by DJ Limelight)</small>


===Compilations===
===Extended plays===
*''Unplugged, Vol. 1'' (2018)

===Compilation albums===
*''The Past, The Present and The Future: The Road to Mongrel'' (2008)
*''The Past, The Present and The Future: The Road to Mongrel'' (2008)
*''Uncensored'' (2009)
*''Uncensored'' (2009)
Line 141: Line 139:


===Singles===
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
*"Politics" (2004)
|-
*"London" (2005)
! Title
*"Tears to Laughter" (2009)
! Year
*"Voices of the Voiceless" (2009) <small>(with [[Immortal Technique]])</small>
! Album
*"Long Live Palestine Parts 1 & 2" (2009)
|-
*"We Don't Want Them" (2009)
! scope="row"| "Politics"
*"Alphabet Assassin" (2009)
| 2004
*"Something Wonderful" (2010)
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
*"Revolution Music" (2010)
|-
*"Terrorist?" (2010)
! scope="row"| "London"
*"Obama Nation" (2010)
| 2005
*"Ahmed" (2016)
| ''Key to the Game, Vol. 3''
*"Children of Diaspora" (2016)
|-
*"Ghosts of Grenfell" (2017)
! scope="row"| "Tears to Laughter"
*"The Death of Neoliberalism" (2017)
| rowspan="4"| 2009
*"Lords of War" (2017)
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
*"McDonald Trump" (2018)
|-
*"Sunday Morning" (2018)
! scope="row"| "Voices of the Voiceless"<br />{{small|(with [[Immortal Technique]])}}
*"Ghosts of Grenfell 2" (2018)
| ''[[Soundtrack to the Struggle]]''
*"The Return of Lowkey" (2019)
|-
! scope="row"| "We Don't Want Them"
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Alphabet Assassin"
| ''Dear Listener''
|-
! scope="row"| "Something Wonderful"
| rowspan="4"| 2010
| ''Soundtrack to the Struggle''
|-
! scope="row"| "Revolution Music"<br />{{small|(featuring Faith SFX & [[Reverend and the Makers]])}}
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Terrorist?"
| rowspan="2"| ''Soundtrack to the Struggle''
|-
! scope="row"| "Obama Nation"
|-
! scope="row"| "Ahmed"<br />{{small|(featuring Mai Khalil)}}
| rowspan="2"| 2016
| rowspan="10"| ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 2''
|-
! scope="row"| "Children of Diaspora"<br />{{small|(featuring Mai Khalil)}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Ghosts of Grenfell"<br />{{small|(featuring Mai Khalil)}}
| rowspan="3"| 2017
|-
! scope="row"| "The Death of Neoliberalism"
|-
! scope="row"| "Lords of War"<br />{{small|(featuring Kaia)}}
|-
! scope="row"| "McDonald Trump"
| rowspan="3"| 2018
|-
! scope="row"| "Sunday Morning"<br />{{small|(featuring Mai Khalil)}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Ghosts of Grenfell 2"<br />{{small|(featuring Kaia)}}
|-
! scope="row"| "The Return of Lowkey"
| rowspan="2"| 2019
|-
! scope="row"| "Goat Flow"
|-
! scope="row"| "Iraq2Chile"<br />{{small|(featuring Mai Khalil)}}
| rowspan="4"| 2020
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Daily Duppy"
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Baby Steps"
| ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 3''
|-
! scope="row"| "I Still Believe 2020"
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Refuse To Kill"
| rowspan="2"| 2021
| {{N/A|Non-album single}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Palestine Will Never Die"
| ''Soundtrack to the Struggle 3''

|}


==References==
==References==
Line 173: Line 236:
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:British people of Iraqi descent]]
[[Category:British anti-Zionists]]
[[Category:British male rappers]]
[[Category:English anti-war activists]]
[[Category:English people of Iraqi descent]]
[[Category:English male rappers]]
[[Category:Underground rappers]]
[[Category:Underground rappers]]
[[Category:Hip hop activists]]
[[Category:Hip-hop activists]]
[[Category:Rappers from London]]
[[Category:Rappers from London]]
[[Category:Political music]]
[[Category:Political music artists]]
[[Category:British socialists]]
[[Category:English socialists]]
[[Category:Mongrel (band) members]]
[[Category:Mongrel (band) members]]
[[Category:Anti-racism activists]]
[[Category:British anti-racism activists]]
[[Category:Labour Party (UK) people]]
[[Category:Labour Party (UK) people]]
[[Category:British activists for Palestinian solidarity]]

Latest revision as of 15:11, 29 December 2024

This article is about the British rapper. For other uses, see Low key (disambiguation).

Lowkey
Lowkey performing in Bristol, 2009
Lowkey performing in Bristol, 2009
Background information
Birth nameKareem Dennis
Born (1986-05-23) 23 May 1986 (age 38)
London, England
Genres
Years active2001–2012
 2016–present
LabelsMesopotamia Music
SO Empire Recordings

Kareem Dennis (born 23 May 1986),[1] better known by his stage name Lowkey, is a British rapper and activist from London. He first became known through a series of mixtapes he released before he was 18,[2] before taking a hiatus from the music business. He would return in 2008,[3] with appearances on BBC Radio[4] and at various festivals and concerts including the BBC Electric Proms,[5] Glastonbury, T In The Park and Oxegen[6] in the buildup to his first solo album Dear Listener, as well as collaborating with other British musicians to form the supergroup Mongrel. He released his second solo album, Soundtrack to the Struggle, independently in 2011.

After a five-year hiatus, Lowkey released a string of singles between 2016 and 2018 to precede the release of his third album, Soundtrack to the Struggle 2, released in 2019.

Early life

Lowkey was born in London to an Iraqi mother and an English father.[7] From the age of twelve he began to rap, initially imitating American rappers but soon began using his own accent.[1] He began attending open mic sessions at the Deal Real record shop on Carnaby Street, Central London.[8] The first time he went he introduced himself as Lowkey and was told there was already a regular there by that name; the two had a rap battle to decide who would continue to use the alias. Kareem emerged victorious and continued to use the name thereafter.[9]

Music career

2003–09: Mixtapes & Dear Listener

The first part of his mixtape series Key to the Game, was released independently in 2003.[6] Within a year and a half he had released a second and third volume.[2] Though the first volume largely used music from other artists, the second was mostly original work in conjunction with numerous artists and producers while the third, which had no skits or short songs like a traditional mixtape would, was mostly his own work.[6]

While Lowkey was busying himself with European tours in support of Immortal Technique, Canibus, and Dead Prez,[6] he began to make musical contacts and record his debut album. Though stalled by other artistic endeavours, Dear Listener was released in October 2008.[10][11] In December he released the compilation album Uncensored, with highlights from the entire Key to the Game series and Dear Listener, digitally through iTunes.[12]

2009–12: Soundtrack to the Struggle

After touring with Immortal Technique the two made a single, "Voices of the Voiceless" which was released in September 2009.[13]

The second single, "Long Live Palestine" (also known as "Tears to Laughter") was digitally released on 9 March 2009. In December 2009, Lowkey revealed he would release a second part to "Long Live Palestine" featuring Palestinian rap group DAM, Anglo-Palestinian soloist Shadia Mansour, Narcy from Iraq, Iranian artists Hich Kas and Reveal, Syrian-Lebanese performer Eslam Jawaad and African-American Muslim Hasan Salaam. "Long Live Palestine" was packaged in an EP with Part 1 and the instrumental.[14] The single received statements of support from Tony Benn and Benjamin Zephiniah.[15]

Soundtrack to the Struggle was released on 16 October 2011. The album entered the UK Albums Chart on 23 October at number 57, becoming Lowkey's first entry on the national charts. Soundtrack to the Struggle peaked at number 14 on the UK Download Chart. On the UK R&B Chart, the album received its highest OCC position, number 6. In the UK Indie Chart, the album peaked at number 9.[16][17][18][19]

2012–16: Musical hiatus

On 17 April 2012, Lowkey put his musical career on hiatus, announcing the news on Facebook. He said that after months of contemplation, he had decided to "step away from music and concentrate on my studies". With this, he announced that he would deactivate his Facebook page, which had over 180,000 followers.[20]

2016–present: Return and Soundtrack to the Struggle trilogy

On 26 July 2016, various sources shared an image on social media relating to Lowkey's return to the music scene with new single "Ahmed". On 29 July 2016, Lowkey released a video for the single, the subject matter of which revolves around the refugee crisis and Europe's response. In addition, a seven-day tour across the UK in September 2016 was announced.[21] On 3 September, his next single "Children of Diaspora" was released. The track addresses issues of racism and xenophobia, and mentions victims of police brutality in the UK and USA.[22]

In August 2018, Lowkey announced via social media that he would be releasing his single "Ahmed", which features Mai Khalil, on platforms such as Spotify and iTunes on 2 September 2018, stating that this would be his first commercial release since 2011. He also confirmed that he was in the process of making a second album, titled Soundtrack to the Struggle 2.

Soundtrack to the Struggle 2 was released on 5 April 2019, with UK tour dates scheduled to start less than a week later.[23]

Soundtrack to the Struggle 3 was released on 28 October 2024.[24][25]

Collaborations

Lowkey joined a hip-hop group called Poisonous Poets with which was formed by rapper Reveal and released one self-titled mixtape in 2005.[26] Poisonous Poets (sometimes known as Double P) the group also consisted of Doc Brown whom Lowkey met at Real Deal records, Reveal, Stylah, Tony D and Therapist.[26]

Lowkey's manager passed on the first two parts of Key to the Game to Jon McClure, frontman of Reverend and The Makers who is also an outspoken political activist.[27] Wanting to mix popular music with politics, and mix indie rock with hip-hop, the two formed a supergroup, Mongrel, with Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and ex-bassist Andy Nicholson, Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell and a revolving set of other musicians.[28] The album, Better Than Heavy,[29] was released for free with The Independent on 7 March. The band were asked to perform live in Venezuela on the invitation of President Hugo Chavez.[30] Lowkey visited Caracas during the first summit of CELAC, championing Chavez as "a leader who is striving to build an independent alternative to the neo-liberal capitalism which has disenfranchised his people for decades."[31]

Political activism

Lowkey is a vocal opponent of Zionism and is a patron of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. He characterises Zionism as colonialism and ethnic cleansing.[31][32]

In February 2009, he travelled to Palestinian refugee camps around the West Bank area to perform fundraising shows to help rebuild the Gaza Strip but was detained by the Israel Police for nine hours at Ben Gurion International Airport and interrogated, while having his passport confiscated.[33] Later in 2009, he travelled with M-1 of Dead Prez to carry out a humanitarian aid mission and bring medical aid to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip; this led to a collaboration between the two on Soundtrack to the Struggle.[34] He was again detained for half a day by Israeli airport police in July 2010, en route to a number of concerts and musical workshops in refugee camps in the West Bank.[35]

In January 2011, Marcus Dysch writing for The Jewish Chronicle about the involvement of Lowkey in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign commented: "One expert studying anti-Israel activity described the increasing influence of performers such as Lowkey as a 'potential nightmare,' and compared the impact of his backing for the campaign to the effect of artists such as Annie Lennox and Elvis Costello 'attacking the Jewish state' ".[36]

Lowkey has been a prominent member of the Stop the War Coalition and has spoken against the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He has been a sharp critic of American and British foreign policy, stating that the two countries are only interested in supporting leaders who are under their influence or are willing to assist them. He also said American media overlooks those within the country who do not believe in American military supremacy.[31] In 2012, Lowkey turned down an opportunity to appear on Tim Westwood TV in protest, explaining in an article written for Ceasefire Magazine that he did so because of Westwood's decision to broadcast a segment of his show from Camp Bastion in Afghanistan; Lowkey argued that Westwood's decision amounted to an endorsement of the war in Afghanistan.[37]

In May 2017, Lowkey endorsed Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in the 2017 UK general election. He said: "We have a choice between policies which foster empathy and policies which foster greed, resentment, estrangement and alienation."[38] In November 2019, along with other public figures, Lowkey signed a letter supporting Corbyn describing him as "a beacon of hope in the struggle against emergent far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism in much of the democratic world" and endorsed him in the 2019 UK general election.[39][40] In the same month, along with 34 other musicians, he signed a letter endorsing Corbyn in the 2019 UK general election with a call to end austerity.[41][42] In December 2019, along with 42 other cultural figures, he signed a letter endorsing the Labour Party under Corbyn's leadership in the 2019 general election. The letter stated that "Labour's election manifesto under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership offers a transformative plan that prioritises the needs of people and the planet over private profit and the vested interests of a few."[43][44]

Lowkey was critical of the response to the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 stating that "the tragic event was a result of the injustice and criminality at the heart of Britain’s current political system".[45]

During the Israel–Hamas war, Lowkey has appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and criticized Israel's conduct and media coverage of the conflict.[46][47][48]

Other work

In July 2008, the Theatre Royal, Bath put on a production of Max and Beth, a contemporary adaptation of Macbeth by William Shakespeare written entirely in rhyme.[49] Lowkey also helped publicise the NSPCC's Don't Hide It campaign, and contributed a free song to it, in which his lyrics are delivered from the perspective of a female victim of sexual abuse.[6] He also formed a non-profit organisation, People's Army with fellow rapper Logic, with whom he has also made an unreleased album with (New World Order[1]), and met up with then-Liberal Democrats leader Menzies Campbell as a representative of his local community.[27] He has written articles for The Guardian[50] and left-wing website Ceasefire Magazine[37]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
UK
[51] 		UK
IND
[18] 		UK
R&B
[17]
Dear Listener — — —
Soundtrack to the Struggle
  • Released: 16 October 2011
  • Label: Mesopotamia Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 57 9 6
Soundtrack to the Struggle 2
  • Released: 5 April 2019
  • Label: Mesopotamia Music
  • Formats: Digital download
 – 26 2

Collaboration albums

Mixtapes

  • Key to the Game, Vol. 1 (2003)
  • Key to the Game, Vol. 2: Still Underground (2004)
  • Key to the Game, Vol. 3 (2005)
  • The Dubs Mixtape (2007) (with Stylah, hosted by DJ Limelight)

Extended plays

  • Unplugged, Vol. 1 (2018)

Compilation albums

  • The Past, The Present and The Future: The Road to Mongrel (2008)
  • Uncensored (2009)
  • The Best of Lowkey (US Version) (2010)

Singles

Title Year Album
"Politics" 2004 Non-album single
"London" 2005 Key to the Game, Vol. 3
"Tears to Laughter" 2009 Non-album single
"Voices of the Voiceless"
(with Immortal Technique) 		Soundtrack to the Struggle
"We Don't Want Them" Non-album single
"Alphabet Assassin" Dear Listener
"Something Wonderful" 2010 Soundtrack to the Struggle
"Revolution Music"
(featuring Faith SFX & Reverend and the Makers) 		Non-album single
"Terrorist?" Soundtrack to the Struggle
"Obama Nation"
"Ahmed"
(featuring Mai Khalil) 		2016 Soundtrack to the Struggle 2
"Children of Diaspora"
(featuring Mai Khalil)
"Ghosts of Grenfell"
(featuring Mai Khalil) 		2017
"The Death of Neoliberalism"
"Lords of War"
(featuring Kaia)
"McDonald Trump" 2018
"Sunday Morning"
(featuring Mai Khalil)
"Ghosts of Grenfell 2"
(featuring Kaia)
"The Return of Lowkey" 2019
"Goat Flow"
"Iraq2Chile"
(featuring Mai Khalil) 		2020 Non-album single
"Daily Duppy" Non-album single
"Baby Steps" Soundtrack to the Struggle 3
"I Still Believe 2020" Non-album single
"Refuse To Kill" 2021 Non-album single
"Palestine Will Never Die" Soundtrack to the Struggle 3

References

  1. ^ a b c "Lowkey". Stand Up UK. Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  2. ^ a b "Key to the Game Vol 3 Review". UK Hip Hop. Archived from the original on 19 December 2005. Retrieved 3 November 2008.
  3. ^ "31 Oct 08, Brand New Kanye West, Q-Tip & Lowkey". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 January 2009.
  4. ^ "Lowkey is live in the studio to talk about his BBC Electric Proms performance". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 January 2009.
  5. ^ "Electric Proms Artists". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 15 January 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d e Hallick, Stuart (4 January 2009). "Lowkey Interview". Hip-Hop Kings. Archived from the original on 23 January 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  7. ^ Lowkey. Greenbelt Festival. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
  8. ^ "Ukhh.com | reviews | twelve-inch | Lowkey - Politics". www.ukhh.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  9. ^ "Hiphopug.com". Archived from the original on 22 September 2010.
  10. ^ Small, Elle J (5 February 2009). "An album full of poetry". BBC. Retrieved 29 September 2009.
  11. ^ Oliver, Matt (7 January 2009). "Lowkey 'Dear Listener'". Fact Magazine. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  12. ^ "Uncensored by Lowkey". Apple Inc. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
  13. ^ Haider, Arwa (13 August 2009). "One to watch: Lowkey". Metro. Retrieved 22 August 2009.
  14. ^ "Long Live Palestine Parts 1 & 2: Lowkey". Amazon UK. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
  15. ^ Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Our Patrons Archived 4 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine palestinecampaign.org
  16. ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  17. ^ a b "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  18. ^ a b "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  19. ^ "Archive Chart". Official Charts Company. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  20. ^ Mehreen (18 April 2012). "Lowkey Career Pause". UK Hip Hop. Archived from the original on 22 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  21. ^ SBTV (29 July 2016). "Lowkey returns with new track 'Ahmed' and announces a UK Tour - SBTV". Archived from the original on 2 August 2016. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  22. ^ SBTV (5 September 2016). "Lowkey returns with video for Mai Khalil-assisted 'Children of Diaspora' - SBTV". Archived from the original on 4 November 2016.
  23. ^ Topple, Steve (18 April 2019). "Lowkey has dropped the most important album of the decade". Canary. Archived from the original on 22 April 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  24. ^ "New Music This Friday: October 25, 2024 Edition". 26 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  25. ^ Macleod, Alan (27 October 2024). "The Album Israel Tried to Kill: Lowkey's Soundtrack to the Struggle Out Now". MintPress News. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  26. ^ a b Mehreen (22 April 2005). "Poisonous Poets Interview". UK Hip Hop. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  27. ^ a b McNally, James (December 2008). "Low Life". Hip Hop Connection (229): 48–51.
  28. ^ Jones, Damien (16 September 2008). "Arctic Monkeys 'supergroup' form". BBC. Retrieved 3 November 2008.
  29. ^ Michaels, Sean (5 September 2008). "Indie supergroup Mongrel reveal debut album". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 November 2008.
  30. ^ "Indie supergroup Mongrel to release debut album free with The Independent". The Independent. 27 February 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2009.
  31. ^ a b c Exclusive Jody Mcintyre interviews Lowkey Archived 5 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Ceasefiremagazine.co.uk, 27 May 2011
  32. ^ Palestine Solidarity Campaign: Patrons Archived 2 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine palestinesolidaritycampaign.org, 2 November 2011
  33. ^ "Mongrel rapper Lowkey detained in Israel airport". NME. 3 March 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2009.
  34. ^ "PodOmatic - Best Free Podcasts". PodOmatic. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
  35. ^ Israel releases British rapper detained at airport Archived 17 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine Ma'an News Agency, 21 July 2010
  36. ^ Palestine Solidarity Campaign hits the youth trail Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine thejc.com, 27 January 2011
  37. ^ a b Lowkey: Why I had to say no to Westwood TV Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine ceasefiremagazine.co.uk, Wednesday 25 January 2012
  38. ^ Sykes, Ed (19 May 2017). "Legendary UK rapper Lowkey explains why he backs Jeremy Corbyn 'wholeheartedly' [VIDEO]". The Canary. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  39. ^ Neale, Matthew (16 November 2019). "Exclusive: New letter supporting Jeremy Corbyn signed by Roger Waters, Robert Del Naja and more". NME. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  40. ^ Thorpe, Vanessa (24 November 2019). "Celebrities turn out to support Labour's vision for the arts". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  41. ^ "Musicians backing Jeremy Corbyn's Labour". The Guardian. 25 November 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  42. ^ Gayle, Damien (25 November 2019). "Stormzy backs Labour in election with call to end austerity". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  43. ^ "Vote for hope and a decent future". The Guardian. 3 December 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  44. ^ Proctor, Kate (3 December 2019). "Coogan and Klein lead cultural figures backing Corbyn and Labour". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  45. ^ "Rapper Lowkey watched people die at Grenfell. Now he's dropped a truth bomb on Theresa May [VIDEO] | the Canary". Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  46. ^ Piers Morgan Uncensored (1 October 2024). "Israel Has More Enemies Than EVER Before" Lowkey vs Piers Morgan. Retrieved 1 December 2024 – via YouTube.
  47. ^ Ismail, Aymann (26 October 2023). "The Person Covering Palestine-Israel Best Is ... Piers Morgan?". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  48. ^ Elmasry, Mohamad (8 November 2023). "No, Piers Morgan is not impartial on Israel-Palestine". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  49. ^ "Max & Beth". Bath & North East Somerset Council. 11 July 2008. Retrieved 3 November 2008. [dead link‍]
  50. ^ The Met police are stigmatizing Hip-Hop Archived 9 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine Guardian.com, 10 January 2012
  51. ^ "Lowkey Chart History". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
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