Early Life and Background
Key Glock Markeyvius Cathey, known as Key Glock was born on August 3rd, 1997 in South Memphis, Tennessee. Key Glock had a tough upbringing. When he was 20 months old, his mother went to prison and served a 15-year sentence. His father was hardly ever around and as a result, Glock grew up mostly under the care of his grandmother and aunt. Amidst these tough conditions, music was the solace Key Glock needed and opened a path for him in his troubled youth.
Musically, he derived inspiration mainly from artists who formed Memphis’ rap landscape: Three 6 Mafia, Gucci Mane and Project Pat. Of those, Project Pat was a strong influence, with his track “Gorilla Pimp” inspiring Key to sonically and lyrically create in that spirit. He first began rapping and recording tracks in his teens, where he first laid down freestyles and honed his skills.
Music Career Beginnings
Key Glock’s official career began in 2016 with the release of his first mixtape, Whole Lotta Errthang. This project introduced his gritty style, characterized by hard-hitting beats and raw street lyrics that resonated with fans worldwide. In 2017, Key Glock’s career took a major leap forward when his cousin, the late Memphis rapper Young Dolph, signed him to his record label, Paper Route Empire.
That same year, Key Glock released the mixtape Glock Season, which helped solidify his reputation as a rising star in hip-hop. His early tracks like “On My Soul” and “Russian Creme” caught attention for their catchy hooks and strong Memphis-style flow. The partnership with Young Dolph proved fruitful, as the two collaborated frequently. They released a joint album titled Dum and Dummer in 2019, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single “Major,” showcasing their chemistry and appeal.
Rise to Prominence and Touring
After finding success with his earlier releases, Key Glock and Young Dolph performed a European tour sliding through places like Manchester and London in which UK rappers Blade Brown also supported. In the US, they carried this momentum with them via the “No Rules” tour in 2020 which continued to grow Glock’s fan base.
On 31 January 2020, Key Glock released his debut studio album Yellow Tape debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album had no guest appearances, proving Glock can carry a project by himself. Later in the year, he followed up with the mixtape Son of a Gun and again favored a feature-free method to showcase his own talents.
Continued Growth and Tragedy
Key Glock and Young Dolph released their second joint project, Dum and Dummer 2, in 2021 with the single “Aspen” leading the way. Threshold was considered a noteworthy follow-up and it had artwork based on the cartoon Beavis & Butthead. In the same year, Key Glock dropped his second studio album Yellow Tape 2 which did even better on commercial front where it reached number seven on the Billboard 200. It spawned the chart-topping single “Ambition for Cash”, which was multi-platinum-certified.
Sadly, a young Dolph was killed as he was shot dead in the year 2021 outside of Memphis bakery. Key Glock was deeply changed by his cousin and mentor’s death. In January 2022, he commemorated Dolph with the tribute single “Proud,” which became Key Glock’s first Billboard Hot 100 placement. This was such a personal song that showcased his emotional depth and connection to home.
Recent Work and Major Label Signing
Key Glock released his third studio album, Glockoma 2, in February 2023, continuing the sequel theme from his earlier mixtape Glockoma. This album further cemented his status as a leading figure in southern hip-hop with tracks that showcase his confident flows and Memphis-influenced beats.
In March 2025, Key Glock signed a major record deal with Republic Records, marking a significant new chapter in his career. Not longer after, on May 2 of 2025, he dropped his fourth studio album and debut major-label LP Glockaveli. This album is an embodiment of how he’s grown as an artist and doggedly pursued out-sizing his sound – and the reach of it — on a national and international level.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Markeyvius LaShun Cathey |
| Stage Name | Key Glock |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1997 |
| Age (2025) | 28 years |
| Place of Birth | South Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 72 kg (158 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Around $1 million |
| Known For | Memphis rapper, Southern rap style |
Style and Influence
Key Glock’s music is deeply embedded in Memphis rap traditions. He is revered for his unique storytelling ability which has been complemented by eerie street tales and Catchy Hooks. Emerging in defiance of regional icons like Three 6 Mafia and, especially Juicy J, Glock smears hopeless melodies across high-tension beats to make something that sounds quintessentially Memphis but also very much right now.
Some of his lyrics have been about the hustle, loyalty, even life struggles and success – all of which has clicked with those who admire authenticity and grit. Key Glock has always demonstrated an acute ability to remain true to his roots and yet musically evolve in order to cater to a broader bit of audience throughout his career.
In conclusion, Key Glock’s path from a difficult childhood in South Memphis to rap phenomenon offers an incredible example of a creative and resilient American musical talent. Having been guided by his mentor Young Dolph and developed a series of hit albums, Key Glock has succeeded in becoming rap’s most prominent artist. As he matures and elevates in the industry, he is sure to win more fans while also adding more detractors, all of whom eagerly look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.
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