Key Glock’s Rise: From Memphis Roots to the Glockaveli Tour

Markeyvius LaShun Cathey, better known as Key Glock, was born on August 3, 1997, and raised in South Memphis. His early childhood was shaped by hardship—when he was just under two years old, his mother began a 15-year prison sentence, and his father was largely absent. He was raised by his grandmother and aunt, who became his primary support system. Music offered an escape and inspiration early on, spurred on by rap legends like Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne—artists whose gritty narratives and hypnotic beats deeply influenced Key Glock’s sound.

In 2016, Glock self-released his debut mixtape Whole Lotta Errthang. He caught his big break in 2017 when his cousin and fellow Memphis rapper Young Dolph signed him to his label Paper Route Empire. That year he dropped Glock Season, which built a local buzz and positioned him as a rising figure in Memphis hip‑hop.

Key Glock and Young Dolph’s collaborations—(Dum and Dummer) in 2019 and Dum and Dummer 2 in 2021—catapulted Glock further, earning chart success and critical acclaim.

When Young Dolph was tragically killed in November 2021, Glock lost a mentor and close family figure. He honored him with the tribute track “Proud”, from the deluxe Yellow Tape 2, which became his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

Following Yellow Tape 2 (2021), Glock released Glockoma 2 in February 2023—another strong performer on the Billboard 200, featuring standout singles like “Let’s Go” and “Sucker Free”.

In May 2025, he made his major‑label debut with Glockaveli, a nod to Tupac’s “Makaveli” legacy, followed quickly by the expanded Glockaveli: The Don re‑release with bonus tracks.

Glockaveli Tour 2025 – Boston Stop

On June 10, 2025, Key Glock brought his Glockaveli Tour to the House of Blues in Boston, MA, performing a high‑energy, fan‑charged set. Doors opened at 7:00 PM, and Glock hit the stage later in the evening at full force.

Based on consistent setlists from across the tour, here’s an approximation of his live Boston set:

Look at They Face

Dough

Glock in My Lap

Russian Cream

No Cap

Mr. Glock

Stop Playin

Ambition for Cash

Vaccine

Fast

Trust Me

Shut Up

Gang Shit No Lame Shit

Let’s Go

Walk Through

Since 6ix

Big Glock

Walking Ticket

(Encore-style continuation with remixes or fan favorites)

He also weaved in tracks from Glockaveli and covers/tributes honoring Young Dolph along the tour progression

Walking into the House of Blues, the energy was already electric—and Key Glock more than lived up to it. He delivered a nearly two‑hour performance that showed how far he’s come. As a fan who'd seen him in rooms of only a few hundred, watching him now perform to thousands was surreal. The crowd knew every word, every ad‑lib—singing along in unison.

The production design impressed: from soaring lighting to a symbolic thorn‑crown suspended above the stage, it spoke to Glock’s evolution, ambition, and self‑assurance. Perhaps even more memorable was his connection with the audience—he frequently brought fans on stage, took pictures with them, and even let them perform sections of songs. It felt less like a performer‑fan divide and more like a communal celebration.

There was no rush to wrap things up. Glock navigated the set with deliberate pacing—dropping fan favorites across mixtapes and albums, reliving memories, honoring his mentor, and showcasing new Glockaveli tracks. The nearly ninety‑minute to two‑hour run had no fillers—just precision and propulsion.

Key Glock’s journey is emblematic of authentic Memphis hip‑hop—gritty, self‑made, and loyal to roots. From early underground tapes to major‑label releases, he continues to weave storytelling of struggle, ambition, and celebration. His music channels raw Memphis energy, shaped by influences like Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat, but he has steadily forged a distinct path defined by lyrical grit, rhythm, and unwavering hustle.

With Glockaveli, he not only cements his major‑label credentials, but reaffirms his commitment to both legacy and evolution—carrying Young Dolph’s torch forward while building his own empire.

Key Glock’s sound is Memphis at its core—hard, hypnotic, and unapologetically honest. His trajectory—from intimate shows in survival mode to commanding packed arenas—reflects both his artistic growth and his bond with fans. The Boston stop of the Glockaveli Tour was not just a show—it was a snapshot of a moment in his rise: fully self‑aware, fully present, and fully connected.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him now, Key Glock’s stories are told through grit, melody, and authenticity. The tour—and his music—prove that he’s not just performing tracks, but building a legacy.