Lil Keke speaks on Quitting Syrup After Sipping From His Teens Until His 30s: “It Changed My Life”

Lil Keke shared his journey of overcoming a significant chapter in his life: quitting syrup after consuming it from his teens into his thirties.

Reflecting on his past, Lil Keke explained that his reliance on syrup began around age 17, continuing until he was well into his thirties. In 2011, a legal incident abruptly altered his trajectory, forcing him into a pretrial period from November 2011 to February 2012, during which he was mandated to abstain from all substances. Remarkably, this experience became a turning point, leading Keke to quit syrup entirely. The rapper emphasized how discontinuing syrup was life-changing, fostering discipline that extended into other areas of his life, such as financial management and overall well-being. He highlights the broader impact of substance abuse in the music industry, referencing artists like Pimp C and Juice WRLD and expressing gratitude for avoiding a similar fate.

The Houston rap legend then discussed the impact of DJ Screw and the assumptions surrounding his untimely death. Reflecting on their professional relationship, Lil Keke emphasized the monumental influence of his collaborations, particularly the hit “25 Lighters,” which gained recognition across generations, including being referenced by artists like Kendrick Lamar. While not claiming to be DJ Screw’s closest friend, Lil Keke acknowledges their bond was rooted in music rather than personal camaraderie.

Addressing the widely held belief that DJ Screw’s death was due to syrup consumption, Lil Keke argued against simplifying the cause to just that. He emphasized the lifestyle factors that could contribute to such an assumption, including the rigors of making music, lack of rest, and other lifestyle choices prevalent in the high-paced environment of their careers. He noted the importance of acknowledging multiple contributing factors, drawing a parallel to other artists like Pimp C, who faced similar assumptions. He concluded that the era’s lifestyle was complex and that simple attributions to syrup neglect broader lifestyle influences.