La Reezy, a rising hip-hop artist from New Orleans, is being profiled as Billboard's Hip-Hop Up-And-Comer of the Month for August 2026, ahead of joining Chance the Rapper on a multi-city tour. Despite having earned praise from Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Tyler, the Creator before he was even old enough to drink legally, La Reezy says he remains grounded in his roots, staying connected to "Khayree" — his birth-given identity — as a way of keeping his music authentic and avoiding imposter syndrome.

The interview explores how Kendrick Lamar's 2011 album Section.80 directly inspired La Reezy's debut record, Skiddle Bandana, which draws on vivid storytelling from his upbringing in New Orleans, including tracks such as "Melanate It" and "Family Bizzy". He also discusses collaborating with veteran Louisiana rapper Macc, a former No Limit Records artist who spent over 20 years incarcerated over his lyrics, and cites Neno Calvin, Rob 49 and Mac Phipps as underrated Louisiana influences alongside better-known figures Lil Wayne and YoungBoy.