Who were the first rappers you listened to growing up?
The first mainstream rappers I listened to growing up were Missy Elliott ,Ludacris, Outkast, and Kanye West just to name a few. My older brother was a rapper/producer, and his studio was in the basement, so I was surrounded by rappers as a kid.
Can you name a particular song or album that changed your perspective on hip-hop?
The album College Dropout changed my perspective on hip-hop. Up until that point, I hadn’t been invested in rap. I was more interested in other genres of music.
Are there non-hip-hop artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your music?
Rock has a significant impact on my music. It was one of my favorite genres growing up, and I’d like to fuse rock with rap in the future.
Which artist’s journey in the rap game do you admire the most and why?
I admire Megan Thee Stallion’s journey the most. In my opinion, she’s the most authentic rapper out right now. She pours her heart into her music and always has. Even through adversity, she finds a way to express herself in a meaningful way.
How do your personal experiences shape the themes and stories in your songs?
I’ve had some pretty bad relationships, so I put that pain in my music. In particular, you can see that a lot in my new EP Love Is Dead, which is based on a true story. I also have a lot of music that people can turn up to. I used to be a dancer, which is basically partying every weekend and I did that for years, so that influences my music and my stage performances.
Are there any books, films, or artworks that have influenced your lyrical style or themes?
I have 2 EPs out based on movies. One is called Booty Bang and it’s based on Pootie Tang. The other one is called Tax Season, and it’s based on Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. I like doing projects based on movies because it’s my version of fan fiction and a way to bring a new perspective to something people already know.
Who are the top three artists, past or present, you’d love to collaborate with?
I’d like to collaborate with Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Flo Milli.
How do current events or social issues influence your music and lyrics?
I consider myself to be a womanist, so a lot of my music is pro-woman. In Love is Dead, I reference Intimate Partner Violence in the song Living Nightmare where I really tried to illustrate the harsh realities of what we go through as women. In the second verse of Green, I do something similar, where I mention different ways that we experience abuse and how not to tolerate it.
Are there any producers or beat-makers that you feel particularly in tune with?
I use a variety of beats, but so far the producer I’ve used the most has been Blanq Beatz. He’s produced some of my best songs.
How do you think your hometown or upbringing has influenced your sound and lyrics?
I was originally raised in the suburbs and then I moved to the hood when I was 16, so a lot of the time I switch back and forth between standard English and AAVE, sometimes even within the same song because that’s how I talk. As far as my lyrics are concerned, I haven’t started writing about my childhood yet, so my upbringing isn’t really a factor.
Which contemporary artists do you believe are pushing the boundaries of hip-hop right now?
I think the rap group Flyana Boss is pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a female rap duo, and their style is different from other rap artists. Their music can be raunchy but at the same time has that feel-good vibe, and their appearance isn’t the typical Instagram baddie type aesthetic.
Can you recall a specific life event that heavily influenced a song or album of yours?
I’ve put a lot of different life experiences into my work, but the Love is Dead EP is the first album that comes to mind. I reference 2 different breakups in 3 out of 5 songs.
What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a song?
I did a freestyle to No Clarity by Ice Spice that isn’t out yet. I am not a fan of Ice Spice, but I absolutely love the sample. I also did a freestyle to Everybody by Nicki Minaj. That one was challenging for me because I hate that song.
Are there any mentors or key figures in your life who have guided your artistic direction?
I am fortunate to have a team of people who want to see me win. This includes my brother, my engineer, my videographer, and my vocal coach.
How does feedback from fans and peers influence your future projects or your view on past work?
I try to challenge myself to give people what they want. When my sister-in-law said I should do a song from Biggie Shorty’s perspective, I made an entire EP called Booty Bang. I polled my followers and asked them how many songs I should do for Tax Season, and they said 6 so I gave them 6.
Do you feel a connection or influence from other art forms like poetry, visual arts, or dance?
I’m definitely influenced by musical theater. My mom was a Broadway musician, and I tried to follow in her footsteps to be a Broadway actress, but it didn’t happen. I still have a love for it though.
How has the evolution of hip-hop over the years influenced your approach to music, and where do you fit in that narrative?
I try to keep up with the times. I feel like I have a modern sound, and I’d like to keep it that way.
