Iconika X-Rated is here to break down the hood-to-Hollywood story

Iconika X-Rated’s music sounds like a sexy fever dream.

But not only is her sound alluring and vibey as hell, it’s telling a tale. Putting her own spin on the rags-to-riches, hood-to-Hollywood story, she says she’s bringing a fresh perspective to this long standing rap and hip hop theme.

Also, girl is a cancer so she rules with heart, which means so does her music. Not to get too poetic on you, but her bright orange hair is as fiery as her future.

We caught up with this baddie and got all the deets on her approach to fashion, her music inspo, and her late-night-gin-fueled writing sessions.

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What’s something guaranteed to put you in the headspace to write? Like candles, wine, etc.?

Upside down drinking a gin and tonic at 11:45 p.m.

Who and what are your influences?

I love Jay Z to be honest, he inspires me so much.

How old were you when you started making music?

Sixteen.

What are some things that inspire your writing?

Everything inspires my writing. From past experience, things I’ll never experience, to things I want to but have yet to experience.

Where are you from? How do you think that has influenced your vision?

I was born in Oakland, CA, raised in Compton and South Central LA. The streets are a major influence in my music, I’ve witnessed a lot of good and bad things. There’s this hood-to-Hollywood illusion that is channeled and shared throughout different visual and sonic mediums. I think once the XXX TRILOGY is complete more people will begin to understand the story.

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What are you working on right now?

Currently working on The XXX TRILOGY. Deep in X-Rated which is the follow up to Indecent Exposure.

What artists would you love to collaborate with? 

I’m always open to collaborating with other genuine artists. If I could collaborate with someone right now it would have to be Deko, this rapper from Atlanta I’ve had on repeat for the last few days.

What’s something people don’t know about you at first?

That I don’t chase fashion.

What’s your sign? Do you identify with your sign?

Cancer. I definitely identify with my sign. I’m really into astrology, I low key live by it.

What’s the most irrational fear you have?

Flying insects.

What would your dream day include?

My dream day includes me making music with my friends. Hella weed, some drinks, and us vibing out. Maybe on an island somewhere.

 

 

Photography: Skye Jones

 

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