INTERVIEW: Drebae expands empire with Confident New Single “HOT”
Long before dropping his latest single, “HOT,” Drebae understood the double-edged sword of internet ubiquity. Early viral moments and high-profile co-signs from Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj proved he had the star power to command the room alongside hip-hop’s biggest names. But online clout means little without the work required to convert fleeting attention into a permanent, self-directed universe that outlasts the algorithm. From performing on major regional stages to speaking on Black LGBTQ+ representation at the Grammy Museum, the Northern California artist has spent the last few years redirecting that digital momentum into a real-world impact that is steadily making him a hip-hop vanguard all on his own.
With “HOT” serving as the lead-in to his fall project, Hardest on the Web, Drebae’s image, business mindset, and sound align into a singular, uncompromising identity. Ahead of the release, Drebae opens up about navigating industry tokenization, moving past the security of celebrity co-signs, and the strict boundaries required to protect his peace as an independent artist.
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“HOT” arrives at a point where your artistry extends beyond the music itself. What does this release reveal about where Drebae is creatively right now?
Hot really represents me expanding. I’m at a point creatively where I don’t want to put myself in a box or be afraid to try something new. I’m exploring different sounds and allowing myself to evolve as an artist. I think the most exciting part of being Drebae right now is that there’s so much I can do. HOT is just another door opening in that world; we’re just getting started.
The idea behind “HOT” extends beyond the song itself into a lifestyle associated with Drebae. What does the Drebae lifestyle represent, and how does “HOT” bring that identity into focus?
The Drebae lifestyle is about confidence, self-expression, and being unapologetically you. It’s about looking good, feeling better, working towards your goals, and enjoying the ride along the way. I want drebae to represent a person who isn’t afraid to take up space and live on their own terms. HOT brings that identity into focus. The song gives a soundtrack to that lifestyle. It’s confident, sexy, fun, ambitious, and larger than life. I want people to hear Hot and bothered just think of a song, but a whole way of living.
With “HOT,” are you introducing a new chapter of Drebae, or are you giving audiences a clearer, more concentrated version of what has already been there?
I would say it’s a little bit of both. Drebae has always been confident, ambitious, and full of personality, but now I’m getting more intentional about how I’m expressing it. I’ve grown a lot creatively, and HOT represents the caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The picture is becoming clearer, and people can see the artistry evolving and a world I’m building around drebae.
What’s the biggest difference between someone who just drops a hot single and an artist who actually curates a whole lifestyle people want to embrace?
The biggest difference is intention. Anyone can make a good song. But building a lifestyle means creating a world that people can see themselves being a part of. The music, the visuals, the fashion, the attitude, the experiences created around the music. I want people to connect with Drebae and feel confident, inspired, and ambitious.
People love to talk about the heavy co-signs from Megan, Cardi, and Nicki…but what was the moment you realized you were beyond the stamp of approval?
I adore Megan; she has been a real one from day one. Truly a genuine soul. Cardi has been amazing as well; she still shows love to me to this day. Nicki giving a co-sign was also incredible. I appreciate them all. I don’t want my story to be about who co-signed Drebae tho. I want it to be about what Drebae built. A co-sign can introduce people to you, but you have to give them a reason to stay. I’m here to stay, boo.
What is the outlook for Black queer artists in hip-hop today?
For me, being a black queer artist isn’t something I’m ever going to hide or water myself down to be digestible or tolerated in hip-hop. I’m gay and here to stay, but it’s not all I have to offer. I want people to connect with drebae because of the music, the personality, the vision, and the world I’m creating. I think the future is about getting to a place where black queer artists aren’t viewed as a category or a conversation. We’re just recognized as artists who are contributing to the culture.
You rap, “Cut you off quick I can’t let you stress me.” What is the fastest way someone loses their access to Drebae in real life?
Inconsistency and disrespect are the fastest way to get cut off. I’m big on protecting my peace. And once I feel someone treating me like a whatever thing or bringing stress, negativity, or chaos into my life, you’re chopped, boo. I don’t have interest in keeping any pointless connections alive. I believe nothing should be forced, and a person that’s for you won’t cause pain or be difficult.
What’s up next for Drebae?
There’s a lot coming. I got more music on the way. My upcoming project Hardest on the Web will be dropping in the fall. I’m focused on being consistent with content and continuing to expand the world of drebae. HOT is a small piece and just the start of the bigger picture. I’m experimenting, pushing myself creatively, and giving my supporters different sides of drebae. I’m in my mystique era, and I can’t wait for them to see all I have coming. Stay tuned because this is only the beginning. This next chapter is going to be big.
