Kodie Shane wants her music to be taken more seriously in a male-dominated genre
Rapper, singer, and Galore cover girl, Kodie Shane, recognizes that women aren’t taken seriously in the rap business – and she wants to change that.
Rap, for the most part, is historically a boys club. But why is that, when the women in rap are usually 10 times more talented and hard-working than some of the dudes?
Kodie Shane is only 19 years old, and she has already worked with big names like Lil Uzi Vert and has toured with Lil Yachty. While Kodie is still trying to find her place in the industry, her and her music are definitely helping prove that clearly, rap isn’t, and shouldn’t be thought of, just a boys club.
We talk to the Atlanta-born artist about making music for everyone, her love of Andre 3000, and the best advice she’s ever gotten from a family member. Check out her interview and our exclusive photos below.
You’re from Atlanta. How has your hometown influenced your music style?
I was born in Atlanta, but moved to Chicago for a large part of my childhood. I returned back to Atlanta as a pre-teen. I feel my musical style is a mixture of that Chicago feel and the Atlanta vibe. Atlanta really embraced me musically. My primary producer, Matty P, was born and raised in Atlanta, so there was a lot of cultural influence there as well.
You’ve said that gender and sexuality shouldn’t be labeled, and that people should just do what they want. How do you think that your music is pushing people to think more openly about people’s identities?
Well, I don’t sing or rap to one genre or one group versus another. I have never been placed in a box of any type by my parents, and my mom has always taken extra care that my voice and what I have to say is not compromised.
I carry that on with me daily, and I’m very open and proud of who I am and what I believe in. I celebrate my differences and the differences of others. There’s no judgement in my music, its feel good music and it’s for everyone.
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You’re really young, you’re 19. You started writing and working on music at the age of 15. How do you stay inspired and motivated?
I am motivated by what my listeners give back to me. I might read 10 negative comments, but that 1 positive comment is what pushes me further. Seeing so many happy faces at my shows inspires me. I love movies and people and I draw from them, especially love stories.
What is it like working with other talented young rappers like Lil Yachty And Lil Uzi Vert?
I’m blessed to have friends like Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi who I can learn from. Sometimes, I learn what not to do based on how they experienced something.
Other times, Yachty and I can discuss some of the pitfalls he’s encountered, and he gives me insight on how to avoid them. More than anything, it’s great to have them accept me as a fellow artist and respect my creativity. Friendships like these can be empowering.
You recently toured with Yachty. What was the best stop on the tour and why?
Honestly, New York. Thus far, it has always been the best stop on any tour for me. They really relate to my music there and they make sure I know it.
What’s the craziest thing on your rider?
Honestly my rider is pretty simple. I’m easy going. Some gushers, some pineapple Fanta, a nice salad, grilled salmon, a few white towels, and a couple bottles of H2O. Then I’m ready to rock!
Was it difficult breaking into the rap scene as a woman? What advice do you have for other young women trying to rap right now?
Was it? I’m still working to break in. But yes, it’s super difficult. For some reason, society and the media always pit the few women in the industry against one another. You can have 100 boys doing the exact same music and no one complains. My only advice to other young women is “Don’t stop, keep going. No one but you dictates your journey!”
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What gets you in the mood to write?
A melodic beat speaks to me every time!
What outfit do you feel most like yourself in?
Rick Owens everything.
Dream person to collaborate with?
Andre 3000.
Dream place to perform?
Coachella Main Stage headline act.
For anyone who hasn’t heard your music, how would you describe your style?
This is a tough question because I truly believe I have my own style and there’s no real way to describe it – except to say that it feels good.
You come from a family that has been immersed in the music industry for a while. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from a family member about your career?
My sister, Brandi, from the R&B group, “Blaque,” says it’s best to learn all the hard lessons at the beginning of a career so you’re not alarmed by the tough stuff that comes. Let it fly and keep working.
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What’s a recent idea that’s come to your mind for a song?
I just wrote a song called “Sing To Her,” that I’m super in love with right now, and the idea came to me because girls like my rapping but they really love it when I sing.
If you could only use one beauty item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A scrunchie!
Who’s your rap idol and why?
Andre 3000. He’s so creative, out of the box, lyrically superior, and unlike anyone else.
How are you paving the way for female rappers that will come after you?
I’m not sure I’m paving the way as much as the way has been paved for me by women like Left Eye, The Brat, Eve, Nicki Minaj, and McLyte. But, I make it my business not to run away from competing with the boys and doing things on my own terms.
Favorite line you’ve ever written.
“I feel like CamRon back in 06.”
Who do you go to when you need a real ass friend?
My mom or my sisters.
What can we expect from you next, Kodie?
New music, new music, new music. Also brand partnerships, and an intro to the fashion scene. I love fashion and I enjoy modeling almost as much as
music – almost.
Who made your grill?
It was a gift from my Big Brother Yachty.
Since you’re from the south, what’s your favorite hot sauce?
Red Hot is my go to brand, but I don’t carry it in my bag.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
A Backwood filled with the finest gas.
Favorite restaurant?
Nobu.
Favorite sneaker?
My Rick Owens are more of a designer shoe, so I can’t really qualify my fave sneaker just yet. Nike makes some things I love, Adidas and Yeezy are fye, and Reebok is re-building nicely. Only time will tell on that one.
Indica or sativa?
Indica – OG please.
What’s something that you wish people knew about you?
I want my music to be taken seriously. It’s so important to me.
Instagram or Twitter?
I love both. Instagram continues to be cool as fuck! It never fails. It’s like being face to face with the world. Twitter is so entertaining. You can scroll Twitter and make a bad day better because something random and funny or interesting and thought provoking is going to capture your attention and make you forget what you were stressed about.
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Photos by Jacqueline Kulla
Styling by Joey Thao
Makeup by Lucy Bleu
Hair by Kristen Pulice
