Melii Is About To Be Your New Fave Female Rapper
It seems like every time you check your Spotify playlists, there’s a new, amazing female rapper blaring through your airpods.
Harlem-raised Melii got noticed by Interscope Records after covering “Bodak Yellow” by the shepherd of the female rapper movement herself, Cardi B. She kept the momentum going when Rihanna chose to feature one of her tracks, “Icey,” in a Fenty Beauty video.
But Melii hasn’t gotten starstruck, she’s stayed true to her naturally curly roots. We talked to the up and comer about her debut album, Phases, haters & fakers, plus how to be a boss bitch.
When did you first fall in love with music?
I first fell in love with music as a young child when my parents spent weekends blasting the classics while cleaning.
What has NYC taught you as an artist and as a human?
NYC has taught me to be confident as an artist and overall to always push my pen—that if I can make it in my city I can make it anywhere.
What are your thoughts on the female rap game at the moment?
I love the movement and the fact that the rap game is more inclusive to females now compared to just 10 years ago. I just think it’s important to continue to be more unified behind the scenes and out.
What makes a boss bitch?
Your confidence/aura, how you carry yourself, your hustle, and most importantly, how you don’t give a fuck about other people’s opinions and what they have to say.
We love the song “Gangsta Talk.” Tell us more about this one.
Around the time I was getting signed, there was someone claiming that they were my ghostwriters, so I addressed them. That person was the inspiration for “Gangsta Talk.”
Do you consider yourself a rapper or a singer? What inspires you to write?
I consider myself an overall artist. As of lately, I’ve been in love with my singing side. Writing to me is therapeutic, it’s like writing in a journal for me and my songs are my stories that I tell. I get inspiration from everywhere when I write.
What advice would you give your 16 year old self?
I would tell myself to keep going and keep being a bad bitch!
Your hair is such perfection, what beauty products do you swear by for the infamous Melii curls?
Thank you! And surprisingly I don’t use much for my hair, I just use Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal shampoo and conditioner and I rinse everything out to air dry.
One beauty tip your mom or grandma has taught you?
To always have good hygiene from head to toe and to always carry lip gloss.
What song on the record hits closest to home?
“Way Out.”
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Amy Winehouse.
Your Debut record, Phases, is a bop through and through. What was the process like recording it?
Phases is my baby. It was a beautiful, long journey/process, many studio sleepless nights and I’m just happy I’m able to share that.
What advice would you give young girls today who are dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression in this world of fake perfection seen through social media?
To listen to my song, “Pretty Girls” and just know that they’re not alone. To always remember everything that glitters ain’t gold and that they’re perfection. There’s always a new day and the song always comes out. To love yourself and build that confidence from inside so nobody can break you down.
How do you deal with the haters?
Fuck the haters. I don’t deal with them, they’re miserable and the blessed don’t beef with the miserable.
What is next for you in 2019?
New music, dope videos, and more blessings!
Photography – Markus & Koala
Makeup – Marisol Solis
Hair – Gracie Odoms
Styling – D. Creativ and J. Leak
Earrings – 21HM
Top – Vintage from The Ruby Fashion Library
