The 22-year-old Brooklynite is making waves with her monicker and politics.
When you call yourself Junglepussy, you better make sure you have the badass attitude and talent to go with it. The 22-year-old Brooklyn rapper’s name may make you do a double-take, but her music is as raw and powerful as they come. And she knows the controversy her name has generated: “I open my mind before I open my thighs,” she says in her slow jam “Me.” And navigating her politics and music on social media is just par for the course: “I'm not ashamed of being complex and opening minds.” In “Me,” whose video came last week, she pays tribute to female artists who have come before her as goddesses: Missy Eliot, Lil Kim, Brandy, Erykah Badu; she also defines herself as a child of the earth. Junglepussy has already been namedropped by everyone from Diddy ato Action Bronson and Trinidad James; here she talks about her manifesto and how she writes her songs.
Hometown and current residence: NYC
How did you discover music? Did you grow up in a musical family?
Music is special to my family just as it is to many … you know, there are certain songs or musicians that hold a special place in your heart just because you heard them growing up.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
My biggest inspirations stem from my entire life; all I've experienced, and the processes I've went through to express the ways I've felt. I realized I wanted to make music for the rest of my life when my music began to make people feel good about their individuality.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Right now, Santigold and Kelis.
What's your manifesto on your album Satisfaction Guaranteed?
It was my moment to do my best at something I'd never done before. I wanted to prove to myself that I am capable of creating something that can live forever.
In your songwriting, what comes first, the beats or lyrics?
The feeling comes first then everything else flows.
What’s the awesomest thing a fan has done for you?
I don't have fans but the greatest thing someone who likes my music has ever done was gift me a pillow with my face on it. The image was of a selfie I'd taken.
You have a really distinct fashion sense. Who is your style idol?
All women worldwide past, present, and future.
Describe your music to someone who has never heard your songs.
I’m the girl of your dreams.
