Growing up in New York City's East Village, it wasn't always safe for Maluca. When she was five years old, the songstress recalled "being caught in a shootout." However, it is within those days, those streets and her short stay in Washington Heights that shaped her into the fascinating and stylish culture-clashing vessel she is today. 

Last month, she released a music video for "MALA," her latest single to showcase a sound as unique as her style—something she describes as "tropical punk, Dominican rave." Infusing reggae, pop and hip-hop, the NYC native has already caught the ears of Diplo and Robyn and now Myspace. Before you hear Maluca's name on every radio station, here's 10 things you should know about her.

Her Uncle Gave Her the Nickname Maluca

Born Natalie Ann Yemez, the Dominican artist's uncle gave her a special nickname when she was a young child: Maluca. It was during her Myspace days that she decided to test her name out as a musical moniker. When she wasn't spying on her boyfriend online, she would upload demos to under the alias because she wanted to go by a name that no one knew. Eventually, her friends and family caught on and started to address her by Maluca. The singer says that "Technically, Maluca was born on Myspace!" 

She Has a Crazy Tour Story

During a tour break in London, Maluca and her tour DJ shared a tiny hotel room. According to the artist, one night he decided to come back with a girl without her knowing, she walked in on them, and she kicked her out. (You go, girl!)

She Has a Fear of Heights and Stage Fright

For as long as she could remember, Maluca has had stage fright and a fear of heights. Before she goes onstage, she tells herself that it isn't about her. It is about the kids—her fans—and because she doesn't know what they had to do to make it to her show, she leaves her fear backstage and puts on a great show. Joining her friend's rock band helped Maluca to deal with her stage fright. She played the tambourine and was a backup singer for the Bowery Riots, and toured with a Philadelphia-native artist named Amanda Black.

Someone Wrote a Song About Her

A rapper named Shaka "Tom Cruz" Girvan (formerly from a now defunct Atlanta-based rap trio called "Supreeme") wrote a song about her. It is called "Maluca," and she claims that he professes his love for her on the song. 

She's Been Friends with Robyn For a Long Time

Before teaming up to make "Love Is Free," the two connected more than four years ago. According to Maluca, they've always wanted to work together, but they were waiting for the right time and the right track. Four years ago, the Swedish pop artist sent the track to Maluca, and they would email one another to come up with concepts for the collaboration. There was an urgency to complete the record because its producer Christian Falk, who is now deceased, was diagnosed with cancer. She opened for Robyn during her US tour in 2010 as an independent artist.

She Would Love to Work With Diplo Again

Although her time with Mad Decent was bittersweet, she says working with Diplo was fantastic. She thought he would be the Timbaland to her Missy or the Pharrell to her Kelis, but it didn't work out the way she imagined. They haven't made a record since "El Tigeraso," but she would love to work with her former label boss again, some day. She met Diplo at a karaoke night in New York City. She was onstage, singing.

She Loves Fashion

Maluca is often backstage at several fashion shows, hanging with Hollywood stars like Jaden Smith, performing at fashion-related afterparties and was featured and reports for VFILES. She sat front row at Hood By Air Spring 2016.

Her Father Is a DJ

Maluca's father worked in the music industry and helped break artists like Tone Loc, Melissa Etheridge and the Jungle Brothers. When he DJed, he played disco, classic funk, and R&B, and taught what she knows about different genres of music. Her stepfather also has a vast collection of Latin music. Because of this, she learned to play the piano when she was 13.

She was in a Blackberry Torch Commercial

In 2011, the singer was featured in a Blackberry Torch commercial. In the video, she talks about how the device helps her to stay on top of her game. In an interview with The New York Times Style Magazine, Maluca revealed that Blackberry gave her a phone, but it wasn't on for long. She didn't have phone service at the time of the interview.

She's Honest

Crediting the Dominican culture for her truthfulness (and feistiness), Maluca is an honest woman. During her interview with The New York Times Style Magazine, she confessed that although she toured with Robyn, she was broke.