Chicago-based rapper Kaycee Ortiz dropped a stunning and deeply personal mixtape titled Beach Street last year and is gearing up for a new release in the near future. Her deeply personal and hard-hitting Southern rap gives a fresh spin to a beloved genre. Ortiz's lyrics deal with growing up in poverty and her journey as a trans woman – but she's hoping her music can act as a beacon of hope for those who need it.

We chatted with the rapper about her beginnings, Beach Street and her plans for the future. Hop to the next page to read the full interview.