As rapper Maliibu Mitch prepares to release her debut project, the New York-based hip-hop artist is already tearing it up with her new single, “Wif3y”
Maliibu Mitch is making all kinds of noise to wake up sleepy-head hip-hop heads. The rapper has paved a way for herself with features on Bree Runway’s club banger “Gucci” and with Rich The Kid on “Do A Trick”. Her style is far from razor-sharp — it’s honed, and sharp enough to split a hair, with elements that can make rap aficionados sit up and take notice.
Since the genre’s golden age, few can match the propensity of its naturally aqueous contents. Like a fish to water, the era was filled with a collaborative and world-building mystique where music was created through instinct and impulse. This is exactly what MM tables to the game, accompanied by the skill and art it takes to leave behind music that persists. Her cadence, bars and attention to detail show that not only is she a student of the game, but a professor of hip-hop.
Thanks for joining us; it’s a pleasure to have you. Your flow on “Wif3y” has a real throwback vibe — what inspired it?
“Definitely Crime Mob. As soon as I heard the beat over “now I have 32 flavas of that bootylious bubble gum,” I started writing immediately, and that’s how “Wif3y” came about.”
What’s the background to the track, and what put the wheels in motion?
“I don’t know too much about North Carolina to be completely honest. I was born there and moved to New York when I was like 4 or 5. I lived there for maybe three years while I was a teen (8th, 9th, and 10th grade), after which I came back to New York. New York is what really influenced my style and flow.”
You were born in North Carolina before moving to New York; how do you feel that transition impacted your style and flow?
“I don’t know too much about North Carolina, to be completely honest. I was born there and moved to New York when I was like 4 or 5. I lived there for maybe three years while I was a teen (8th, 9th, and my 10th grade), after which I came back to New York. New York is what really influenced my style and flow.”
What music were your parents playing in the house? And do you feel it has filtered into your work?
“I found a lot of my mom’s cassettes, which were a lot of R&B. I remember my favorite one being Total. As far as my dad, he listened to a lot of R&B as well; we had the Space Jam soundtrack on repeat. I think those influences show through my music, because I like venting and saying my feelings through my songs.”
You started rapping in 2009; was there a major turning point that helped sculpt your style?
“It was probably when I deep-dived into listening to Foxy Brown. She made me want to put my voice a little deeper in my songs; that was definitely a turning point in my career.”
Before rap, what were you doing, and would that version of Maliibu Miitch recognize herself today?
“I’ve been rapping since I was 19 years old. I didn’t really have a liking to anything else. I had little jobs here and there, but I knew I wanted to be a rapper. I stuck with it and ran with it. Would I recognize myself today? I believe I would. I never took no for an answer.”
Despite a heavily saturated music scene, you’ve firmly planted your flag. What do you attribute this to, and what are you doing behind the scenes that others may not be paying attention to?
“I have a very strong willpower, once I set my mind to something, I have to see it through. Behind the scenes, I’m just walking at my own pace. I’m not focusing on anything but myself. Just creating at my own time and not forcing myself to work when I don’t feel creative.”
We can talk a lot about music, but which non-industry influences have helped shape your vision?
“Definitely my family and friends; they motivate me the most.”
Each of your music videos carries a similar tonality; are you involved in all the planning and creative direction?
“Yes, actually, I come up with all the concepts and send my vision over to my video-men – Off Jimmer, Nimi Hendrix, Kumo, and Still Snappin – they get me visually. I just give them an idea, and they execute it perfectly.”
Recently, you spoke out about restrictive label contracts; what can you do now that your label might have previously put a pin in?
“Probably picking the records I put out; I hated it. I felt like it was too many people giving me opinions on things they couldn’t understand.”
You’re a friend of Nicki Minaj, and you’ve collaborated before; are you guys planning to hit the booth again in the future?
“I wouldn’t call me and Nicki Minaj friends, I would say it’s like a Big Sis, Lil Sis relationship. She looks out for me and gives me advice. She’s really cool for that.”
You’ve already unleashed some serious music recently; is there an album in the works? If so, when can we expect it to come out?
“Yes, it’s not an album; it’s a project called Sailor Goon, and I’m planning to drop it mid-September.”
FOMO: Drake Fans Rave Over Potential New Album
Drake has yet to confirm an album, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating.
ARCANE: Spectacular Diagnostics Drops Fresh Big Beats For You To Spit To
Producer Spectacular Diagnostics releases a fresh instrumental project for hip-hop heads.
Tom Hardy Joins Czarface for Latest Rap Album — What You Need to Know
Tom Hardy suits up as Frankie Pulitzer for legendary rap group Czarface’s new album.
Leave a Reply