At the age of just 15 years old, you began your journey as a music producer. What was it that ignited your passion for music and led you to start creating beats at such a young age?

I’ve always been captivated by the creative process of transforming abstract ideas into something tangible. This fascination with the power of imagination and creativity has driven me for as long as I can remember. I wanted to try something like that too, just creating something straight from my mind, drawing upon my interests in art and craftsmanship. At the time, I had never tried making music myself and wasn’t musically inclined as I couldn’t play a single instrument. It was the introduction of music software that incorporated elements of drawing that enabled me to explore this new artistic side. It allowed me to express my creative ideas in a completely new way. 

The music production industry is often considered male-dominated. How do you feel your unique perspective and experiences as a woman have influenced your approach to music production and the artists you work with?

I often felt underestimated and like I had to prove myself more. When you enter the studio as a woman, people tend to assume you’ll make those sweet beats. But when I hit play, I always hoped they’d think: “Oh wait, this isn’t sweet, it’s actually a bit dark and somewhat angry too”. I realised that as a woman you can make an impact by being the opposite of what people expect from you.  

Did you feel like you had to prove yourself more in that sense?

Not so much proving, because I know what I’m doing. I know I don’t make sweet beats. I create quite dark and angry trap beats. But when you’re in the studio with someone new, you kind of already know what they’re expecting. 

After accumulating numerous years of experience in the music field. What advice would you give to aspiring female music producers who are looking to break into the industry and succeed on a similar level as you have?

You should go with what feels right for you. I feel most comfortable with very dark trap beats. I think the best thing you can do is follow your instincts. If you step out of your comfort zone, you can’t perform at your best. Just sticking with your own sound works best. I wouldn’t really focus on what others are doing and how to replicate that, but rather keep pushing yourself. When I started in this industry, people said “Why are you making trap music, that’s not working now”. But I stuck with the same genre, and I’ve always had this idea that if you keep going long enough, it will work. 

With new renditions of iconic models like the Air Jordan 11 consistently being introduced and the Jumpman team reimagining their classic designs, could you share a memorable experience you've had with a pair of Jordans that stands out as a favourite memory?

Years ago, I attended a dinner event where Air Jordan was also a part of. After the event, I was gifted a pair of Jordans and an Air Jordan tracksuit. I distinctly remember that moment when I opened the box to reveal a brand-new pair of Air Jordans. It instantly transported me back to my childhood, making me feel like a happy kid once again.

Finally, what do you hope your legacy as a Grammy winning music producer will be, and how would you like to inspire the next generation of women in the music industry?

I just hope that when women look at me, they see that literally anyone can do it. I started with zero music knowledge and from nothing. Building a network naturally comes later in your career, but you don’t really need it at the beginning. You can start from scratch. You just need to keep pushing forward.

Text: Flore de Man | Photographer: Dennis Branko | Make-Up & Hair: Laura Yard | Talent: Roselilah