Introducing Birmingham’s Newest Bad Girl: Brixx

Yesterday, emerging rapper Brixx unveiled her debut single entitled, “Man”.  The Birmingham-based artist has an interesting backstory that has intricately weaved its way into the music she creates today. After grafting for a while and working tirelessly to perfect her craft, she finds herself finally reaping the benefits of the seeds she’s sewn. Once her gritty Blackbox Freestyle began to ignite conversations within the scene, she decided to set it on alight a month ago with her On Da Radar Freestyle. Since then, the freestyle has garnered over one-hundred-thousand views. So it comes as no surprise that the rapper has flown onto the radars of Bonkaz, Snoochie Shy, Nadia Rose and fellow Brummie Miss La Family, who constantly rooted for her to win. 

Why all the love you ask? Well the answers lie within the unique concoction of UK Rap, Drill and Bashment. Her music flows with authenticity, raw-energy and it’s always perfectly topped with her infectious patois prowess. The growth Brixx has shown has been immense and her ability to stay undisputedly herself over the years is completely commendable.

MM caught up with Brixx, to find out more…

First of all, introduce yourself! 

My name is Brixx, I’m an artist from Birmingham. I was born in the United States, but I came to the UK as a young girl. My mother is originally from Birmingham and my father is from Jamaica, so my music is a reflection of both cultures. 

Congrats on accumulating over 100k views on your ‘On da radar’ freestyle, it really blew up! How’s life been since?

Life has been good, I just continue to thank god for my team and my supporters who are invested in this journey. I have a lot more to offer!

Talk to us about your musical background – What artist’s did listen to growing up and what made you pursue a career in music?

As I mentioned earlier I was born in the US. I grew up in a Christian household in Evaston, Illinois. However, my little brother lived in Chicago, so when I would visit him I was exposed to a range of genres, like rap, r’n’b and soul. I listened to artists like, DMX, Missy Elliot, Ja Rule, Aaliyah and Erykah Badu a lot. But then, when I would go back to Illinois, with my Grandmother being Christian I wasn’t allowed to access that kind of music. Instead I’d just sing it to my friends at school but I would always put my own twist on it. I’d often perform at church too.

Then when I moved to the UK, I found grime, I would listen to sets on Passion FM and became fascinated with the word play. I loved artists like, Wiley, Tinie Tempah, D Double E, Ghetts, Skepta, Kano and So Solid Crew. To be honest just all the artists that created the wave, I have to pay homage to them because they inspired me to make music. They were the ones that made it possible for me to achieve my goals. My Mother loves music also, so living with her exposed me to lovers rock, roots and reggae predominantly. She was a part of the Rastafarian movement so when we’d go to family functions there’d always be reggae artists playing, such as; Beres Hammond, Garnet Silk, Luciano Barrington and many more.

Being from Birmingham, do you feel any pressures in regards to representing your city?

None at all, I am completely comfortable with everything I stand for. Including the fact that I’ve spent the majority of my life here on my own accord.

We hear a lot of Bashment influences throughout your music – What made you fuse this with rap?

I rap about real life issues and some very personal experiences. Being raised by Caribbean parents had me speaking Patois, before I could speak English. So when I’m emphasising my delivery I use Patois, I also do it when I speak in general conversations.

Describe your sound in three words?

Drill, Rap, Bashment.

Talk to us about your newest single, “Man” – What was the thought process behind it?

When writing man I thought about the ideology of the perfect relationship. I thought that it would be very important to draw on certain situations and scenarios surrounding relationships in urban culture. The song explains me beliefs when it comes to love, that it’s a two way street. I believe if you want a man that is willing to support you emotionally and financially, you must reciprocate the same things you expect. Once I had the concept for the song I got in contact with my producer, we went to the studio and we left there with another banger! 

How did it feel to get recognition from Bonkaz and Snoochie Shy?

I truly appreciate Bonkaz support, he’s really nice. He has been supporting me continuously, ever since I did my Blackbox freestyle. I remember when my manager contacted me and told me to turn on the radio, when I did Snoochie was playing my freestyle. She made me feel a large sense of relief, because people were finally hearing my music properly. It made me even happier to hear she even wanted to get up and dance to my music! 

Top three dream collaborations – dead or alive?

Vybz Kartel, Biggie Smallz, Lauryn Hill.

The UK scene is heavily male dominated at the moment, we’ve seen you receiving love from fellow Brummie, Miss La Familia along with a lot of support from Nadia Rose – Even though female rappers are on the rise at the moment, what are your thoughts on the current female rap climate?

I like real people, when Nadia and La Famalia show love I know it’s genuine. I like to surround myself with women that are secure in their own talents, that would never feel intimidated by someone else who is thriving. There are a few salty females who will openly admit to hearing your music, knowing who you are and not show any love or support. However, that never bothers me because I work hard and clap for myself, I truly believe how I feel about my achievements matters most.

There had been a lot of talk over the years about female rappers over-sexualising themselves or using their sexuality to gain attention or views – Have you ever been subjected to those pressures?

When it comes to feeling pressured to over sexualise myself, I’m not really concerned. I applaud all females who are comfortable in their own skin. But, don’t feel like I need to be naked to get views, I like to wear things that I’m comfortable in sometimes it’s a tracksuit and sometimes it’s not. Of course, image is important in music, but I thank god that I was born cute! Plus my music speaks for itself.

So what’s next for Brixx?

My EP is on it’s way !

Stay up to date with Brixx here.