URBAN VAULT UK
Urban Vault caught up with Denver, Colorado-based multi-talented artist Nay Babii to ask her about her latest track, UP NEXT and more…
Model/actress/femcee Nay babii presents her latest single ‘Up Next’, produced by Detroit beatsmith Helluva Beats (Yo Gotti, Rick Ross, Future, Jeezy, French Montana).
“I’ve always wanted to get into the music industry and show people that I am more than just a pretty face on Instagram,” she says. “That inspired me to release ‘Up Next’ as my first single to let the world know that I’m coming!”.
How did you get your stage name?
I grew up in Montebello which is a small hood in Denver. Being one of a few Asians in the school I️ was bullied. One of the things they used to say would be,
“How are you Chinese with a white name?”
(I’m half Vietnamese by the way, not Chinese) and eventually, they just took it upon themselves to make up names for me. I don’t remember all of the names they threw at me but “Shanae” was the one that stuck for some reason. Nay Nay became the nickname of a nickname. Some friends call me Nay Nay but if you grew up with me, your first instinct is calling me Nay, not Jessica. As soon as I started using social media, all of the Nay’s and Nay Nay’s were already being used so I added my little twist to it, NayBabii.
What made you decide to become an artist?
Music has always been an interest of mine, more so the genius behind it. I️’d listen to artists like Pharrell or Kanye and I’ve always wondered how do they come up with these amazing concepts and ideas so I tried to use it in my poetry by being off the wall while trying to make sense at the same time. That didn’t work out too well lol. A friend of mine was reading my poetry and told me I should turn it into music. Eventually, all of my poetry became music.
What’s the first rap song you ever heard? Describe the moment.
I don’t really remember the first rap song I️ heard. The song that stood out to me was Lil’ Bow Wow “Take Ya Home”. I remember one of my third-grade teachers used to play music videos at the end of class and for some reason, that song stands out in my memory.
How did ‘Up Next’ come together?
I wanted to make a statement with the first song that I️ release. I wanted the song to show my confidence and be an anthem for the ladies. Since I would be trying to break into an industry that’s flooded with artists, it was only right for me to let them know, move over cause I’m ‘Up Next’.
What are your thoughts on music this year?
This has been an amazing year in music, especially for the female rappers. Obviously, we’ve already had Nicki and all of her greatness for years but Cardi B changed something, she has open the door for a new wave of up-and-coming female artists and that is a great thing for Hip Hop culture. Hopefully, I get the opportunity to walk through one of those doors she has opened.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…
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