Are you not entertained? BIA has been on The MouthSoap’s radar for a minute now and it’s been more than aspiring to see the rising rapper attain higher heights as she accumulates more shows and more money.
While we appreciate the current female rapper renaissance that’s taking place right before our eyes, we somewhat share in the sentiment that legendary lyricist Eve spoke on when she said that rap was becoming “boring” because of all the “clones” in the game. So, when a person with their own identity, style, and approach enters the sphere of rap it refreshes enthusiasm for our beloved hip hop.
Hence the appreciation of BIA. Her nonchalant delivery, combined with visually arousing branding found decorated throughout her project covers, music videos, and public appearances, makes her all the more interesting. But, beyond that, BIA clearly has an appreciation for the rap gods that came before her. Oftentimes, we can hear throwbacks to earlier rap eras in her production. Unlike other artists that seem to heavily rely on the already established popularity of a sample to boost their recognition, BIA actually transforms samples to make them her own. Rappers, take note.
Another special quality that BIA brings to the current hip hop genre reside in the subject matter of her lyrics that spell confidence instead of self-exploitation — something that is certainly omitted in hip hop music from female artists who tend to focus primarily on their sexuality as the most valuable asset they have to offer.
And while it’s a fact that sex sells, BIA, instead, mentions her sexuality while avoiding overwhelming her music with the subject. In the vein of female rappers from the 1990s, BIA instills a sense of self-esteem and confidence in her music, making it listenable for boss women who may not have strip club experience, but do have a high-paying corporate job or higher learning education — they need love, too. Not saying that BIA will always stick to this formula, but we sure hope she does.
Check out her latest music video “Can’t Touch This” from her album For Certain:
