In The Studio With – Kreayshawn

Here’s female rapper and overall style icon Kreayshawn. Famed for her outlandish, cartoon-influenced videos and outspoken ways, the Oakland native released her first official video ‘Gucci Gucci’ on YouTube and got more than three million hits in three weeks, which in turn led to Columbia Records signing her on the spot.

Despite rolling with the big boys in hip-hop, Kreayshawn remains true to her punk roots and talks about her mum’s band Trash Women, why she loves shopping in London and what inspires her creative process.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Spice Girls, Kool Keith, The Trash Women, Lady Dead, Eve, Missy Elliot, N.E.R.D, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam and V-Nasty.

What’s the worst fashion decision you’ve made?

For a while I didn’t have a full-length mirror at my house & I didn’t know what I was wearing really. Then I would catch a glimpse in public in a window reflection sometimes and just shake my head like “damn how did I leave in this… I really need a mirror.”

Describe the world today in one word?

Kray! *Kayne voice*

Gucci Mane or Cartier Kitten?

Well, I’d go with Gucci Mane because V-Nasty & Gucci just released their new album BAYTL and I bought it at Best Buy last night! SO excited. But, I love Cartier Kitten. Not just because I love kitties.

Can you take a photo of something in your room for us?

Here’s a pic of one of my two cats, Choppa snuggling in my bed.

What is feminism to you?

Feminism sounds very intense. I prefer the term “Girl Power”. I don’t know why I am associated with this question a lot. But, I get a lot of compliments on my role reversals in my music. That’s just how I live my life. I was raised by a single mom and a lot of aunts so, I grew up around a very STRONG group of women that just love emasculating men.

What do you like most about what you do?

I like travelling all around even though I HATE airports. I also like giving my friends opportunities to do what they wanna do as well and travel with me!

Who’s your favourite person on Twitter?

@LL_FOOL_J

- THINK: where do you come up with your ideas, is there a special place or do random places spring up best ideas – examples?

Sometimes I do best alone in my room just chillin’ and sometimes I will be at dinner and lines will just pop into my head or I will get a idea for a mini-show or a music video. Most of the time my little green tree helps me think too:)

- WORK: where is your studio, or work place?

When I lived in Oakland I was always recording at Nexxus it is like my home base for recording. Now that I’m in L.A I move around a lot to different studios.

- PLAY: unwind, party – do you have a favourite place?

All my favourite places are really in The Bay Area. I haven’t had much time to explore in L.A but, I love going to Japan Town, The Berkeley Marina, Downtown S.F to just lurk around, The 23rd Yards in Oakland, & WEST OAKLAND PARTIES!

What’s the best thing about London?

It was for sure Brick Lane. I loved shopping over there! So many cute stores with LOADS of 90′s stuff!

What’s your favourite word?

BITCH.. just like Too $hort.