2023 was the year the rap game had to sit up and take notice of Sexxy Red. This St. Louis firecracker went from buzzing underground talent to a certified chart-topper, leaving a trail of fiery lines and infectious hooks in her wake. If you haven't heard of Sexxy Red yet, you're missing out on one of the most fun and versatile artists to have emerged recently. The rapper had the best year of her budding career in 2023, earning a spot on Drake’s newest album, concluding a 20-city tour, and releasing her popular mixtape, “Hood Hottest Princess.”
It all started with "Pound Town," the sexually-charged trap anthem produced by Tay Keith that dropped in January. The song's unapologetic lyrics, coupled with a catchy hook, immediately turned heads, showcasing Sexxy Red's sharp flow and undeniable charisma. It was more than just a track; it was a declaration that a new force had entered the scene. The success of "Pound Town" wasn't a fluke. Sexxy Red followed it up with bangers like "SkeeYee," a TikTok sensation that topped the inaugural TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart. The momentum gained even more traction with the remix featuring none other than hip-hop royalty, Nicki Minaj. The collaboration was a match made in hip-hop heaven, propelling "Pound Town 2" straight to the coveted Billboard Hot 100. Sexxy Red had officially arrived, and the world was now paying close attention.
Unlike many of her female peers, Sexxy’s raps aren’t drenched in metaphors and punchlines; her lyrics sound as if she’s saying the very first thing that pops into her head. Sexxy Red didn't confine her success to the charts. She took her electrifying energy to the stage, commanding attention with live performances that ranged from sold-out club shows to major festival appearances. Each stage she graced became a testament to her undeniable presence and undeniable talent. Her stint on Drake and 21 Savage’s tour also laid the groundwork for her own headlining tour, which her team estimates sold 75,000 tickets across 28 shows — a rare feat for a female rapper, especially one so new to the game, and a testament to the strength of the Sexxy Red brand. Beyond the auditory experience, Sexxy Red's music videos became visual feasts, seamlessly blending eye-popping visuals with her signature sass and authentic flair. From the Freaknik-inspired visuals of "SkeeYee" to the self-aware comedic chops of "Hood Rats," each video is a testament to her creativity and unapologetic style. Everything Red produces serves as a bold statement, and it's a statement I'm eager to invest in.
In 2023, as Hip Hop celebrated its 50th anniversary, Black women once again found themselves torn between prioritizing their race or their gender, sometimes setting aside their womanhood to emphasize their Black identity. This phenomenon resonates strongly within the realm of Hip Hop. In this milestone year, Sexxy Red emerged as a dominant figure in discussions about the genre's trajectory, highlighting the recurring narrative of Black women feeling compelled to prioritize their Blackness, shaping their experiences within the scene. Yet, amidst this narrative, one cannot ignore the undeniable influence of a 25-year-old rapper in the scene. Step into a lively gathering with "Hellcats SRTs" blaring or witness the euphoria in a club as "Yonce Freestyle" takes over, and it becomes evident that her impact is profound. From the tongue-in-cheek vibes of "Looking for the Hoes" to the Chief Keef-evoking sounds of "Shake Yo Dreads," her music strikes a chord with anyone open to embracing their ratchet side. However, as her exposure grows, so does the criticism. Detractors emerge, challenging her authentic St. Louis demeanor and the unabashed expression of her sexuality in her lyrics. Despite facing scrutiny from both the industry and social media, she remains resilient and undeterred in her pursuit of success.
You know who really f–king with you when you’re just being yourself and not trying to pretend
Sexxy Red's vision for the future of hip-hop is grounded in authenticity. According to her, being genuine is the only way to discern true supporters. As she succinctly puts it, "You know who really f–king with you when you’re just being yourself and not trying to pretend." This authenticity extends beyond her music and has become a defining characteristic of her brand. While her brand of “ghetto on purpose” might have some thinking she’s a loud extrovert ready to tackle the club every weekend, one thing I’ve come to appreciate about her from paying attention to her many media appearances throughout the year is that she’s a bit shy. As she put it herself, “When I was little, I always knew [I was a star] because I was just different. I was worried. I was quiet. But everybody used to want to be my friend.”
A native of the hood who seized her chance to speak, Sexxy Red symbolizes empowerment for those whose voices are often marginalized. Her journey signifies a transformative shift in the hip-hop landscape, where a young woman can captivate a nation with her unique perspective while giving a voice to the often-overlooked movers and shakers of the culture. As Sexxy Red continues to break boundaries and challenge outdated norms, her impact on the world of hip-hop is undeniable. With her talent, drive, and unwavering confidence, she is poised to shape the industry's future. While the extent of her influence is yet to be revealed, one thing is certain: Sexxy Red is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop, and the anticipation for what she does next is palpable. Get ready for the Sexxy Red dynasty – a force to be reckoned with in 2024 and beyond.