Serving up and dishing out a taste of a scene from the bustling cosmopolis that is Birmingham, the rapper and musician seamlessly blends the city's grit and glamour into her unique brand of rap.

In under three years, Miss LaFamilia has deftly navigated the rap scene, leveraging her entrepreneurial spirit to carve out a niche beyond music. In fact, her ascent in the UK music scene mirrors the resilience and tenacity synonymous with her hometown. From founding her own modelling agency to commanding the charts with her infectious beats, the manager-cum-musician epitomizes hustle and ambition.

 

Beginning her journey with a seismic debut – following a freestyle that garnered over 1 million streams on GRM Daily – her success is not measured only in numbers, it’s a testament to her unwavering dedication and unapologetic authenticity. Miss Lafamilia apart is her musical versatility, effortlessly blending hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and Afrobeats into a sound uniquely her own. It’s a sonic iteration of the Brum bravado she embodies: her self-assured bars and lyrics allow her to weave the narrative of everything she’s lived through whilst providing lessons and inspiration for those who listen.

 

Beyond her music, Miss Lafamilia – a mother, entrepreneur, and artist – wears many hats, each one a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit. From collaborating with industry heavyweights like Abra Cadabra to paving the way for the next milieu of artists from Birmingham, Miss LaFamilia’s impact transcends music – it’s gearing toward a self-curated cultural phenomenon championing authenticity and empowerment.

Having been brought up in Birmingham, can you elaborate on specific experiences or role models from your community that shaped your current creative and entrepreneurial path?

So despite facing challenges, growing up in Birmingham was like a big sense of community, often having strong bonds with peers so you always had some sort of support network. People always come together to help each other out, especially community organisations. I found most of our role models were always in these sorts of situations like youth clubs and mentors. People that actually took time out and wanted the best for us and our future. Taking into consideration how challenging we were when growing up, they always had patience and tried to keep us on the straight and narrow! I was always musical, even back then, so they always pushed me to do music and create, as well as family, so the music is very deep rooted in me

How do you approach collaborations in a way that complements your own individually-cultivated sound?

Before entering a collaboration, I always identify what sets our individual sound apart. Whether it’s their vocal tone, or sometimes their songwriting style, it’s important to work with people who compliment my sound always. Collaboration often requires compromise, so having to be open to finding common ground and making creative decisions that serve the collective vision of the project while honouring my own individual sound.

Your style could be described as quite bold and self-assured, do you have any creative influences within a more stylistic hemisphere? How do you approach expressing yourself creatively in this sense?

Expressing myself creatively involves pushing boundaries, I like taking risks and exploring new artistic territories. Breaking free from conventional genre boundaries and experimenting with blending different musical styles is my THING! Above all, it’s about staying true to myself and my artistic vision. Being bold in expressing my true feelings, thoughts, and experiences through my music, even if it means taking risks or facing criticism. Fearlessness is an essential component of my creative process.

In the UK rap scene, what challenges have you faced as a woman breaking into a predominantly male-dominated space that you think potentially haven’t been given their due attention? How do you circumnavigate these?

As a woman in the UK rap scene, I have encountered stereotypes and misconceptions about my abilities and authenticity as an artist. I have faced pressure to conform to narrow expectations of femininity and sometimes was dismissed as a novelty act rather than a serious artist. That made me challenge stereotypes and misconceptions through my music, lyrics, and public persona. Embracing my unique perspective and experiences as a woman in my artistry, and using my platform to dismantle stereotypes and advocate for gender equality within the scene. I addressed these challenges head-on advocating for greater representation and inclusion within the UK rap scene, by including loads of up-and-coming female artists on projects. I tried to help create a more equitable and empowering environment for future generations of female talent.

How do you manage the different aspects of your career, from music production to branding and marketing?

Managing multiple aspects of my career, from music production to branding and marketing, requires a strategic and multifaceted approach. Transitioning from running a modelling agency to pursuing a career as a musician adds complexity, but it also brings valuable skills and insights to the table. First and foremost, I have leveraged my experience from running a modelling agency to inform my approach to branding and marketing as a musician. Understanding the importance of branding and image in the entertainment industry, I am focusing on developing a strong and cohesive brand identity that reflects my unique personality, style, and musical vision. This involves working with graphic designers, photographers, and stylists to create visually compelling assets such as logos, photoshoots, and album artwork that convey my brand message effectively. I prioritize music production as the foundation of my career as a musician. Drawing on my passion for music and my experience working in the industry, I dedicate time and resources to honing my craft as a songwriter and vocalist, whether collaborating with producers or working independently in my home studio, I strive to create high-quality music that resonates with audiences and showcases my artistic vision. In terms of marketing, I take a multi-faceted approach to promoting my music and brand. This involves leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to connect with fans, share behind-the-scenes content, and promote upcoming releases and performances. Additionally, I would explore partnerships and collaborations with brands, influencers, and other musicians to expand my reach and attract new audiences. As an artist, you have to understand the importance of networking and building relationships. I actively seek out opportunities to connect with industry professionals, attend music industry events and conferences, and collaborate with other musicians and creatives to amplify my presence and reach within the industry.

Do you have a particular way of approaching the creative processes behind each of your different endeavours?

Some songwriters start with lyrics, or a story that inspires them. They might jot down ideas in a notebook or on their phone, then build the melody and music around those lyrics. However, I tend to take a different approach and lead with melody first, leading with a catchy melody or riff. From there, I might experiment with chord progressions, rhythms, and different arrangements to sort flesh out the song before lastly adding the lyrics.

In your opinion how can the music industry, particularly in the UK, better support and nurture emerging talent, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?

I think first of all the UK should offer more financial support: providing grants, schemes, and funding initiatives to help emerging artists cover the costs of recording, equipment, and other expenses associated with launching their careers, that will help out a lot especially coming from an underrepresented background. Secondly, I think it’s important to ensure that young and up-and-coming talent receive equitable representation in media coverage, promotional campaigns, and industry awards to amplify their voices and expand their reach.

Can you offer an insight into ways in which aspiring artists could maintain their authenticity in an industry that often seems to demand a certain degree of conformity and trend-following?

I think maintaining authenticity as an artist in an industry that often pressures conformity and trend-following can be challenging, but it’s essential for creating meaningful and impactful music. I would say don’t compromise your artistic integrity or vision to fit into industry norms or trends. Trust your instincts and create music that resonates with you authentically, regardless of whether it aligns with current trends or not period! Avoid seeking validation or approval from others, whether it’s industry executives or social media followers. Focus on creating music that feels true to you, it will resonate with audiences more deeply than conformity ever could.

Your journey from a million views on your first freestyle to now is inspiring – what advice would you give to artists who are just starting on their journey in the music industry with no clue where or how to begin?

I think starting a journey in the music industry can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re unsure of where or how to begin.
I think take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve in your career. Whether it’s releasing an album, performing live, or reaching a certain number of listeners, defining your goals will help you stay focused and motivated. Take advantage of online platforms and social media to promote your music and connect with fans. Create profiles on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, to share your music and engage with your audience. The music industry can be challenging and competitive, but persistence is key. Stay focused on your goals, keep pushing forward even in the face of setbacks or rejection, and believe in your talent and potential as an artist.

What’s next for you? Can you give us a glimpse into any future projects or plans? What can listeners expect?

So for 2024 excitingly I will be stepping into a new sound, new era, even a new look, more then ever. As Miss Lafamilia slowly introduces Lala her more vulnerable side, more feminine side, leaving the hard raps behind in a well delivered era. The new and fresh Lala is about to really show the world her talent in a way she has never before. The music is different. Lala is almost like an alter ego, like Nicki Minaj has Roman, Beyonce has Sasha Fierce etc, usually its the more brave and bold side of the artist. Miss Lafamilia presents Lala in a more softer, sweet and sensual way, it will be interesting to see how the scene embraces this new entity very excited for you all to hear the new sounds

Listen to Miss Lafamilia's latest track 'Like Us' with Henkie T now:

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