Georgia lyricist Bella Blaq approaches life with a growth mindset and encourages us to do the same
By Chioma Nwana
The past several years have been pivotal for the new age of Southern Black women in hip-hop. The recent mainstream success and influence of artists like Rapsody, Megan Thee Stallion, and Bbymutha have set the tone for the current emerging class of rappers. Among this class is none other than lyricist Bella Blaq. Currently riding on the waves of her latest release “Hands On Me,” Bella is on track to soon join her region’s heavy hitters at the top.
The Georgia rapper wrote to SVGE Magazine about her turning point, how she found her sound, and her recent collaboration with multi-platinum producer Epikh Pro.
All images courtesy of Marlon R. Productions.
Let’s say you’re backstage, waiting to walk on for the biggest performance of your life. How would you want the announcer to introduce you to the crowd? What would you want them to say about you?
First, I would want a big screen playing footage of the different things I’ve gone through—from my car accident, to my time in the hospital when the doctors were telling me I wouldn’t be able to walk again. The reason for playing the footage would be to show my fans what I’ve gone through, so they can relate. I want to bring my fans up with me. When they’re ready to call me up on stage, I’d want the announcer to say, “Everybody, this is the moment that we’ve all been waiting for,” and the crowd would just go crazy.
On stage, I’d be standing there, taking it all in. Then I would take the time to thank the crowd and let them know how much I appreciate each and every one of them for being there. It’s about them, and I would love for them to know that. Then we’d just get right into the performance.
You’re not new to the game, as you’ve been rapping since you were about 14. Were there any rappers in particular whose rhyme schemes or cadences you tried to emulate at first? Or did you find your own groove early on?
Honestly, I didn't really try to take anyone's cadence. I studied Aaliyah, Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott and tried to incorporate different pieces from each of them and make it one whole, so that it felt like me. It wasn’t really their cadences either—it was the artists as a whole.
With Andre, I loved his metaphors. With Lauryn Hill, it was her vulnerability. With Missy, it was her creativity and fun personality. I used to listen to Young Jeezy a lot, so that’s the hood part for me. All of those artists are great, and I think that if you are inspired by the greats, you can only be the same.
Your family has known about your lyrical abilities from the beginning. Did they play any role in your development as an artist?
They didn't. They had nothing to do with it, really, and it is what it is. No one in my family has involvement in music. A lot of my early influences in music came from singing in church.
“I studied Aaliyah, Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott and tried to incorporate different pieces from each of them and make it one whole, so that it felt like me.”
Was there a specific moment that made it clear to you that a career in music was attainable?
Honestly, I actually stopped doing music for a little bit when I had personal things going on. I had a situation that hurt me really bad, and I wasn't big on talking to people about my problems. I went back to my baby—my music—because it was the only way I could talk about it.
I dropped my first solo song “Get Into It” about my ex, and the reaction from people was, “Why did you stop?!” I realized my story could actually benefit other people by showing them how to be strong. If you have talent and can make people feel better, but you don’t use that, then you’re wasting a gift. I realized that, and I ran with it.
“If you have talent and can make people feel better, but you don’t use that, then you’re wasting a gift. I realized that, and I ran with it. ”
At the beginning of the month, you released your latest single “Hands On Me,” which included some subtle commentary on racism and misogyny in the music industry. Can you tell me the story behind the song and the visualizer that you released for it?
“Hands On Me” talks about the things I went through as a woman—the things I went through, period. It’s about learning to push through things. There was a time when I would want to retaliate and get back at people who hurt me, but I had to stop that. This song is about learning to get through those things because it never ends, regardless of whether you’ve got money or where you’ve come from. You still need to keep going through things.
The visualizer was shot by Zona Simz. It highlights all the things I talk about in the song. During the creative direction process, we said to Zona, “Just listen to the record and all the things mentioned in the song. Put it in there in your own creative way.” We tapped into money, the internet, and all the stuff I’ve experienced in the industry and in life. I wanted to encourage people to love themselves and get past stuff.
You’re always going to have “hands on you,” and people are always going to talk about you. You just have to keep going. As I think about the song, I get this mental picture of being on a football field and having to score the touchdown. People are going to tackle me as I’m trying to get to the finish line, but still, making it there is all that matters. That’s how I like to look at it and how I want people to feel when they hear the song.
The beat for the song was created by Epikh Pro, the multi-platinum super producer behind Bryson Tiller’s “Don’t” and Cardi B’s “Backin’ It Up.” What was it like collaborating with him?
Collaborating with Epikh was different for me—very different. I’m not Cardi B or Bryson, but Epikh was super dope and patient with me regardless. He allowed me to go into the studio and create without trying to change me. He just allowed me to be Bella and didn’t compare me to another artist or try to change my sound. He just embraced my artistry. I’ve never worked with anyone who hasn’t tried to change me in some way.
Cardi B is way bigger than me right now, but it’s still amazing to be blessed enough to work with someone as patient and humble as Epikh is. We’ve actually been working together for two years now, and every time we get in the studio together, it just gets better. He’s been in my corner this whole time, and we’ve built a dope friendship, too.
I’ve noticed that your style is somewhat of a modern take on the pin-up model aesthetic. What led you to that look?
I shot a video called “Twisted,” and there was this look in there that I liked. I was talking to my friends about what would help me stand out—to do something different—and we all liked that vibe. Anyone who knows me would think I lived in Marilyn Monroe’s house. I see certain parts of that lady in myself. It’s not all good, but I see it in myself. I’m also very dainty when I need to be, so it was a natural fit.
I have changed my image once before to try to fit in, and regretted it. It was actually Epikh who encouraged me to run with the pin-up idea. I haven’t looked back since.
It’s been an exciting past few years for Southern Black women in hip-hop. Recently, lyricists like Megan Thee Stallion, Flo Milli, Omeretta, and CHIKA have been leading the charge on the mainstream front. Is this at all encouraging for you, as an artist with aspirations to break into the mainstream?
I love that. I love all of those artists! They're dope, and they all have their own independent styles. It gives me hope to know that I can come in and do it, too. Especially Megan—she came in with her own style and killed it.
Omeretta and CHIKA are both chocolate ladies like me and made me think, “If these ladies can do it, then I can do it, too!” I’m about to be sitting right beside them. I appreciate and am excited for all of them. I’m excited for me, too.
As the year comes to a close, what are you looking forward to? Do you have any big plans for 2021? What can we expect from you in the new year?
Right now, I look forward to preparing these next few singles for you guys, releasing my new merch, and collaborating with new artists. Expect greatness and creativity. There are great projects on the way with Epikh and with my team. I really appreciate you guys for having me. Stay tuned.
“Omeretta and CHIKA are both chocolate ladies like me and made me think, “If these ladies can do it, then I can do it, too!” I’m about to be sitting right beside them.”