Sexyy Red: Redefining Rap and Embracing Her True Self

In the ever-evolving landscape of rap music, authenticity, and unapologetic self-expression have become defining factors for emerging artists. Among the rising stars in the industry, one name stands out for her candid and boundary-pushing approach: Sexyy Red. Billboard’s August Chartbreaker, Sexyy Red, is making waves with her sexually explicit and bold tracks, rewriting rap’s playbook with her unique style.
Hailing from St. Louis, the 25-year-old artist, born Janae Wherry, is blazing a trail of her own, and she’s not chasing the conventional path to success. In a recent Zoom interview with Billboard, Sexyy Red confidently proclaims, “I’m not even trying. You just gotta be yourself, and then they gonna f**k with you.” Her skyrocketing career and fan following are a testament to the power of staying true to oneself.
Her breakout hit, “Pound Town,” produced by the talented Tay Keith, propelled her into the limelight earlier this year. The trap single, released in January, garnered immense attention and allowed her to form connections with some of the biggest names in R&B and hip-hop. With collaborations featuring the likes of Travis Scott, Drake, Summer Walker, and Nicki Minaj, Sexyy Red has firmly established herself as an artist on the rise.
The success of her “Pound Town 2” remix with Nicki Minaj further solidified her place on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 66. Despite rubbing shoulders with A-list stars, Sexyy Red remains unfazed by the glitz and glamour of fame. She exudes a confident aura, stating, “I already know I’m a cool, f**k-witable person.” This unapologetic attitude, coupled with her raw and authentic music, has garnered a devoted following of fans who admire her authenticity.
Sexyy Red first caught the attention of Rebel Music’s A&R representative, Vladimir Laurent, with her 2018 single “Free Smoke.” Her genuine and unfiltered style made her a standout talent, leading her to sign with Rebel Music. Her debut project, “Ghetto Superstar,” released in December 2021, received acclaim in her local scene. However, her team, including co-manager Caprie Poe and Rebel Music founder/CEO Javier “Jay” Sang, recognized her potential to reach a wider audience.
Encouraged by her team, Sexyy Red collaborated with Tay Keith, which eventually birthed the trap sensation “Pound Town.” The track’s explicit lyrics caught the internet’s attention and sparked viral challenges on TikTok, further fueling its popularity. The music video, inspired by the reality show “Cheaters,” added to the track’s allure.
As her music continued to gain traction, industry veteran Larry Jackson’s media company Gamma took notice and began distributing Sexyy Red’s music. The company’s backing and support led to an exciting collaboration with rap queen Nicki Minaj on the “Pound Town 2” remix.
While Sexyy Red acknowledges that “Pound Town” has become an iconic track, she is eager for fans to explore her other music. Her June mixtape, “Hood Hottest Princess,” features the Tay Keith-produced track “SkeeYee,” which has been gaining momentum and acclaim.
With a Rolling Loud performance under her belt and opening slots for Moneybagg Yo on tour, Sexyy Red is on the cusp of a breakout year. Plans for her first headlining tour are in the works, but she remains focused on her artistic craft, leaving her business affairs in the capable hands of her team.
Sexyy Red’s music is a reflection of her unapologetic and authentic self. She revels in being perceived as “crazy,” asserting that she is simply embracing her true identity. As she continues to release salacious and captivating tracks, the world is taking notice of this rising rap sensation, who is unafraid to challenge norms and carve her own path in the music industry. With her fearless attitude and raw talent, Sexyy Red is rewriting the rap playbook and proving that staying true to oneself can lead to remarkable success.