Meet Kia Rap Princess | Artist /Owner of YBNRML Clothing/ Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kia Rap Princess and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kia Rap Princess, why did you pursue a creative career?
I love the idea of creating my own world. I feel its important to allow children, people in general to express themselves creatively. I feel things like music , fashion and art helped me love who I am as an individual. Respecting how different we are but changing the world around us by our creations. When I’m creative I’m most free. Free of time , free from worry, free from stress and I feel most rewarded when my creativity makes room for me. Whether that’s people at my shows, people buying my clothing brand , or engaging with new supporters online through a print magazine. I’m grateful to be able to create in a way where the world opens up to me because of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist I go by the name of Kia Rap Princess or KRP. Hip hop is my main genre but my creativity expands to pop , r&b even alternative rock. I like the fact that you really can’t box me in. I feel people get a bit of who I am in every song and that is how I connect to them. I would consider myself a “trap soul” artist. My music can be rugged,witty, street . smooth, emotional.. I like to “Turn Up” but I also like when I can get you to “think” through the story telling I do in some of the records. I’ve also put that same energy into my merch and clothing brand YBNRML Co. (www.ybnrmlclothing.com). I like clothes that make a statement. As explained in the tag for my brand “We Are NOT Regular”. I also have a podcast (#MakeItMakeSense) coming very soon , aswell as a few visuals scheduled to drop this year. I’ve been on this journey for some time but what I’m most proud of is My AUDACITY to keep pushing in spite of the obstacles and trials that come with pursuing a creative career and in life in general. It’s all part of the journey and part of the story. I’m also proud of all that I have achieved as an independent artist. I can look back and see and hear the work that I’ve put in without a deal or a big label behind me and I gotta pat myself on the back for that. I definitely wouldn’t say it has been easy. There’s so much I had to learn and are still learning, But there’s such a greater satisfaction in actually learning something , applying that and actually seeing it actualize in the world. I feel focus and faith is what got me through the challenges. Focusing on the goal and not letting something temporary keep me from my long term goals. I’ve learned to be more patient with myself and also my dreams. I’ve also learned to get out of GOD’s way. Sometimes that can be hard to do because we want what we want but sometimes can neglect the steps it takes to get it. God had to show me how to be patient and while being patient ,gentle with myself so that I’m not tearing myself down before I can build myself up. I want the world to know it’s more than ok to be themselves. Especially black women. I feel we are so multifaceted. We are more than our skin tone, hair texture, body size, sexual preference, etc. Our contributions to this world are so deep our depths are yet to be discovered.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
IF were talking Atlanta I’d have to take you to the Flying Biscuit Cafe for breakfast. For the chill and have a drink spot I’m going to mosey my way down to Cirque. If your into daiquiris and food its a win win (lol). If we talking music , I’m gone take you to Edgewood ave or Flat Shoals Ave to see if we can catch some local acts turning up. TakeOFFATL or UnionEav are going to be my first go too’s when in the city. It’s always a great vibe, artist and atmosphere. From there we would just see what the night brings. I love Peters St. for what it means to ATL but also the culture. There are some dope restaurants ,boutiques, hidden spots that are always great to experience when I touch down in the city. Not just one shop but the whole strip make sure you check it out. Gotta hit the Trap Museum. I think its dope that they visualized the art and music that made the culture what it is today. From the good and the bad. Gotta hit the Rooftop at Ponce. Kick it with a few friends over drinks and games while looking at the city skyline is always a vibe. I get anxiety trying to find out which spot to go clubbing at in ATL because theres so many to choose from it just depends on how you feeling (lbvs). So just for the sake of keeping it short we gone hit up BonfireATL just to get a taste of it all in one atmosphere. This is definitely not my full list but its a start (lol)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shout out my mother Theresa Fisher, who always supported me and was the reason for me learning how to express myself through my words and creativity at a young age. Though she’s no longer here with me I know she’s smiling on the things I’m doing to leave not only a legacy she could be proud of but for my family also. I have to shout out my mentor and God-father X’antony Brookens. The “X Man”, He taught me “y=self” or basically the understanding that everything that you need to get to what God has for you is already within you. He really helped me see myself bigger than just a rapper, but also realizing I could apply the same work ethic and grind and own the company. He taught me the importance of owning your art and who you are so you can reap the benefits of your work and change the community around you. He recently transitioned but the work he did in this lifetime shows and lives on not only through me but others that knew him also.

I would be writing all day naming close friends , family , strangers, supporters who have touched my life and carved their way into my memories and heart, I guess we will save all those for the movie and book ( let me manifest in peace lol). But in all I want to thank GOD. For putting people in my path to encourage me when I needed it, for putting the right people around me to give me advice when I needed, for putting people in may path to create more opportunity. and so much more. They plan and God plan’s BUT GOD is the best of planners.

Website: https://www.KiaRapPrincess.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamKiaRapPrincess

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KiaRapPrincess

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamKiaRapPrincess

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ChannelKRP

Other: https://www.ybnrmlclothing.com

Image Credits
Images shot By Bradley Perich of @FamousMotionFilmsAndPhotography (based out of Milwaukee,Wi)