Valkyrie: Crafting Authenticity Through Raw Hip-Hop
Written by: Freya Zaidi
Step into the dynamic world of Valkyrie, where music isn't just a sound; it's a lifeline, a way of storytelling, and a journey of rediscovery. Her rap is more than beats and rhymes; it's a reflection of life's raw essence, an exploration of emotions, and a window into the human experience.
In this candid interview, we get to know Valkyrie, a rapper who's taken a unique path back to her musical roots. Her story resonates with anyone who's ever felt the irresistible pull of creativity and the need to share their voice with the world.
NW: Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and what inspired you to pursue music again?
V: Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up with my grandfather who was a deacon and pianist for the local church. He started teaching me piano from the age of 5. I went on to learn 7 instruments by 13. The diverse instruments exposed me to various genres of music. I loved it all. Rap/hiphop, R&B, rock, metal, jazz, pop, even classical.
I am grateful to have come up during an epic time in rap where some of the greats flooded the airwaves 24/7. My leap into hiphop started with a Nas tape instrumental I found in a theater. I started reciting my own lyrics to the beat. I was always fascinated by the written and spoken word. I read a lot and wrote poems and stories as a child. I started freestyling with friends at school. I discovered a radio show called Rap Attack and I was forever changed. I was suddenly immersed in the rawest depths of hiphop music. As I went through a lot of changes in my home and personal life, hiphop kept me inspired and creating music kept me sane. Eventually, my personal life had to take precedence due to several unforeseen challenges along the way and I had to focus all of my energy there. Over a decade later, an old friend, and fellow rapper, reached out asking if I knew any female rappers for a song they had in the works. He assumed I retired, as did I, LOL.
I was going through a lot and hadn't written a sentence of anything creative in years. I felt inspired so I took the leap...and haven't stopped since. I'm so happy to be tapping into my passions again. It feels as if I never left AND I have much more to offer as an artist nowadays. I have a stronger sense of purpose and a unique perspective worth sharing.
NW: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both within the rap genre and outside of it?
V: I derive a lot of influence from the older work of Hip-hop artists like Wu-tang Clan, MF Doom, Rakim, Nas, 2Pac, DMX, Eminem, Lauryn Hill, KRS-One, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Common, Black Thought, and Missy Elliot, just to name a few. I have also found inspiration from artists outside of rap like Nina Simone, James Brown, Billie Holiday, Prince, Madonna, Aerosmith, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queen, and so many more again. The richness of expression and depth of their background create a musical genius that never ceases to amaze me to this day. Maya Angelou was another figure who inspired me greatly.
NW: Your lyrics often touch on personal experiences and social issues. What messages do you hope to convey through your music?
V: I use my art to express my personal story, experiences, and valuable lessons I've learned about the world and society, in hopes of connecting to the humanity in all of us. I moved around a lot as a teen and have had a wide range of life experiences that helped me see that we are more similar than different. Unfortunately, ignorance, bias, and misinformation keep people in a bit of a bubble. Art and music have connected us through generations and have lasting impact on society as a whole. I'm just adding my voice to the song of the universe. I've had high highs and low lows, and everything in between. I've found beauty in the contrast of life and want to empower people on their own journey of evolution and higher understanding.
NW: How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from others in the industry?
V: I would describe my style as innovative old school. I strive to capture the raw essence of hiphop and artistry to produce from the heart. I approach music for the craft and art form it is and feel a responsibility to be as authentic as possible. Seeing it from that perspective allows me to openly explore various genres and topics, and collaborate with a wide range of artists.
NW: Can you share with us some of the challenges you've faced as a female artist in the rap scene and how you've overcome them?
V: While we've made a great deal of progress garnering our deserved respect in the industry, social standards for women still make it difficult for us to be seen for all that we are. We are often categorized early on and are not so easily accepted as we change and evolve as artists and people. It's often about how we fit within the patriarchal system rather than us being seen as leaders and trendsetters in our own right. We often had to depend on men to "put us on" or back us up to be deemed worthy of acceptance into the industry. We've made so many leaps and bounds over the years and I love that for us and for the world as a whole. I admit that I unintentionally allowed myself to get boxed into it all. I felt restricted in ways I had never been in younger years. I tapped back into the essence of who I was and broke free of those limitations. I commit to this daily by remaining authentic and empowered in my personal truth, no matter what.
NW: What was the inspiration behind your debut album and what can listeners expect from your upcoming releases?
V: My inspiration for my debut was pure freedom of expression. I fell into a few traps in life that were set out to limit me and as I overcame them, I felt compelled to step back into the essence of my inner flame. That is art and music. I set out to write a verse, a verse became 2, then a song, then an album. I couldn't stop. I'm in love all over again and see the beauty in my unexpectedly difficult path. I now proudly share the gems I've acquired along the way.
NW: Collaborations are a big part of the music industry. Are there any artists, producers, or other creatives you'd love to collaborate with in the future?
V: I am open to collaborating with any artist in any genre. I love exploring different facets of myself and others. The connection you feel when making music with another artist is indescribable. That said, the fangirl in me would love an opportunity to collaborate with any of my inspirations like Nas, Black Thought, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliot, or Janelle Monae. I really like J. Cole and have always wanted to see what we could cook up together. I've always wanted to work with a live band so working with The Roots would be a dream come true. While we are here manifesting, I'd also like to get a track produced by Dr. Premier.
NW: What does success in the industry mean to you, and how do you envision your career evolving in the coming years?
V: Success to me is about inspiration and impact. I just want to plant a seed in others that encourages self awareness, self responsibility, and authenticity. I also want to stir up that call to action to improve myself and my community that I used to feel when listening to artists that have inspired me over the years. I want to be someone my younger self would look up to.
NW: In your opinion, how important is it for artists to use their platform to shed light on social issues and realities women face, and do you see yourself taking on such a role?
V: Anything an artist creates is their own self-expression. I appreciate that we all come at this from varying angles. Sometimes we want to just be ourselves, nothing more, nothing less. However, due to many social standards, women in particular face several hurdles being seen clearly in society. With all of the limiting narratives about women out there, I find it essential for us women with platforms to set the record straight. Represent ourselves to the fullest and stand in our power. I understand how this may be an unpopular option in a male dominated field, but how else can things change if we don't stir the pot. Feminine energy is abundant, strong, potent, and transformative. We too are creators, builders, lovers, fighters, human. We are the backbone of society and worthy of appreciation and recognition. It is so important for us to share our stories to empower each other and future generations.
NW: Lastly, what do you have coming down the pipeline that readers can look out for and where can they find you?
V: My first album, Life Codes, was released April 2023 and is currently streaming on all digital platforms. My next album, Wednesday's Child, is slated to be released mid October 2023. The first single, Spiders, was released this week.
As we conclude this enlightening conversation with Valkyrie, it's clear that her journey is far from over. Her music isn't just a personal statement; it's a call to action, a reminder that we all have stories to tell and experiences to share.
Keep an ear out for Valkyrie's upcoming releases, where she'll continue to blend the beats of hip-hop with the unfiltered stories of her life. Her music is more than just a genre; it's a testament to the power of self-expression, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of sharing our truths with the world.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in Valkyrie's musical odyssey, where her verses will continue to captivate, inspire, and resonate with audiences. In her own words, music isn't just a career; it's a lifelong journey of empowerment and connection.