Two things we recently found out about our fave Zen drenched glitch-pop duo Willow Beats (Narayana Johnson & Kalyani Mumtaz) -
1. They’ve just released their brand spankin’ new Water EP which is good, because now it gives us 5 new tracks to play after wearing lead single Merewif out from over playing it.
and
2. It turns out singer Kalyani has a serious obsession with female rappers so we hit her up for a list of her faves and what she loves about each of them so without further ado may we present -
KALYANI’S TOP 10 FEMCEES
Missy Elliot
Missy rules. Everyone knows it. She’s got mad sex appeal and it’s not for anybody but herself. She’s POWERFUL YEA.
Lauryn Hill
Narayana put The Fugees on my iPod when I was about 13 and I was hooked. Not only can Lauryn spit verses but she carries a tune beautifully as well. Her songs are always full of heart and wisdom.
Lil Kim
Ugh the attitude. My favourite thing about Kim is she raps about dudes the way they rap about girls. Great.
Princess Nokia
Her beats are super eclectic, sampling from all around the world. Her raps have a sweet innocence and she talks about things like young girls being creatures of the earth and loving one another. We need more artists like her in the industry.
Azealia Banks
I really love Azealia. I feel like her Fantasea mixtape was less noticed than it should have been. The beats are Caribbean influenced and rave heavy. . It’s fun and dancey, with mermaid imagery adding a whimsical flavor.
Brooke Candy
Where to begin. She is covered in stick and poke tattoos, makes trashy bitch rap, and wears golden armor while doing it. There’s a girl anthem for every occasion.
Yolandi Visser
Yolandi is a little mythical creature. An amazing actress and all round artist, Die Antwoord have created such an amazing brand. They have pushed the boundaries of what you can create as artists. They live it. Of the dynamic duo she totally carries them. She’s got the skills. Her little cooing voice works so well over the violent beats. Addictive.
MIA
I love her because of how distinctive she is. Her songs are filled with unusual sounds and references to Hindu goddesses, pushing the boundaries of pop music and doing her own thing.
Da Brat
Her beats are funky and she’s full of attitude. I just love how tough she is, the ultimate bad bitch. Inspiring. Girls you don’t need to get your booty out for the camera to make it in the rap game. A+ on her videos as well, so much male objectification. How refreshing.
Erykah Badu
Ok she is not technically a rapper BUT Erkyah spits the occasional verse and is queen of everything so she oughta be included. Songs of love loss and the devine… told with exceptional swagger.
Willow Beats’ Water EP is out now and available where all good records are sold | streamed
