Bktherula has remained true to herself and she doesn’t care who does or does not listen to her. The 21-year-old rap star from Atlanta represents the alternative crowd in hip-hop.
She broke through with her 2020 single “Tweakin’ Together,” a track reminiscent of the 2015-16 Soundcloud era that showcased the breakthrough years of Atlanta artists like Playboi Carti and Lil Yachty.
A year later, she dropped the hard-hitting rockstar-like track “Santanny,” which received mass public support from superstars like Doja Cat.
Five months after “Santanny,” Bk had the opportunity to showcase her vocal range in the popular track “IDK WHAT TO TELL YOU.”
Her alt-Black girl style matched up perfectly with Rico Nasty, who collaborated with her for another mosh-pit-worthy track on “Vaderz” in 2022.
At the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards in her hometown, Bktherula stopped by rolling out to discuss her style and what listeners should expect next from her.
What are you wearing tonight?
I got the full Balenci fit. I was feeling really comfortable. I didn’t want to bust my a– in some heels, so I just busted out the all-Balenci fit.
What is it like to be invited out to the BET Hip Hop Awards on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop?
It’s an honor. My dad used to be in a rap group [Planet X]. He used to rap coming up, so I just feel honored. I feel like I’m finishing the story from him.
I just feel blessed, happy, successful and I’m happy to see other people win, honestly. It feels good.
What does it mean to you when you see Black men like YoungBoy Never Broke Again support Black women like you within the industry?
It means a lot to me. I’m not even gonna sit here and cap, I think it means the most.
I feel like we’ve just been doing it big for too long. We’ve been needing these flowers we’ve gotten. We’re always going to get the flowers [now], so it’s only up from here.
What does it mean to you to represent the weird Black girl demographic?
[Laughs] I just want everyone to know they can be weird as f— and do whatever the f— they want and still end up on a m———— carpet.
I don’t even know I really just pace my way through this b—-. You really don’t even have to be the “perfect, fit,” you know how everyone tries to make it seem? You don’t have to do that.
You could just pop in how you want to, and pop out feeling good because you feel confident with your music and your style, your swag.
You just do what you do and you’re still going to go up.
What’s next for you?
LVL5P2. I got a little album coming out, you feel me?
Yeah, that’s next.
You’ve got a date for it?
I do, but I can’t say too much.
