Girlfriend Makes R&B a Safe Space (Interview)

The rising R&B artist opens up about her Mississippi roots, psychology background, and why vulnerability is the heart of her debut EP

Born Kenya Edwards in Mississippi, the artist known as Girlfriend is more than a singer. She’s a storyteller, a safe space, and a mirror for those still finding their way. And with the release of her debut EP It’s Complicated, she’s carving out a lane all her own in R&B — one built on vulnerability, emotional clarity, and the kind of soulful introspection that doesn’t just stick with you — it heals.

“I think what it ignited in me is that there's no right or wrong way to do music,” she shares, reflecting on her early days growing up in a music-rich household. “My dad had such an eclectic ear — he’d go from Reggae to R&B to Jazz to just instrumentals that didn’t even have structure. So, I grew up knowing music was limitless.”

It’s that creative openness — and emotional depth — that gives It’s Complicated its resonance. Released earlier this month, the 7-track project is a bold first statement. From the airy, escapist vibes of “Bon Voyage” featuring Tierra Whack to the hypnotic pull of “Obsessive,” Girlfriend offers a raw, nuanced journey through heartbreak, hope, and everything in between.

But before Los Angeles and EP rollouts, there was Mississippi. “I think growing up there was a blessing,” she says. “It did a lot for who I am as a creative. I had a lot of support from my family. My first song was actually for a school project.” That spark eventually led her to Tennessee for college, then Orlando, and finally Los Angeles — where a mix of management connections and a viral TikTok performance put her on the map.

Still, music wasn’t always the plan. “I actually went to school for psychology,” she says with a laugh. “I thought I was going to be a therapist. People would just come up to me — even when I worked at Dollar General — and start telling me their life stories. I realized I was already holding space for people. That’s when I knew I had something.”

That background shows up all over her music. “For me, psychology is about understanding people. Music is just another language for that,” she explains. “It’s the most simplified way to reach what's in a person's head — or their heart. I think that’s why it feels so connected.”

Tracks like “Feelin’” and “Obsessive” prove it. Whether she’s tapping into confidence or emotional chaos, her delivery remains grounded and real. “It’s a mix of lived experience and storytelling,” she says. “Sometimes I’m writing from a breakup, sometimes I’m just angry at life and I write like I’m angry at a person. Or I pull from other people’s stories. Either way, I’m pulling from something raw.”

That emotional access is part of what inspired her name. “When you think of a girlfriend, you think of someone who gives you love, affection, laughter — a safe space,” she says. “I wanted to be that for my listeners. Whether you're happy, sad, healing, or celebrating, I want my music to be there for you like a friend would.”

It’s a fitting metaphor for It’s Complicated, which she describes as a sonic diary. “The message I want people to take away is that vulnerability is power. Your story is power,” she says. “This EP is my story, but I think everyone has one. Life isn’t about the ending — it’s about the journey.”

That journey is one she’s walking with intention. Early collaborations with artists like Bay Swag, Maiya the Don, and Tierra Whack have only strengthened her confidence. “Working with artists I respect so much has made me trust my vision even more,” she says. “When people with more experience buy into your sound, it’s a blessing — it keeps me going.”

But beneath the buzz and cosigns is something deeper: faith. “I give my success completely to my faith,” she says. “It’s what keeps me grounded. It reminds me to stop, look around, and be grateful — for the people around me, for the art I get to make, for the growth I’ve experienced.”

That reflective spirit is something she’s leaning into more than ever. “I think one of my superpowers is my ability to self-reflect without tearing myself down,” she says. “Right now, I’m really coming into my adulthood. I’m learning. I’m evolving. And I want to use all of it to grow and strengthen my path forward.”

So, where does she go from here?

“My dream has always been to wake up and do what I love,” she says. “If I can reach even one person, shift one perspective, or help someone heal — that’s the dream. I believe music is a universal language. If I can use it to spread love, that’s all I need.”

As for what gets her Hype Off Life? “Gratitude,” she says. “Just looking around and appreciating the little things — that’s what keeps me going. It’s so easy to focus on what you don’t have. But when you stop and really see the good — the people who care about you, the beauty around you — that’s what makes me feel high on life.”

With her EP It’s Complicated officially out and her vision clearer than ever, one thing is certain — Girlfriend isn’t just here to stay. She’s here to connect. To reflect. And to remind us all that our story — in all its messiness — is the most powerful thing we’ve got.