Lola Brooke on Being A Proud Brooklynite & Why Women Representation In Hip Hop Matters
Today, Brooklynite raptress Lola Brooke brings her dynamic energy to the latest installment of our 2021 interview series. After instantly falling in love with Hip Hop during her early teens, once she realized it was a new take on poetry, Lola Brooke has been on a roll.
Since then, she’s developed a unique artistry that’s grabbed the attention of multi-platinum producer Sharif “Reefa” Slater (Lil Wayne, Estelle, and Alessia Cara), who signed her to his newly formed Team 80 imprint in 2016.
As the music industry has started making space for female artists in recent times, Brooke’s lyrical wit in songs like "Options", ""Bop", and “BACK 2 BUSINESS” has resulted in a growing fan base and co-signs from Meek Mill, Jadakiss, DJ Envy, and more.
Catch up with New York’s next rising star in this exclusive interview where Lola Brooke gets into life in Brooklyn, picking the right production and why women matter in Hip Hop. Right now and only on Hype Off Life! 👊🏾
Thanks for coming through! How has 2021 been treating you so far?
It has been great so far. I know we’re still in a pandemic, but I’ve been learning how to maneuver through it, making a morning routine, and further work on my music. Seeing that we can’t get to do a whole lot of things outside as an artist, I have been connecting with the fans more through social media, and just making plans. I’m also a homebody so I’m just enjoying being inside more (haha).
So, you’re fresh off the release of your new single, “BACK 2 BUSINESS”. What’s the concept behind the track?
On “BACK TO BUSINESS”, I was just being in my creative space. As I started moving forward with the record, my mindset was like, “I’m back to business”, so I just named the track that. I believe that I’m one of the hardest upcoming artists out of New York, matter of fact the whole country, and I’m about to go crazy with it. Many obstacles will come my way, but I’m the one who will take charge and overcome them.
Your bars on it are dope and very hard-hitting. How would you describe your lyrical style?
I would say my style is aggressive, passionate, very demanding, and most definitely Brooklyn! When you hear me, you automatically know I’m from New York City.
Describe the moment you fell in love with Hip Hop.
I would say it was around the time when 50 Cent dropped “Wanksta”. When I first heard the song, I saw the video, and it blew me away because it was so hard and gangsta. Even though I’m girl, I’m like, “I wanna do this too!”. That era was something else, and definitely inspired me.
Which Hip Hop album has had the most impact on your artistry?
I would say Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares”. I was already familiar with his body of work, but when he dropped this project, it showed me that he was really being an artist, and was serious with it. The records that were on there were crazy, and he wasn’t making music just for the streets, these songs could be played on the radio.
I used to feel like even though I can rap, I couldn’t make music. Making music isn’t easy because you’re not making it for yourself, you’re making it for the fans, but you have to challenge yourself and not be stuck in a box. When I heard Meek’s album, it made me feel like I could make that kind of music and more.
If you could collab with any artist - past or present, who would it be?
Meek Mill first off, then Nicki (Minaj), and Lil Baby. They all have a certain style that I love, and I know we’d make crazy music.
So, you’re from Brooklyn. What was it like growing up in such an influential place when it comes to the culture?
It’s like any other neighborhood that people would describe as “the trenches” or “the slums”, but we got a different kind of swag over here. We cater to the culture of Hip Hop a lot, so I’m happy to be from Brooklyn as I’m a part of history, grew up in a place that birthed legends, and will contribute to the culture. Spread love it’s the Brooklyn way!
What do you love most about New York?
The grittiness, the buttas, the (NY) fitteds, and the ice cream trucks!
Your music hits extra hard. How do you go about selecting beats and writing your rhymes?
The tempo has to be not too fast with a lil kick to it, the bass has to hit really really really hard, and that’s about it really. I’ll take different selection of beats, and they have to really connect with the mood I’m in at the time. The beats I normally pick are hard, and that’s because they’re a reflection of my personality, but I do have my moments of vulnerability and I want a beat to reflect them. It’s all about my feelings when it comes to beats.
How do you feel about the current wave of female artists dominating the industry?
I think it’s fire. Finally the ladies are dominating, and I think it’s dope! Growing up I only saw a couple female artists doing their thing, but now there are so many of them that I can’t keep up (haha). That’s a good thing, and I’m here for it.
Why do you feel it’s important for women to have representation in Hip Hop?
We’re human too, and we have a voice! It’s time we take our voices and put them on beats, show out, and we have the right to express ourselves! We definitely are making historical moves, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
What do find most exciting about being an artist during this current era of music?
When you have nothing to do, and with this pandemic you can’t really be outside like that, you just put on some music and make a TikTok video or share it on social media (haha). On the flip side, some artists are finding it hard to create right now. Some artists have to be outside or be around the people to get inspiration, not everyone can just hear some beats, or watch something and then go in the booth to create. So at this time with music, it can be a piece of cake to me, but for others it’s the hardest thing to do.
Any message for your fans?
Anything that you do in life, ensure that it’s something that you really want to do, and not something where you feel like you’re gonna be judged, or you’re forcing it because someone else is doing it. Do you, and do what you want to do!
