If the future is female, the future of Aussie hip hop is Sophiegrophy.
Based in Melbourne, the Nigerian-born, New Zealand-raised rapper embodies a new spirit of Australian hip hop set to elevate the form beyond its 'Ocker rap' reputation.
Sophiegrophy brings to her music a certain style and sophistication more commonly associated with the commercial R&B of the '90s – think Mariah Carey if she was dressed by Run-DMC – blending pop-inspired hooks with a fierce, lyrical delivery.
Three years after releasing her debut mixtape 'PURPULARITY', which she wrote, recorded and produced entirely herself in just four weeks, Sophiegrophy is positioning herself to be the new queen of Australian hip hop. “I'm just so happy because as an artist, one of the things you love is when you get recognised for your work and people appreciate it,” Sophie says.
“It is a very tough journey, so when I hear things like that it gives me the perseverance to keep going and never give up. If people see what I'm doing and they appreciate, then I just have to keep going and not give up.”
“I try not to have expectations because when you have expectations you end up disappointing yourself.” - Sophiegrophy
Yet in conversation, Sophie is charming and affable as she is bold and unapologetic in her music, determined to stay grounded and not lose sight of herself in the maelstrom of publicity and industry hype. “Sometimes when you get caught up in the hype you end up doing things that [normally] you don't do just to please other people in a way,” she says.
“So it's always good to keep doing what you were doing initially and not change for other people's opinions.”
It's a long way to the top and though Sophie has been making music since she was 13 years old, her journey is far from over. One of her stops along the way will be as part of the inaugural Festival X line-up, which also features Armin van Burren, Calvin Harris, Lil Pump, Alison Wonderland, Anna Lunoe and many more. Festival X will set down in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane at the end of November, with Sophie making an appearance at all, but the Brisbane show.
As part of the first-ever Festival X, Sophie is keeping her expectations in check. “I try not to have expectations because when you have expectations you end up disappointing yourself,” she says.
“So I'm going in there with a positive vibe in regards to my show, doing the best I can and just overall having a good time because it is such an amazing festival and I'm just grateful to be part of it.
“So that's my mindset – going in, having a good time and enjoying the moment because it is going to be close to the end of the year, so enjoying 2019 before it comes to an end. Hopefully there might be some surprise guests, so you never know how things might turn out.”
Outside her own set, Sophie says she'll be making time to see the king of EDM Calvin Harris. “I reckon when he comes on it's going to be a crazy set. The crowd's going to be on another level and that will be exciting to see.”
Meanwhile, Sophiegrophy keeps the beats rolling with a stream of single releases, her latest being 'Rolls Royce'. Looking back over her releases since 'PURPULARITY', the development she's undergone from DIY producer to the new face of Australian hip hop paints the picture of an artist determined to leave a lasting mark.
“I feel like I've improved a lot because that mixtape, I did everything myself because back then I was not aware and I didn't know anyone who mixed or mastered. So I did everything,” Sophie says.
“When I did my mixtape I gave myself just four weeks to do everything, and doing that mixtape has helped me in the way that I know my work ethic and I know how fast I can write as well. Also I've improved in regards to my writing and content, but I'm still the same in a way.”
Ahead of Festival X, we can also look forward to hearing more from Sophiegrophy when she releases new music. “I'm working on my EP at the moment, so everything should be put out before Festival X,” she says.
“Right now the first track we are releasing from the EP is called 'American Honey’, so I can’t wait to get that out, it's going to be super-exciting.”
