Miami, FL – May 6, 2016 – Hip-hip fans united at MANA Wynwood for this year’s Rolling Loud Music Festival. The lineup included some of the biggest names in rap and hip-hop today like Future, Young Thug, Lil B, Curren$y, Kodak Black, and more. Rolling Loud also gives a platform for up and coming artists to introduce their unique sounds to the world. World Red Eye was able to catch up with one of raps newest hip-hop queens, Leaf, who gave us a closer look into her world and what she’s all about.

Raised in New York City and now living and working in Atlanta, 20 year old phenom, Leaf, personifies the modern young multi-hyphenate: writing and producing her own music, directing and editing her own videos, and even designing her own MBM clothing line. What sets Leaf apart from her DIY counterparts is a raw, undeniable personal charisma and seductive artistic vision; both of which are captured in peak form on her Magnet Bitch EP. Vicious raps and ethereal, angelic vocals shove back and forth over goth-ed out sub bass throughout Magnet Bitch, named after Leaf’s self-proclaimed “magnet bitch movement” of female solidarity, making for a captivatingly quick, must-rewind listen. From the swaggering, “Drama,” to the acoustic coda of, “Slick,” and the spacey kiss-off anthem, “Calling Me Like,” Magnet Bitch captures the many moods of Leaf in hi-def, and sets the stage for her upcoming Fool’s Gold/RPM MSC full-length out this summer. Leaf recently walked for Namilia in the VFILES SS16 Runway Show. She has also been featured in publications including Galore, PAPER, Interview Magazine, Saint Heron, Complex, Spin, Nylon, VIBE, and more.

WRE: What is the background behind your name, Leaf? Is it a nickname?

L: It’s my birth name, my middle name, given to me by my mother.

WRE: Where does the inspiration for your lyrics come from?

L: My life mostly; experiences I’ve been through or vicariously lived through my friends and family.

WRE: MBM stands for Magnet Bitch Movement, explain what this movement means to you.

L: The movement, our movement, is about empowering females to run their own businesses and empower each other. I want to end female on female hate and create a platform for girls to appreciate each other without competition.

WRE: What is your favorite part about shooting a music video/performing? Least favorite?

L: I love every part of it but my favorite part is letting go and just letting the music speak for itself. My least favorite part is getting ready. I’m very much a tomboy and would rather sleep through the process.

I want to end female on female hate and create a platform for girls to appreciate each other without competition.

Leaf

WRE: What struck your inspiration to want to become an R&B icon?

L: I wanted to sing ever since I can remember. The first songs that made me want to be an icon were Britney Spears’ “Crazy” and Kelis’ “Mafia”.

WRE: Female rappers are up and coming (Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj), how do you distinguish yourself from them?

L: I think every female rapper in the game right now has her own voice. I’m very similar to Nicki in the fact that I also preach female empowerment, but I think we have different approaches. I also think our music is extremely different as it should be. I definitely fall into the category but there’s always room for more female energy.

WRE: How did you get linked up to Lil Yachty? Has he given you any advice for being in the business?

L: Yachty and I met at his 1night shoot. He had actually already heard of me and we chatted it up and have been friends since then. Living in Atlanta I’ve come into contact with a lot of talented individuals and it’s super dope to get support from people whose music you enjoy.

WRE: If you could describe your overall aesthetic in one word, what would it be?

L: Glamour Goth. However some days I can be hi-fi some days low-fi. Always goth though!

WRE: If you could collaborate with any artist dead or alive, who would it be?

L: Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Gwen Stefani, Timbaland, Missy Elliot, honestly there’s so many amazing artists dead and alive that inspire me.

WRE: In 10 years from now, what do you hope to have accomplished as an artist?

L: I hope to have a #1 on Billboard and I hope to have some Grammy’s and other awards under my belt.

WRE: If you could perform on stage anywhere in the world, where would it be?

L: Madison Square Garden

WRE: What is next on the list for MBM apparel?

L: We have a bunch of merchandise coming in – leggings, hats, and sneakers! I’m excited to share it with you guys.