Maliibu Miitch Talks Euphoria, Girl Power, and New Music

Thanks to Megan Thee Stallion, summer 2019 has officially been declared “Hot Girl Summer,” and female rappers are dominating the music industry like never before. One of the hottest musicians to hit the scene and get traction recently is the Bronx’s Maliibu Miitch, whose collaborated with big names such as Brooke Candy and Charli XCX. We sat down with NYC’s hottest new talent to talk about her debut in the industry, girl power, and what’s next.

How did growing up in the Bronx impact your decision to go into music?

I used to get in a lot of trouble and when I started rapping, it kept me out of trouble. It gave me a little hobby, something to do. I was always bored, so that’s how I got into a lot of trouble.

Who were some of your biggest influences when you debuted in 2011?

At that time, I want to say Nicki and 50 Cent. 50 Cent has been one of my favorite rappers since I was young and Nicki Minaj was the first female to make it big from my generation. I used to actually do my voice like hers, I was obsessed.

It’s taken a couple years for your career in music to start taking off. What made you decide to keep pushing for this dream?

I think it’s always going to be that way with whatever job you have. But I always kept going because this is the only thing I feel like I’m actually good at. A lot of people don’t know that this has helped build my confidence, writing all of the time, spitting, and people hearing my music. Overall, I think that it’s helped me.

How has your sound grown in the eight years you’ve spent in the industry?

I remember when people used to say, “Oh wait until you find your sound.” And I would get so mad and be like “What are you talking about?” I found my sound two years ago in November from writing and doing my EP top 5, then it stuck with me.

And how would you describe your sound now?

I’m going to say that it’s very New York. Before, I didn’t know what I was doing so I would just go into the studio and do whatever. Now, I want to say that it’s very New York—very gritty, in your face, and unapologetic.

How has the music industry changed over the years in regard to the opportunities given to female rappers?

I’m happy about it, because other females are coming out and I’m really big on that. Before, it was so male driven and it was up to the guys to dictate which one or two females could come out rapping. And around that time, a lot of the girls coming up weren’t so nice and they had this idea in their head that only one female could succeed. They couldn’t be cool or cordial with other female rappers, but everybody now isn’t about that. It’s girl power and the more females get in, the more we bring each other up.

These guys won’t be able to do half the things that they’ve done to us behind closed doors, trying to write for us and co-sign us. That was a big thing for female rappers to get over, that male co-sign. Back in the day, Lil Kim was co-signed by Biggie, Foxy was co-signed by Jay-Z. But we’ve gotten away from that and I’m happy about it.

We all be linking up. Megan (Thee Stallion) is my girl. We’ll be talking on the phone with our little bonnets on, looking nasty.

Who are some female rappers you think that people should be paying attention to?

Megan, Kash Doll, Princess Nokia, Tommy Genesis, Dreezy, Tierra Whack, there are so many.

Speaking of powerful women, let’s talk about the song, “XXXTC,”that just dropped with you, Charli XCX, and Brooke Candy.

I love Brooke and it’s so funny because she styled me for the video. She came out and said “Maliibu you’re wearing this,” and it was literally like a shoe string. And I was like, “Oh my God, is that going to hold everything together?” The whole time, I was thinking, “If pussy pop out, just act like it’s regular.” But it was so much fun.

And how did you guys decide to work with each other?

I can’t remember if I followed her or she followed me first, but we started liking each other’s stuff and then she asked me to be on her record. I knew about her from back in the day and she was always so lit to me and super different. I love her whole aesthetic that she has going on.

Another song that you’ve put out in the last years is “Get Her Some Money.” Let’s talk about that one.

Oh my God, that was my little strip club anthem. I just wanted people to have fun, you know? Everybody thinks the song is about giving head, but when I say head good I mean that she’s got her head on right. She’s got bills paid and everything out of the way, then she goes to have fun. Give that girl some money.

How did it feel to have this song be featured on HBO’s Euphoria?

I love that show. I thought it was perfect because Kat came in after she’d just done her thing with the guys and it was perfect.

What’s next?

I’m talking about projects and soon I want to tour. I want to have my own tour and I need all of my antics, I’m going to bring all of my friends out, and have so much fun.

Any dream collabs?

My dream collabs would be Nicki, Drake, and Jay-Z.