If you’ve never been backstage at Brooklyn’s coveted Barclay’s Center, you’ll find photos of past legacy performances from Beyoncè, Jay Z and Kim Kardashian’s infamous favorite singer, Andrea Bocelli lined up throughout the maze-like halls. Amongst the backrooms, Atlanta native Anycia, was gearing up to open Kehlani’s Crash tour, changing outfits from a matching skirt and crop top set with big furry boots, to a jersey dress with a classic pair of Air Force 1s. Sitting on one of the couches, there’s an empty fridge glaring across from me, and a screen showing different angles of the stage, possibly for friends and family of performers to comfortably watch the show.
While waiting to chat with the rising star, her career has been one to watch. After her viral hit “BRB” spread like wildfire, the 27 year old has shared the stage with fellow Atlanta artist Karrahboo, went on tour with rapper Veeze, and dropped her self-titled EP Anycia, while only being on the scene for less than two years. To get a closer look, Girls United caught up with the Atlanta-born rapper to chat about new life on tour, her rise to fame, and new music.
Girls United: What was life like before you became mainstream?
Anycia: I was just a girl in this world, like I was working. I was still tea, I was very much tea. My lace, all my wigs, was a little messed up, but I was still that girl. I was always very creative, but life was just life. I ain’t have much to lose, except for about weekly paycheck, so I lived life on the edge a more.
GU: Now that your name is in the likes of Latto, Flo Milli, and Monaleo, and now Kehlani how would you describe the transition from like then to now?
Anycia: Honestly, everything has been moving real fast, so everything’s still kind of surreal to me. Like, a lot of stuff that’s been going on hasn’t really hit me yet. I understand that I’m on tour with Kehlani, but I still don’t really understand that I’m on tour with Kehlani, if that makes sense. I don’t know what it’s gonna take for everything to hit.
GU: How would you describe tour life, we know you went on tour with Veeze. Are there similarities and differences?
Anycia: They’re both very different. I mean, both were very cool. Like, I’m having a good time here, and I had a good time there. But it’s definitely bigger venues, very different types of arenas. But I feel like I’m just like, in some type of shock that lasts for a year.
GU: What are your three must haves on tour?
Anycia: Snacks, my Nintendo Switch, and weed. I go through phases with snacks, so right now I’ll say Hot Cheetos and guacamole.
GU: How important is it for you to stay authentic and true to yourself in any room?
Anycia: I feel like that’s my main thing is to be personable and just let people know that, I’m a human. I don’t want supporters to get around me and be like, with all the bull****, like, oh my god, I can’t believe you real. I want them to come to me and be like, you really inspire me to be real. I don’t want to be a figment of nobody’s imagination. I’m very much real. If you cut me, I’m gonna bleed.
GU: How would you describe your rap style and your voice?
Anycia: They be saying I sound like my Maya Angelo and Pop Smoke sometimes, but I really don’t mind. Like, I’m cool with it. My voice reminds me- like I wanted to be on a late-night radio show. Hello, ladies. Maya Angelou, that’s my girl, whatever. I don’t really think I sound like nobody. I mean, now it’s a lot of people that try to sound like me.
GU: Anything we can look forward to in 2025?
Anycia: After this tour is done, just be prepared to get your socks knocked off.