Standing on a windy rooftop in London’s Soho, rapper Ms Banks is telling me about the film she just watched. ‘Oh my gosh, it was an emotional rollercoaster!’
The movie in question? Cult indie flick Patti Cake$, which set Sundance Film Festival alight and which centres around aspiring hip-hop artist Patricia Dombrowski – a 23-year-old who’s determined to escape the humdrum of her narrow New Jersey existence by achieving rap star status. (Stream it on NOW TV.)
In an era of Stormzys and Drakes and following years of male-orientated hip-hop biopics – Straight Outta Compton, All Eyez on Me, 8 Mile – watching a rags-to-riches rap story with a woman at the helm is refreshing. And clearly overdue. The film got a 10-minute standing ovation at Cannes last year.
But while Australian actress Danielle Macdonald successfully conveys the struggles of not being taken seriously (she's mocked, called 'Dumbo' and her mum is the town drunk), off-screen, what's it really like to be a female MC trying to break into the mainstream?
We tracked down three rising UK-based artists to find out the reality, compared to the big screen.
South London rapper Ms Banks (real name Tyra Banks - yep, really) first showcased her lyrical talents at an open mic night aged 18. She's since amassed over 100,000 Instagram followers and earned herself a fanbase that includes the likes of Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, whom she toured with last year.
When did you first discover you could rap?
'I come from a really musical family. Both of my uncles were rappers and when I was 11, they encouraged me to give it a go. I was really into poetry as a kid, so I already knew I could write rhymes - all I needed to do was add a beat.'
What inspires your lyrics?
'I saw a lot growing up in south-east London. I first started writing lyrics to express myself and to stop myself from acting out in other ways, so I rap about the things I’ve been through, the things I’ve seen, the stories I hear from my friends... that's my inspiration.'
In Patti Cake$, we see Patti struggling with pre-stage nerves. Do you ever get nervous before performing?
'I do get nervous, but as soon as I'm on stage, I know that I deserve to be there. I love how Patti gives herself positive affirmations that she's a boss b**** before she performs. I can relate to that. I remind myself daily that I am a queen and that I am strong, ambitious and caring. Some rappers can be egotistical, but I think it’s cool to be considerate and kind.'
What's the most common misconception about women who rap?
'A lot of people think that female rappers are boisterous, or that if we show a little skin, we're trying to be overtly sexy. Whether I'm in a dress or a tracksuit, I can go as hard as any guy. I don't rap because I want to fit in with the boys - I rap because I love rapping. Through my music, I want to speak for the girls and spread the message that we can make it in any industry.'
- Listen to Ms Banks on SoundCloud
Funmi Ohiosumah, aka Flohio, has been touted by Naomi Campbell as a woman ‘changing our future’. She’s quickly gaining buzz for her energetic style and unapologetic, sharp-witted bars. Having spent the first eight years of her life living in Nigeria, she moved to Bermondsey in London as a pre-teen and let the culture shock inspire her music.
Describe the first time you performed?
'It was at my local youth club and I was very young, around 14 years old. I remember standing completely still, with everyone staring at me, and I rapped standing in the same spot the whole time. I didn't move. That night, I went home and watched a video of Lil Wayne performing. By the time my next show rolled around, I was jumping around, standing on benches, you name it. I couldn't stay still.'
How do you stand out in a crowded industry?
'What's key is remembering that it doesn’t matter where you've come from - everyone is unique in their own way. That's why I don't see other artists as 'competition.' If 10 people are saying one thing and you’re saying something different, then who are you competing with? There's space for everyone in this game, as long as you stay fresh and relevant.'
Oli Kearon
'I rap about anything and everything, but I would never want to put anyone down with my lyrics. I want my music to be inclusive. I rap to encourage people to stand up for themselves and to inspire self-belief.'
What's your advice to other aspiring rappers?
'Enjoy it! And don’t stress too much. Have fun with it and keep striving to make this industry - and the art - better. If you do that, you can't lose.'
- Listen to Flohio on SoundCloud
With Glastonbury and the 2018 Commonwealth Games (where she represented her city) ticked off, Birmingham-born Sherelle Robbins is on a mission. She’s garnering attention for her intelligent rhymes and thought-provoking lyrics and cites Lauryn Hill, Lady Leshurr and Ms Dynamite as her inspirations.
Who's your coolest Instagram follow?
'Missy Elliot. I went to do a show in Australia, got off the plane and saw that she was following me. I had to check for the double blue tick to believe it was really her!'
What are the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry?
'Sometimes when I go to events that have a predominantly male line-up, they won’t even pass me the mic - I have to literally grab it from them. On the plus side, you do tend to get more attention as a female rapper as we're still a rarity. It has its pros and its cons.'
Oli Kearon
'My mum, my sister and my nieces. They always listen to my music and they're very understanding of what I do. I'm so grateful to have them as not everyone has that support system and that must be tough.'
Where do you want to see the rap industry go in the next five years?
'I definitely want to see more women rapping or even working behind-the-scenes, be it as producers or sound engineers. A lot of the time, we're just not seen.'
Listen to Lady Sanity on SoundCloud
To watch another talented female rapper in action, stream Patti Cake$ on NOW TV or choose from over 1000 other movies.
