Kreayshawn
Kreayshawn performing in 2011
Kreayshawn performing in 2011
Background information
Birth nameNatassia Gail Zolot
Also known asDJ Kreayshawn, KJ$
Born (1989-09-24) September 24, 1989
San Francisco, California, U.S.
OriginOakland, California
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • Music video director
  • Radio personality
Years active2008–present
LabelsColumbia, Kreative Kittys, Smile.Rip
Children1
Websitekreayshawn.com

Natassia Gail Zolot (born September 24, 1989),[1] better known by her stage name Kreayshawn, is an American rapper, singer, and music video director from Oakland, California. In 2011, while serving as a member of a rap group with her friends, she released the music video to her debut single, "Gucci Gucci", to viral success.

Early life and education

Natassia Zolot was born on September 24, 1989, in San Francisco. She has Russian[2] ancestry on her mother's side.[3] Her mother, Elka Zolot, was a member of the San Francisco garage punk band The Trashwomen.[4] Kreayshawn moved to East Oakland[5] and acquired her first video camera at age ten, whereupon she started documenting her raps and films about herself and everyday life.[6]

At the age of 13, Natassia enrolled at MetWest High School, which she described as a "new alternative type of high school".[7] Instead of having the usual classes, such as English and mathematics, she had to take an internship at a local radio station three days a week. She was dissatisfied with the lack of work and wanted to go to a normal high school, so she switched to Oakland High School. However, according to Kreayshawn, she "went to none of [her] classes, ever" at her new school, which led to her finishing the term with a 0.0 grade point average and getting expelled for truancy.[7] After taking a short break, she went to Alameda High School but after a few months she was expelled.[5] After the incident, she then enrolled in the continuation high school, Island High, where she then completed her second year. While attending, she again began skipping school for weeks on end. After two weeks, she returned to find out the school moved to a different location. Since she had no address or any contact with the school she was unable to find the new location and never went back.[7]

At the age of 16, she moved to live with her aunt in Berkeley and was taking care of her little cousin. She later moved again to live with her friend V-Nasty and enrolled in a work program, where she passed her GED test. After graduating, she received financial support from her work program and used the money to get her own apartment.[7] When she was 17, she got a laptop and began recording songs and exploring her interest in cinematography, by shooting music videos for local artists such as Lil B.[8] Her videos caught the attention of Dean Patrick Kriwanek, and she attended Berkeley Digital Film Institute with a full scholarship for two semesters.[5] She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music video career.[6] Her manager Chioke McCoy, whom she met while directing a video for DB tha General, encouraged her take on a music career of her own.[9]

Career

Kreayshawn performed in the hip hop group the White Girl Mob (WGM). The group included her friends V-Nasty[10] and Lil Debbie. The White Girl Mob, after many disputes, disbanded in 2012. However, the entire White Girl Mob crew appears in Kreayshawn's video "Go Hard (La.La.La)".[11]

In 2010, Kreayshawn released her first mixtape, Kittys x Choppas,[12] as well as her first music video for the song "Bumpin Bumpin." On May 16, 2011, she released a music video for her single "Gucci Gucci", which generated nearly three million views on YouTube in the first three weeks. "Gucci Gucci," according to Kreayshawn, is a song coaxing people to wear their own styles and not succumb to being "basic bitches,"[13] The popularity of her "Gucci Gucci" video caught the attention of several record labels, and Kreayshawn quickly signed a contract with Columbia Records.[14] Kreayshawn's management was contacted by the label representing the Red Hot Chili Peppers about directing a music video[15] for the band's single, "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" (from the album, I'm with You).[16] In August 2011, Billboard ranked Kreayshawn number 34 on their Social 50 chart for her presence on social media.[17]

Kreayshawn sparked controversy during a Tinychat freestyle, wherein she insulted rapper Rick Ross by calling him "fake." She later retracted her statements and described it as a misunderstanding;[18] however, a few days following her statement, Kreayshawn continued making negative remarks about Ross's body weight, once again calling him "fake" and stating that "he can't rap."[19] These remarks eventually led to Rick Ross verbally threatening Kreayshawn and her manager Chioke "Stretch" McCoy[20] entourage during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. She was nominated for the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, but lost the category to Tyler, The Creator. She also hosted the Red Carpet event.[21][22] The same night, nude pictures of herself were leaked via her Twitter being hacked. She claimed the photos were taken when she was underage.[23][24]

In July 2011, Kreayshawn's first physical release, Nattymari presents Kreayshawn and Sortahuman Murder in Memphis Vol 1, came out on cassette tape via Clan Destine Records.[25] Produced by Nattymari with features by V-Nasty and Yung Hawaii Slim[26] among others, the release was limited to 100 copies and celebrated Memphis' culture of murky, underground rap distributed via tape. Side A of the tape is available for free online via clothing company Mishka NYC, while the instrumental side B is tape exclusive.[27] In 2012, Kreayshawn was nominated for the O Music Awards.

Kreayshawn's debut studio album, Somethin' 'Bout Kreay, was released for digital download on September 14, 2012, by Columbia Records in the United States.[28] It was released on CD elsewhere on September 25, 2012.[29] The singles, "Breakfast", featuring 2 Chainz, and "Go Hard (La.La.La)", preceded the album. A music video was released for "Blasé Blasé" exclusively through HungerTV.

In 2013 "Left Ey3" was included on the soundtrack of The Heat, starring Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock, directed by Paul Feig.

On one of her YouTube videos, Kreayshawn stated that she is working on an EP. On February 15, 2014, Kreayshawn vlogged herself at the shoot for her new line of jewelry, along with appearing in a new music video with Bukkweatbill for their song "Pipe Down".[30] Kreayshawn announced in a vlog released on February 22, 2014, that she has recorded several songs that might be on her upcoming EP. She also announced that she had an interest in getting a production crew together and to start directing again along with making a reel.[31] In the same vlog, she also said that she had been unsigned from her label after she had had her first child.

On July 24, 2014, Kreayshawn released a collection of chokers called "Hella Cute". Kreayshawn has been the creative director of OK 1984 since releasing her first collection.[32][33]

She also released a new song, "Pizza Song".[34] When responding to a fan on Twitter, Kreayshawn stated that she was working on music and hoped to have something out by the end of 2014.[35]

On October 22, 2014, Kreayshawn announced on her Facebook page that she had created a podcast, Lost in Thot. It features Kreayshawn and Chippy Nonstop.[36] Lost in Thot was released on SoundCloud and Stitcher until Chippy was deported to Canada.

The RIAA certified "Gucci Gucci" platinum on October 27, 2023.[37]

Artistry

Influences

Kreayshawn has stated that the biggest influences on her rapping style are the Spice Girls and Missy Elliott.[38] Kreayshawn states that Missy Elliot is her strongest influence because "she's always been stylish, and she's always kept her own thing going." In an interview for M.I.S.S., Kreayshawn stated that there were several musicians she was a major fan of, some include Waka Flocka Flame, Kool Keith, and Aaliyah.[39][40]

Accolades

Business Insider listed Kreayshawn as one of the 19 Most Important White Rappers in 2011, a list which also included Eminem and Mac Miller.[41]

Personal life

On May 5, 2013, Kreayshawn announced via her Twitter that she was expecting her first child.[42] She gave birth to her son on September 18, 2013.[43]

On December 21, 2015, Kreayshawn's bank account was seized by the Internal Revenue Service over unpaid taxes, which she claimed was caused by her accountant robbing her.[44]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[45]		 US Heat
[45]		 US R&B
[45]		 US Rap
[45]
Somethin' 'Bout Kreay
  • Released: September 14, 2012
  • Label: Columbia
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 11221916

Mixtapes

Title Album details
Kittys x Choppas
  • Released: November 2, 2010
  • Format: Digital download
Kreayshawn x the Bay
  • Released: September 26, 2011
  • Format: Digital download
Young, Rich & Flashy
  • Released: February 29, 2012
  • Format: Digital download

Extended plays

Title EP details
T.O.B.M
  • Release: December 17, 2019
  • Format: Streaming
  • Label: Independent
World's Biggest Idiot
  • Release: April 1, 2021
  • Format: Streaming
  • Label: Smile.Rip Records

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US
[45]		 US Heat
[45]		 US R&B
[45]		 US Rap
[45]		 BEL (FL)[46] UK
[47]		 UK R&B
[48]
"Bumpin' Bumpin'" 2011 ——————— Kittys x Choppas
"Gucci Gucci" 5716218647722 Somethin' 'Bout Kreay
"Breakfast (Syrup)"
(featuring 2 Chainz)		 2012 ———————
"Go Hard (La.La.La)" ————108——
"—" denotes a title failed to chart, or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

List of songs with guest appearances by Kreayshawn
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Stuntin' Hard" 2011 G4 Boyz Ballin' wit No Deal 1.0
"Murder" 2 Chainz T.R.U. REALigion
"Drum n Based" (Like to Play)" STARRSET Crayotic City Vol.2
"Firetruck" The Madden Brothers, Hollywood Holt Before – Volume One
"U Trippy Mane" Juicy J Blue Dream & Lean
"Stop Square" 2012 Jultopia Hey
"More Bitches" V-Nasty, Roach Gigz Doin Number$
"Ratchet" Millionaires Your Girl Does Party
"When I'm Clownin' (Kuma's Clownin' Remix)" Insane Clown Posse Mike E. Clark's Extra Pop Emporium
"Kill Bill" 2013 Sasha Go Hard Round 3
"Pussy Magnet" Roach Gigz Roachy Balboa III
"ESO" Bobby Brackins Maxwell Park
"Marble Phone" Yung Lean —
"Pipe Down" Bukkweat Bill
"June, July, August, Girl" 2014 Evan Taubenfeld, Cherry Brown Max LeRoy Volume 1
"Pizza Song" DJ Two Stacks —
"Hey Ricky" 2015 NERVO, Dev, Alisa Collateral
"Get Ya Shine On" 2017 So Drove, Cupcakke, TT the Artist —
"TLG" 2020 Coco & Clair Clair Treat Like Gold

Filmography

Television

Year Film Role Notes
2011 When I Was 17 Herself Episode 46
2012 Jimmy Kimmel Live! Herself Performer[50]

Awards

Year Award Category Work Result
2011 MTV Video Music Award Best New Artist "Gucci Gucci" Nominated[51]

References

  1. ↑ "California Birth Index, 1905–1995". Center for Health Statistics. California Department of Health Services.
  2. ↑ Harkov, Lahav (September 1, 2011). "The Weekly Schmooze: All hail El Bloombito". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Kreayshawn: 'There Are, Like, Times When It Sucks Being White'". ColorLines. August 3, 2011. Archived from the original on September 26, 2011. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  4. ↑ Hutchins, Andy (May 27, 2011). "Beyond Kreayshawn: The Women In Hip-Hop Who The Internet Should Freak Out About Next". Village Voice blog. Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 "Who Is Kreayshawn?". Complex. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  6. 1 2 "On the verge: Rapper Kreayshawn". USA Today. October 1, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Kreayshawn reminisces about high school". Kreayshawn via YouTube. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  8. ↑ Nicholson, Rebecca (October 1, 2011). "Kreayshawn: haters are 'old and don't know what swag is'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  9. ↑ Abebe, Nitsuh (June 17, 2011). "Krea Is the Latest Controversial White Rapper". Vulture.com. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  10. ↑ Haithcoat, Rebecca (November 10, 2011). "V-Nasty as She Wants to Be". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on December 24, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  11. ↑ Palmer, Tamara. "Kreayshawn Kicks Lil Debbie Out of White Girl Mob, Basic Bitches Mourn". SF Weekly. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  12. ↑ Interview with "Gucci Gucci" Rapper Kreayshawn: Music. GQ. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  13. ↑ Weaver, Joshua R. (June 8, 2011). "Kreayshawn: Gucci Gucci Rapper's Just Not Good". Theroot.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  14. ↑ Rapper Kreayshawn Inks Deal With Columbia Records Archived October 27, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. MTV
  15. ↑ Red Hot Chili Peppers Video 'Crazier' With Kreayshawn Calling Shots. MTV (June 30, 2011). Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  16. ↑ Video Sneak Peek: Red Hot Chili Peppers, 'The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie' Archived May 29, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, MTV Buzzworthy blog, MTV. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Kreayshawn – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Kreayshawn Didn't 'Intentionally' Dis Rick Ross". MTV.
  19. ↑ "Kreayshawn Caught Dissing Rick Ross Again". BET.com.
  20. ↑ Rick Ross and Kreayshawn Verbally Spar at the VMAs. PopCrush. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  21. ↑ MTV Talent Charms Kreayshawn On The VMA Black Carpet » MTV Remote Control Blog Archived October 6, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. MTV.com (August 28, 2011). Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  22. ↑ Kelly Rowland | Video. MTV. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  23. ↑ Kreayshawn. Kreayshawn.tumblr.com. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  24. ↑ "Guess Which VMA Nominated Artist Has Topless Photos Floating Around!!!". PerezHilton.com. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  25. ↑ "ClanDestineRecords – Nattymari presents Kreayshawn and Sortahuman Murder in Memphis Vol 1". Clandestinerecords.bigcartel.com. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Nattymari Presents Kreayshawn & SortaHuman – Murdered in Memphis Vol. 1 (Cassette, Album) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Nattymari Presents Murdered in Memphis Starring Kreayshawn & SortaHuman by Мишка Bloglin". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  28. ↑ "Somethin 'Bout Kreay [Explicit]: Kreayshawn: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  29. ↑ Somethin Bout Kreay. "Somethin Bout Kreay: Kreayshawn: Music". Amazon. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  30. ↑ Answering some twitter questions. January 29, 2014 – via YouTube.
  31. ↑ A vlog not worth watching. February 22, 2014 – via YouTube.
  32. ↑ "Kreayshawn 'Goes Hard' On '90s Nostalgia With New Line of Chokers". MTV News.
  33. ↑ "Kreayshawn Launches 'Hella Cute' Choker Collection". BallerStatus.com. July 23, 2014.
  34. ↑ "Kreayshawn \u0026 DJ Two Stacks – Pizza Song [CLICK BUY FOR MORE FREE D/L] by djtwostacks – Hear the world's sounds". SoundCloud.
  35. ↑ "AUNTIE KREAY on Twitter". Twitter.
  36. ↑ Kreayshawn. "Listen to My First Podcast 'Lost in Thot'". facebook.com.
  37. ↑ "Gold & Platinum RIAA". RIAA.com. October 27, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Kreayshawn: The Interview! | Mtv Uk". MTV. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
  39. ↑ "Kreayshawn Interview – MISS Interviews Kreayshawn – M.I.S.S." missomnimedia.com.
  40. ↑ M.I.S.S. TV Presents: Kreayshawn. June 2, 2011 – via YouTube.
  41. ↑ "The 19 Most Important White Rappers in 2011 – Business Insider". Business Insider. November 10, 2011.
  42. ↑ "Kreayshawn announces her pregnancy (photo)". Rolling Out. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  43. ↑ "Kreayshawn Gives Birth to Baby Boy". Rap-Up. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
  44. ↑ Baker, Soren (December 22, 2015). "Kreayshawn Claims Her Bank Account Is 'On 0'". hiphopdx.com/.
  45. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Gregory Heaney. "Kreayshawn – Awards – AllMusic". AllMusic.
  46. ↑ "Kreayshawn - Somethin 'Bout Kreay". Ultratop.be. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  47. ↑ "The Official Zobbel Homepage". Zobbel.de.
  48. ↑ "Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  49. ↑ "Gold & Platinum RIAA – October 27, 2023". RIAA. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Kreayshawn Performs Go Hard (La.La.La) On Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Video". Worlstarhiphop.com. Retrieved December 7, 2021.
  51. ↑ Gallo, Phil (July 20, 2011). "Katy Perry, Adele, Kanye West Lead 2011 MTV VMA Nominees". Billboard. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
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