Atlanta rapper Anycia has made a triumphant return to the music scene with her latest project, ‘Grady Baby.’ At just 27 years old, Anycia has etched her name into the history of rap as the first female artist from Atlanta to participate in the iconic Gangsta Grillz series.
Her voice, once underground, has transformed Gangsta Grillz into a Grammy-winning staple, collaborating with heavyweights like T.I., Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and Tyler, the Creator.
The buzz around ‘Grady Baby’ is palpable, with Anycia eagerly awaiting the reactions from her fans and critics alike. “I’m ready to see how people receive it,” she expressed in an interview with the AJC. “Any new milestone in my career is very exciting to me. I feel like any creative person is a little anxious whenever they’re presenting their craft to the world, but overall, I’m really, really excited.”
This 12-track mixtape celebrates Anycia’s deep-rooted love for Atlanta, showcasing her bold rap delivery that remains authentic to her upbringing. The journey of producing this project tested her creativity, but ultimately allowed her artistic vision to flourish.
In an innovative approach to the rollout, Anycia created a four-part short film series, reflecting “relatable things that go on in Atlanta.” The films feature cameos from notable figures in Atlanta’s music scene, including Waka Flocka Flame, Nivea, The OMG Girlz, and DJ Drama.
In one of the amusing scenes, Anycia portrays a distracted beauty supply shop employee almost caught in a scuffle. In another video, she expresses frustration over discovering her mixtape being sold without her knowledge at a gas station.
Filming all four skits within a tight three-day schedule, Anycia utilized improvisation to bring her vision to life. “It’s just a day in the life of a girl in Atlanta, for real,” she remarked. The authenticity is complemented by her witty charm and a natural ability for acting, which contrasts with her seemingly nonchalant rap style.
“I feel like people are put in a box to just being an artist, and people don’t really see much more from that,” Anycia stated. “I try my best to just show my audience, and people that even aren’t my audience, that there’s more to me than just music.”
Reflecting on her career, Anycia has had a stunning run in 2023, particularly with her viral single “BRB.” Collaborations with rising female rappers Latto and Flo Milli have further cemented her presence in the industry. Last spring, she released her debut album, “Princess Pop That,” expanding her discography.
Growing up in various neighborhoods across Atlanta shaped Anycia’s artistic identity. Born at Grady Memorial Hospital and primarily raised on the southside, she attended Riverdale High School in Clayton County. It was during a tour with R&B sensation Kehlani last fall that Anycia found her desire to pay homage to her roots with ‘Grady Baby.’
“Initially, I wasn’t sure how to bring that idea to life,” she recalled. “The ideas and the concept of everything changed about twice. Then, I was talking to my mom, and she was like, ‘Girl, why don’t you just name it ‘Grady Baby?’” Emphasizing nostalgia and the importance of her upbringing, Anycia intertwines familiar sounds and samples throughout the mixtape to evoke the vibrant spirit of old Atlanta.
DJ Drama, a significant figure in the hip-hop scene and an early supporter of Anycia, helped bring her vision to fruition. According to DJ Drama, he only associates the Gangsta Grillz brand with projects that resonate with the culture, stating, “Anycia is one of the brightest upcoming female rappers who I feel confident can deliver another timeless Gangsta Grillz project.”
‘Grady Baby’ features collaborations with artists like Tink, Quavo, Monaleo, GloRilla, and Karrahbooo, alongside contributions from producers JetsonMade, Bankroll Got It, and Tony Shhnow. Noteworthy tracks include the opener “ATW,” which sees Anycia effortlessly blending her style with a sample from Jeezy’s classic hit “And Then What.” Another standout track, “So Fine,” features Tink and captures the balance of vulnerability and assertiveness with its catchy production.
The lead single, “Never Need,” featuring GloRilla and Karrahbooo, reinforced Anycia’s self-sufficient ethos. However, she felt initially disconnected from the song’s rollout, wishing for more creative control over how it was presented to the world.
Despite the challenges, Anycia is keen to maintain her voice in the hip-hop narrative. “(This tape) is really girly,” she said, describing the project as confident and uplifting. “It’s cutesy and a confidence booster. Ain’t nothing on there that I don’t know.”
Looking to the future, Anycia aims to broaden her brand beyond music, potentially venturing into fashion and acting. But her fans will always remain a top priority. “For me, that’s what this is about — giving my audience an experience,” she conveyed, highlighting her commitment to fostering deeper connections with her supporter.
image source from：ajc
