by mariah estran
photo by fern
Earlier this year, Australian-Nigerian rapper PRICIE presented the world with a dazzling debut single, “too dang good.” And after accumulating praise from Billboard and NME, the artist has dropped another gem with Genesis Owusu, called “FRIENDZONE.”
Already labeled as a “one to watch,” she is here to stay on your radar. The three-minute tune puts her soulful tone and slick verses on a pedestal, while the polished hip-hop beat feels lush and vibe-approved.
A friendzone type of situation is one many would loath, and PRICIE gets that. She witnessed a friend play their games with someone, those crossed signals inspiring the single's creation. A focus on self-love and empowerment has revealed itself in her discography thus far. She’s not scared to lay it on the table. “I’m a woman who isn’t interested in hiding my faults and errors,” PRICIE says.
At this point, it’s fair to say her musical presence will have you rediscovering your strength. You might just dance a little while searching for it.
PRICIE has recently released a glam-filled video for “FRIENDZONE.” We got a moment to talk to her about the visual, working with Genesis Owusu, her sound, and incorporating positive messages into her work.
You have recently released your song “FRIENDZONE” (feat. Genesis Owusu)! I read you became inspired after watching a friend of yours put someone in the friendzone. What was it about that moment that made you say, ‘I have to put this in a song?’
PRICIE: “I saw the passion this unwanted relationship evoked in their eyes. They spoke as though they would do anything to protect and serve this person, but yet, it would never graduate towards a relationship where they loved them deeply and the emotion of it inspired me to put it in a song.”
Genesis Owusu makes an appearance on the track. How was that collaborative process?
P: “Genesis was such a wonderful addition I didn’t even see coming. The collaboration was proposed by a member of my team simply because of his incredible ability to perform and deliver mind-blowing raps. I sent him a track with his part free and it came back a banger.”
The music video for “FRIENDZONE” has this stunning, retro-glamour vibe! Tell us more about the music video and what inspired the visual.
P: “Donna Summer was such a beauty and a force in the music industry and as a black woman, I truly believe she is one of the many black women who helped solidify how natural and subtle black women possess beauty without it being forced. It was honoring her and many more women like her.”
You have such a captivating soulful sound, which has shined bright in your two most recent singles. What has the process been like honing your sound for these tracks?
P: “Thank you so much. The process has been and is always freeing! The soulfulness though unplanned, was no accident.. It's a part of my being so it was only right that it was also represented within my creative life. Sometimes I say music writes itself when the instrumentation is solid.”
“FRIENDZONE” follows up the fabulous, empowering single, “too dang good.” Both tracks possess this energy to hype any woman up or anyone in general who's feeling a little down. Why is it important to you to share these positive messages in your music?
P: “I’m a woman who isn’t interested in hiding my faults and errors, at one point I simply didn’t know how to take a deep breath because of situations I had gotten myself into and lost myself within without knowing. So, it’s only right for me to pass on my realizations... the things that saved me. Whilst women were the main agenda, I truly hope my music enriches all sexes. Music is anyone’s interpretation.”
Again, you already have two fantastic songs out, but what can we expect from you next? More singles, possibly an EP?
P: “An EP is definitely in consideration but there are more breadcrumbs to drop before giving you a full meal. ;) So lots of cool collaborations and writing sessions as we speak. Stay tuned!”