Allie Baby/Image by Hannibal Matthews
Allie Baby’s style and flow makes her one of the best female rappers of 2011 and also one of the most slept on talents from New Orleans. Her southern swag is undeniable, as in her thick New Orleans accent, but what really makes the hot, young rapper Allie the next contention for the Hip-Hop throne is her ability to seamlessly blend raw and savvy lyricism with relevant social commentary. She explores the power of her womanhood and sexuality without exploiting it and is establishing herself as an innovative force in the game. With brilliant songwriting skills and a commanding voice to back it up, Allie is able to shine in a light that is all her own.
When speaking of Allie, formerly known as Alizee (“not too hard, not too soft, just perfect”), several adjectives come to mind: Opinionated (“I write my own material. Why rap if you’re not expressing your own point of view?”), Outspoken (“I don’t consider myself a female rapper, just a rapper.”), Ambitious (“I want to launch a women’s clothing line that is comfortable but hot.”), Confident (“I’m self-inspired. I know I’m good at what I do.”) and Humble (I’m not Hollywood, just an average chick. I’m a people person, I always speak.”).
Raised in the Crescent City, which birthed some of Hip-Hop’s most influential artists and legendary music empires (Master P, Lil’ Wayne, Juvenile, No Limit, Cash Money Records), in addition to New Orleans’ strong association with Jazz, Allie inherited the musical creativity and influence her city is known for. Diverse yet cohesive, she successfully integrates various genres into her own sound covering all bases – from the clubs and streets to girly anthems.
Over the past few years, the petite beauty who calls hit-maker Mannie Fresh her big brother and multi-talented producer Drumma Boy (Kanye West, Young Jeezy, & TI) her mentor, has been diligently shaping her solo career to be one of the first female breakout artists from Louisiana and thus far, she has molded a masterpiece.
“With Mannie, it’s basically homegrown because we’re both from New Orleans and we have a similar thought process when it comes to music. I’ve also got a couple of songs on a compilation he’s got coming out. And me and Drumma have a lot of chemistry together when we’re in the studio, so I have a solid support system. Allie’s breakout single, “Yay” produced by Drumma Boy, created a heavy buzz on Myspace, even spawning an exclusive New Orleans version,” said Allie.
Her musical presence was so well-received that fake web pages were created in her name, as well as Allie impersonators corresponding with her newly established fan base. While she was disturbed by strangers claiming her likeness, she also understood the adage that imitation is the best form of flattery and began to embrace her immediate fame. Before embarking on a solo career, Allie spent four years honing her skills as part of a local group called BLAKIYCE under the direction of popular New Orleans DJ Wild Wayne. It was a great learning experience, recalls Allie. We got a chance to open up for G-Unit and the 504 Boyz and travel on a tour bus and see what life on the road was like. We opened up in about 20 cities and sometimes only had a couple of hours of sleep, but none of that discouraged me, it made me want to work harder.
Allie was also a member of Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappys’ group Gs Up, which stood for God’s little thugs, being that they were spiritually-minded but also street grinders. While working on tracks at a Memphis studio, Allie had a chance encounter with up and coming beat maker Drumma Boy who dropped off a CD of his material. Although a bit hesitant, Allie played a few cuts and was instantly hooked on his synth-heavy sound. The pair kept in touch over the years and from their first session, Allie says they had stupid chemistry and are still cooking it up. In 2005, she personally funded and released a DJ Drama & The Aphilliates mixtape called Pre Season, where she spoke candidly about the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina amongst other relevant topics. Hard work is something that comes natural to Allie, whose laid back style often includes a uniform of tank tops and jeans.
Seeing her parents barely making ends meet yet always providing the best of everything for her, Allie knew what struggle was as well as its benefits. “I learned early on that you get what you give,” says the creative force who titled her soon-to-be-released mixtape, Grind Now, Sleep Later. “Time doesnt wait on nobody. I got to get it now because tomorrow ain’t promised. I’ll sleep when I’m dead, that’s my motto. The young and talented rapper and actress (she snagged several minor roles with Most Wanted Films), who has also opened up for Nas, CamRon, BG, Solider Slim, and B2K, as well as collaborated with 50 Cent, Lil Scrappy and BG, is a quiet storm. Looking to revolutionize the industry by staying true to herself and being innovative in all that she says and does, Allie has the potential to have a polarizing effect on the masses.
Be sure to follow her on Twitter @MS_ALLIE_BABY and follow us @hiphopenquirer
