Kreayshawn

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Kreayshawn
Kreayshawn performing 2011.jpg
Background information
Birth name Natassia Gail Zolot
Also known as KJ Dreayshawn, Based Goddess
Born (1989-09-24) September 24, 1989 (age 23)
San Francisico, California, U.S.
Origin Oakland, California
Genres Hip hop
Occupations Music video director, rapper
Years active 2008–Present
Labels Columbia
Associated acts White Girl Mob (V-Nasty, Lil Debbie) Lil B, 2 Chainz
Website kreayshawn.com

Natassia Gail Zolot (born September 24, 1989),[1] known by her stage name Kreayshawn, is an American rapper and music video director. While serving as a member of a rap group with her friends, she released her debut single, "Gucci Gucci", in 2011 to internet viral success. The popularity of the song and its video led to a recording contract with Columbia Records soon after. Her debut album, Somethin' 'Bout Kreay, was released September 14, 2012.

Contents

Life and career[edit]

1989–2009: Early life and career beginnings[edit]

Natassia Gail Zolot was born on September 24, 1989, in San Francisco, California. She has Russian ancestry on her mother's side.[2] Her mother, Elka Zolot, is a former member of the San Francisco garage punk band The Trashwomen. [3] Kreayshawn moved to East Oakland[4] and got her first video camera at age ten, and started documenting her raps and films about herself and everyday life.[5] She left MetWest high school before attending Oakland High and being expelled for truancy. Before she stopped going to school at age 16, she attended two more schools, Alameda High and Island High. She was expelled from the former for threatening to throw a watermelon at a schoolmate.[4] She then took a job at IKEA and the GED work program Job Corps, while selling Bammer Weed and working a short-lived stint as a "Craigslist pimp".[4] When she was 17, she began exploring her interest in cinematography by shooting videos of friends and later music videos for local rappers such as Lil B.[6] Her videos caught the attention of dean Patrick Kriwanek, and she attended Berkeley Digital Film Institute with a full scholarship for two semesters.[7] She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music video career.[5] 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.[8]

Kreayshawn performed in the hip hop group the White Girl Mob (WGM). The group included her friends Vanessa "V-Nasty" Reece[9] and Jordan "Lil Debbie" Capozzi. While Kreayshawn sometimes refers to Lil Debbie and V-Nasty as her cousins or sisters, they are not biologically related. 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)".[10][11]

2010–present: "Gucci Gucci", Somethin 'Bout Kreay, and pregnancy[edit]

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.[23][24] She claimed the photos were taken when she was underage.[25][26]

In July of 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.[27] Produced by Nattymari with features by V-Nasty and Yung Hawaii Slim[28] 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.[29]

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 under Columbia Records in the United States.[30] It was released on CD elsewhere on September 25, 2012.[31] The singles, "Breakfast (Syrup)", featuring 2 Chainz, and "Go Hard (La.La.La)" precede the album. A music video was released for Blasé Blasé exclusively through HungerTV.

On May 4, 2013, Kreayshawn announced via her Instagram that she is expecting her first child.[32]

Musical style and controversy[edit]

Kreayshawn was influenced to rap by the Spice Girls and Missy Elliott.[33] Critics of her music cite cultural appropriation and "exploitation of African American culture."[34] West coast rapper Game released a diss track, titled "Uncle Otis", containing lyrics criticizing Kreayshawn for her alleged use of the word 'nigga';[35] though she has never used the word in her music. She has also expressed frustration at repeatedly having to account for her friend V-Nasty's use of the word.[4]

Discography[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

Title Album Details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[36]		 US Heat US R&B/Hip Hop US Rap
Somethin' 'Bout Kreay
  • Released: September 14, 2012
  • Label: Columbia
  • Formats: LP, digital download
 112 2 19 16 [37]

Mixtapes[edit]

  • Kittys x Choppas (2010)
  • Nattymari presents Murdered in Memphis (cassette tape) (2011)
  • Kreayshawn x The Bay (2011)
  • Young, Rich & Flashy (2012)

Singles[edit]

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
US US R&B US Rap UK UK R&B
"Gucci Gucci" 2011 57 62 18 77 22
  • US: Gold
 Somethin 'Bout Kreay[38]
"Breakfast (Syrup)"
(featuring 2 Chainz)		 2012 — — — — —
"Go Hard (La.La.La)" — — — — —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles[edit]

List of promotional singles, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Bumpin' Bumpin'" 2010 Somethin 'Bout Kreay
"Summertime" 2012

Guest appearances[edit]

List of songs with guest appearances by Kreayshawn
Title Year Album Artist(s)
"Stuntin' Hard" 2011 Ballin' wit No Deal 1.0 G4 Boyz
"Murder" T.R.U. REALigion 2 Chainz
"Drum N Based" (Like to play)" Crayotic City Vol.2 STARRSET
"Firetruck" Before, Volume 1 The Madden Brothers, Hollywood Holt
"U Trippy Mane" Blue Dream & Lean Juicy J
"Stop Square" 2012 Hey Jultopia
"More Bitches" Doin Number$ V-Nasty, Roach Gigz
"Ratchet" Your Girl Does Party Millionaires
"When I'm Clownin' (Kuma's Clownin' Remix)" Mike E. Clark's Extra Pop Emporium Insane Clown Posse
"Clothes Come Off" 2013 Concealer Jeffree Star
"Kill Bill" Round 3 Sasha Go Hard

Music videos[edit]

  • "Fuchsia Glaze" – Ka'ra Kersey
  • "I Do My Own Thing" – Dread
  • "Ride by" – The Brother-hood
  • "Like a Martian" – Lil B
  • "They Can Tell" – The Brother-hood featuring YP
  • "So Many" – Krisstaxx featuring Novaboy
  • "Insane" – Lil B
  • "Neato" - Three Loco
  • "We Eatin' " – Novaboy
  • "Based World 1989" – Lil B
  • "Guilty by Association" – D.B. Tha General
  • "Best of Me" – Krisstaxx featuring Young Eez
  • "Murder" - 2 Chainz
  • "SNRS" - Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
  • "Gucci Gucci" - Kreayshawn
  • "Bumpin' Bumpin'" - Kreayshawn
  • "Breakfast" - Kreayshawn featuring 2 Chainz
  • "Kicked Out Da Club" - Chippy Nonstop
  • "Go Hard (La.La.La)" - Kreayshawn
  • "Goin' Up" - IamSu! featuring Wiz Khalifa

Awards and nominations[edit]

Year Award Category Work Result
2011 MTV Video Music Award Best New Artist Kreayshawn Nominated
2012 O Music Awards Best Artist With A Cameraphone Kreayshawn Nominated

References[edit]

  1. ^ "California Birth Index, 1905–1995". Center for Health Statistics. California Department of Health Services. 
  2. ^ Kreayshawn: “There Are, Like, Times When It Sucks Being White”. Colorlines (2011-08-03). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  3. ^ Hutchins, Andy.(2011-05-27) Beyond Kreayshawn: The Women In Hip-Hop Who The Internet Should Freak Out About Next – New York Music – Sound of the City. Blogs.villagevoice.com. Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  4. ^ a b c d "Kreayshawn: About To Blow? (2011 Cover Story)". Complex. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  5. ^ a b "On the verge: Rapper Kreayshawn –". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  6. ^ Rebecca Nicholson. "Kreayshawn: haters are 'old and don't know what swag is' | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  7. ^ "Who Is Kreayshawn?". Complex. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  8. ^ Abebe, Nitsuh (2011-06-17). "Krea Is the Latest Controversial White Rapper". Vulture. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  9. ^ Rebecca Haithcoat (2011-11-10). "V-Nasty as She Wants to Be – Page 1 – Music – Los Angeles". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  10. ^ Palmer, Tamara. "Kreayshawn Kicks Lil Debbie Out of White Girl Mob, Basic Bitches Mourn". SF Weekly. Retrieved 2011-12-07. 
  11. ^ https://twitter.com/#!/KREAYSHAWN/status/192442621510164482
  12. ^ Interview with "Gucci Gucci" Rapper Kreayshawn: Music. GQ. Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  13. ^ Weaver, Joshua R. (2011-06-08). "Kreayshawn: Gucci Gucci Rapper's Just Not Good". Theroot.com. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  14. ^ Rapper Kreayshawn Inks Deal With Columbia Records. rapfix.mtv.com
  15. ^ Red Hot Chili Peppers Video 'Crazier' With Kreayshawn Calling Shots – Music, Celebrity, Artist News. MTV (2011-06-30). Retrieved on 2011-08-18.
  16. ^ Video Sneak Peek: Red Hot Chili Peppers, 'The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie' » MTV Buzzworthy Blog. Buzzworthy.mtv.com. Retrieved on 2011-08-18.
  17. ^ http://www.billboard.com/artist/306077/kreayshawn/chart
  18. ^ "Kreayshawn Didn't 'Intentionally' Dis Rick Ross". MTV.com. 
  19. ^ "Kreayshawn Caught Dissing Rick Ross Again". BET.com. 
  20. ^ Rick Ross and Kreayshawn Verbally Spar at the VMAs. PopCrush. Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  21. ^ MTV Talent Charms Kreayshawn On The VMA Black Carpet » MTV Remote Control Blog. Remotecontrol.mtv.com (2011-08-28). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  22. ^ Kelly Rowland | Video. MTV. Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  23. ^ Romero, Dennis (2011-08-30). "Nude Photos of Kreayshawn Are From Anonymous Offshoot Called Hollywood Leaks, Which Targets Celebrities – Los Angeles News – The Informer". Blogs.laweekly.com. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  24. ^ Maeby, Liana. (2011-08-31) Kreayshawn Claims She Was Underage in Leaked Nude Photos. Crushable. Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  25. ^ Kreayshawn. Kreayshawn.tumblr.com. Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  26. ^ "Guess Which VMA Nominated Artist Has Topless Photos Floating Around!!!". PerezHilton.com. Retrieved 2011-11-22. 
  27. ^ "ClanDestineRecords — Nattymari presents Kreayshawn and Sortahuman Murder in Memphis Vol 1". Clandestinerecords.bigcartel.com. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  28. ^ "Nattymari Presents Kreayshawn & SortaHuman - Murdered In Memphis Vol. 1 (Cassette, Album) at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  29. ^ "Nattymari Presents Murdered In Memphis Starring Kreayshawn & SortaHuman by Мишка Bloglin on SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds". Soundcloud.com. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  30. ^ "Somethin 'Bout Kreay [Explicit]: Kreayshawn: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  31. ^ Somethin Bout Kreay. "Somethin Bout Kreay: Kreayshawn: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  32. ^ "Kreayshawn Announces Pregnancy On Instagram". MTV. Retrieved 2013-05-10. 
  33. ^ "Kreayshawn: The Interview! | Mtv Uk". Mtv.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  34. ^ Viera, [Bene Viera]. "Kreayshawn: Another Case of Appropriating Black Culture". Sutton New Media LLC. Retrieved 1 August 2011. 
  35. ^ Langhorne, Cyrus. "Game Defends 'White B*tch' Kreayshawn Diss". 4CONTROL Media, Inc. Retrieved 1 August 2011. 
  36. ^ "Billboard Top 200 Albums for week ending May 26, 2012". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2012. 
  37. ^ Paine, Jake (2012-09-26). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/23/2012 | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-03-01. 
  38. ^ "Kreayshawn Talks New Album, Working With Diplo". Pitchfork. 2012-03-22. Retrieved 2012-03-22. 

External links[edit]

Kreayshawn
Studio albums
Mixtapes
  • Kittys x Choppas
  • Kreayshawn x the Bay
  • Young, Rich, & Flashy
Singles
Promotional singles
  • "Summertime"
Tours
Related articles
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