29-year-old hip-hop artist Tierra Whack returned to the GRAMMY spotlight on September 6 for "An Evening with Tierra Whack" at Brooklyn’s National Sawdust. Part of the GRAMMY Museum's New York City program series, the event was moderated by journalist Ivie Ani and aimed to bring the renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast.
Before taking the stage for an engaging conversation and performance, Whack sat down with GRAMMY.com for an intimate backstage interview. Reflecting on her journey and the significance of being back under the GRAMMY umbrella, she expressed, "It feels like the first time, honestly. Every event. Every opportunity. I treat it just like a fresh start… I'm always happy to be here."
March 2024 marked the release of Whack’s debut studio album, World Wide Whack, which she followed up with her first Tiny Desk concert over the summer. Catchy cut "Shower Song" melds '80s electro and Whack's upbeat singing voice, along with a similarly fun music video, thanks to her collaboration with conceptual artist Alex Da Corte.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Whack credited her mother for nurturing her creative side, encouraging her to explore poetry, singing, and even sports. "My friends held me accountable at school," she recalled. "When I would see them in the morning, they would ask, 'What you got? Let me hear something,' and then they would hit the beats on the tables… I think it really helped me sharpen my skills and be who I am today."
The main event featured an onstage conversation with Ivie Ani, audience questions, and a live performance where Whack showcased tracks from her latest album, including "MOOVIES" and "SHOWER SONG." Throughout the evening, she shared insights into her artistic journey and her refusal to be pigeonholed into one genre or style.
Here are five other things to know about the Philly raptress, as we look back on "An Evening with Tierra Whack." Find more exciting GRAMMY Museum programs taking place in Los Angeles and New York City on the GRAMMY Museum website.
From Viral Video to Stardom
At 15, while riding in the car in Philly, Whack spotted a group of guys with a camera. Feeling the need to showcase her talent, she jumped into an impromptu freestyle battle and began performing under the name "Dizzle Dizz." This was the height of the Twitter and YouTube viral era, and by the next morning, her video was trending.
On stage with Ivie Ani, Whack explained her transition from the battle rap scene to exploring a broader creative range. "Being from Philly, most of us, we come out as babies rhymin'," she joked, earning laughs from the crowd. "But I don't want to be stuck in a box. [So I] started listening to the Miseducation [of Lauryn Hill], the Musiq Soulchild." Her 2018 mixtape, Whack World, and the GRAMMY-nominated single "Mumbo Jumbo," further cemented her status.
Introvert with Many Faces
Whack openly shared how she's an introvert who loves to experiment with genres and personas. Wearing her signature red hair and wide-framed glasses, she talked about her album, World Wide Whack, which includes album notes that describe her persona as "an all-seeing trickster and provocateur, a reflector of truths in the Yoruba tradition, and a Pierrot, the original sad clown in 17th century Italian theater."
She recounted how early in her career, she was often told to focus on one style. Some wanted her to just rap, others to sing. But engineer Kente Simms encouraged her to embrace all aspects of her artistry. "He was the first engineer who told me 'yo, you can do it all... Be who you are. Be free,'" Whack recalled.
A 'Sponge' for Stories
When Ani first asked about what Whack "consumed" when making World Wide Whack, Whack talked about binging food. On a follow-up, the crowd got a look inside what Whack does when she's not in the studio recording. A lot of it, as it turns out, is staying at home and binging Netflix documentaries. She’s inspired by success stories across various fields, not just music. "I wanna see the hardships. I want to see you overcome," she shared. Whack couldn't say enough about the influence of documentaries on many powerful female musicians who came before her, including Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, and Celine Dion.
"MUMBO JUMBO" Was Inspired By The Dentist
Many of Whack's songs focus on the ordinary. Take "Mumbo Jumbo," inspired by a visit to the dentist. "Everybody has a fear of the dentist. I love the dentist. I just played off of that," Whack said. The song's distinctive sound came about because she recorded it shortly after having a tooth pulled. "Mumbo Jumbo" reflects her experience and commitment to self-expression, even when words don't come out as expected.
Read more: 5 Women Essential To Rap: Cardi B, Lil' Kim, MC Lyte, Sylvia Robinson & Tierra Whack
Staying Grounded Amid Stardom
Whack remains humble despite her growing fame. Candid about her struggles with mental health (her song "27 Club" deals with these challenges), she spoke about living her dream and connecting with her idols. "I remember I used to cry watching music videos. Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes. And now I can call those people my friends," she said. "This is crazy. I see my phone ringing and I'm like 'oh Jill Scott is really calling me.'"
This humility shone through when twin sisters asked to sing in front of everyone. "You two are amazing. You actually made my night," Whack responded. Following her performance, she insisted everyone at National Sawdust join her for a group selfie, showcasing her inclusive spirit.