Rap Queens on The Rise: Silverstone Barz
Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya; Silverstone Barz first launched her career in the year 2014. After much dedication and diligence Double S caught the attention of iconic Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones who featured her on his Khali Cartel 3 cypher.
This would be the catalyst for Silverstone’s rise in Kenya’s music scene, and a taste of what was to come for the rising artist. She notes that the Khaligraph cartel collaboration was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that forever changed the course of her career. “Khali Cartel was a major boost for me as an artist and I learned that putting in the work keeps you at the top. I have since worked hard to raise my portfolio, improve as an artist and build a solid fan base,” she shares.
A few years later, Silverstone Barz has now graces the world with her sophomore project titled, DON BOTHER. Released on the 10th September 2021, the project is inspired by the artist’s will to be assertive, resilient, and to challenge the status quo. “I wanted to make some rebel music because I feel like sometimes you have to knock down the doors to get through some!,” she explains.
Dubbed as the “punch-line Queen”, Silverstone explains that this project represents the rebirth of her sound as a hip hop artist. A compilation of 6-tracks and an amalgamation of different sounds, styles , and genres, DON BOTHER features some of East Africa’s finest artists. supported by powerful lyrics and a unique sound, it’s evident that Silverstone Barz means business.
For more on Silverstone Barz, her journey, and future plans read our full interview below.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and context.
Wanique Block: Who is Silverstone Barz?
Silverstone Barz: I am a 24-year-old urban hip-hop artist from Nairobi, Kenya.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Versatile, Fun and Expressive.
Tell me more about your musical journey
I’ve been a hip-hop head since the age of 7, watching my favorite artists rise and become legendary really inspired me, especially Nicki Minaj’s journey after her first 2 albums. I hit the booth in 2014 for the first time, and I haven’t stopped since!
My journey has been full of hard work in the studio, building relationships and finding my niche more and more! Where I am now is a result of every experience and growth I have endured.
How has your upbringing facilitated and influenced your musical journey?
Both my parents were very music-oriented! My dad actually presented a cute little rhyme I made about juicy fruit for the gum company Juicy Fruit and I got a bunch of hampers from them!
As an artist, where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration and creativity mostly comes from listening to other artists music, vibing in the studio, things happening around me, things I’ve been thinking about, etc
Congratulations on the release of your new EP, DON BOTHER. How do you feel now that it’s finally out there?
This is yet another space for my fans to re-discover me! The reception is great! I feel great!
What was the inspiration behind DON BOTHER?
I wanted to make some rebel music, because I feel like sometimes you have to knock down the doors to get through some! So then I compiled a list of the tracks I’ve been recording for a couple of months into a project. Found ones that really stood out, and made the cut and added them to this project.
What do you hope to achieve with this new body of work? What does it represent and embody?
This EP represents a redefinition of my sound, hoping to reach a newer audience with it. Basically, a step up on the ladder.
Prior to the release of your new EP, How has your creative process since changed and developed?
I’ve been spending more time in the studio. It is a way of improving your skills naturally! Hooks got better, style got genius.
What were the best and worst parts of creating this project?
The best parts have to be the improvement in sound and production! The worst parts have to be the COVID situation; it got harder to link up with artists and producers. The curfew really got in my way and made things a bit complicated.
As a woman in hip-hop, what would you say are the biggest challenges that you have faced in this industry and how have you dealt with those challenges?
Audiences have funny expectations of how I should present myself! Like in my videos and socials! Most people prefer a sexy side of females than what we’re bringing to the table really! I just do me! These expectations dilute down after some time, and the audience connects with me as an artist.
Do you have any advice for young girls or women who want to break into the industry?
If you start, keep your head in the game and don’t quit! Look around and take notes, believe in yourself!
Who influences your sound?
Artists like Nicki Minaj and Dave East inspire a big part of my delivery as a hip-hop artist.
Do you have any dream collaborations?
Nasty C for sure! Ghana has some great sounds poppin’ at the moment as well from artists like Yaw Tog.
What’s the one quote/ mantra that you live by?
Be you, stay true.
What’s next for Silverstone Barz?
A couple more steps up the ladder. More shows, big collaborations, and definitely more music.
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