How CupcakKe’s consistency is propelling her in the rap game

Within the past two years, Cupcakke has released five bodies of work; two mixtapes – both of which were featured in Rolling Stone’s Best Rap Album of 2016 - and three studio albums. To release music so frequently and have it acclaimed is no easy feat. The Chicago native began making music 5 years ago at the age of 15 with her first, and now deleted, music video “Golddigger” which went viral when it was released in August 2012. Since then, Cupcakke has continued to consistently release new music and accompanying videos consistently, she has released 13 music videos on her YouTube channel within the last year.

Typically, Cupcakke’s videos are playful and light hearted; still there are more than a couple of videos that are NSFW. Playing duck duck goose with an array of dildos or enacting a scene from a pornographic movie, without the sex, are just a few visuals that have gathered much conversation and controversy. YouTube has, on more than one occasion, pulled down Cupcakke’s videos for violating the sites policy on sexual content.

Mostly recognised for her provocative lyrics and sexually liberated persona, which are showcased in viral hits such as ‘vagina’ and ‘deepthroat’, Cupcakke’s content actually goes much further. Her lyrical powers and wordplay stretch across serious topics such self-hate, poverty, paedophilia, and issues within the black community. Cupcakke has also become an advocate for body positivity and LBGTQ rights following songs such as Biggle Smalls and Crayons, which encourage the dissent of society norms and the confidence to be who you are without shame.

With her consistency, disparity and eulogies it is somewhat surprising that Cupcakke is still somewhat underground when it comes to mainstream popularity. Cupcakke has said herself that the reason she does not get shine is because she is not skinny or light skin. It is well known that there is bias in the rap industry – especially when it comes to females who have to work ten times harder than their male counterparts. In her own words,

““I’m not f**king [any] males in the industry to have that couple look [or] that male cosign… Also I’m not problematic”. ”

However, not yet appearing on the billboard charts has not disrupted Cupcakkes growing success. Simply through the powers of social media and self-promotion she has acquired an incredibly loyal fanbase which have gathered her over 200 million streams on Spotify. In March of this year, Cupcakke toured the UK for the first time and her show in London saw fans queuing five hours before she took to the stage and leaving long after public transport had closed in order to meet their idol. In case you’re curious, said fans deemed it “worth it”. You only have to look at Cupcakkes twitter to see how hard her fans ride for her and the love is mutual. In an industry that is so cutthroat, loyalty is everything and a relationship with those who support you is worth more than any marketing campaign. With her latest single dropping just one week after the final date of her tour, Cupcakke is showing no signs of slowing down and with her band of supporters behind her, it won’t be long before Cupcakke gets the recognition she is striving for, and it will be well deserved.

You can follow Cupcakke on twitter @CupcakKe_rapper and Instagram @cupcakkeafreakk

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