“My life has changed a lot. When I first started rapping I just did it for fun. I originally wanted to be a dancer, but when I saw people’s reaction to my raps, it encouraged me to write more songs. Everything that’s happened since has been like a miracle.

Going back to Baltimore from Hollywood is crazy because none of my friends get to experience what I experience. When I go to a club at home, people point at me. That’s uncomfortable because I like to feel normal when I come home. It’s funny, my friends are all like, ‘Why don’t you take me on tour with you? Why won’t you let me meet M.I.A?’. The vibe ain’t the same no more.

My aunt thinks I’ve turned into a diva, but I haven’t. I just need to rest because I travel so much. I guess I have changed a bit. I used to be this mouthy little girl that always talked trash, but now I’m more mature. I thank M.I.A for that, as she gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. But when I’m around her I still feel like a teenager – sometimes I can even bring the teenager out in her! She’s like a mother and a sister to me. It’s cool.”

Raised in Baltimore’s Chapel Hill projects, 18-year-old rapper Rye Rye has come a long way since first picking up the mic in 2006. After gaining underground recognition for her energetic appearance on DJ Blaqstarr’s Bmore club anthem “Shake It To The Ground”, she was signed to a major record deal by M.I.A, who also took the fun-loving MC on tour with her throughout 2008. Currently mixing her debut album, Rye Rye is hoping to cross over to the mainstream in a big way this year.

© TIM NOAKES 2009 c/o ANOTHER MAGAZINE