412Liyy: Versatilityy
Introducing the dynamic young talent, 412Liyy, a rising star from Pittsburgh’s east side who just celebrated her 18th birthday. She’s a versatile artist who embarked on her music journey just two years ago. As an independent artist, she’s dedicated to staying independent by grinding to get her music heard.
With roots in ’90s hip-hop, 412Liyy brings an old-school soul to her music. However, she’s also got a distinctive Pittsburgh drill flow in her arsenal, thanks to the city’s evolving rap scene. This compliments her ability to switch up with smooth Summer Walker-style singing.
Liyy’s not just about studio vibes; she’s been taking her performances to cities like Miami and Atlanta, even securing awards and recognition at Mossfest. Her aspirations extend to larger stages in cities like LA and Chicago, as she strives to get her music seen across the country in the coming years. So, don’t miss out on this young artist’s journey as she continues to make waves in the music scene.
All right, so first, could you just tell me a little bit about yourself?
I started rapping about two years ago, taking it seriously, and I’ve just been trying to stay independent, traveling, trying to get my music heard.
Where are you from?
I’m from Pittsburgh, the east side of Pittsburgh.
How old are you?
I’m 17. Actually I’m 18 now. My birthday was yesterday.
Oh wow, still young, that’s crazy. So you said you got into music two years ago?
Yeah, my 10th grade year, I dropped a “Beatbox Remix” and then I started rapping seriously after that.
Okay, so what was it like when you first got into it?
My friend was Reese Youngin’s manager, so then he started managing me and he would take me to the studio and stuff, so I had access to studios. I just didn’t have the money to pay for studio time.
I got you and your last release, Critical, what was the process like making that?
I made it in my friend’s crib. They have a whole franchise of studios in their crib, and we just sat down one day and just locked in. Socrates, that’s my producer.
Growing up as a kid, what did you listen to?
Old school, like, 90s hip hop? Because that’s what my mom and dad always had. I mean, I’m named after Aaliyah.
Okay, tough, that’s a cool shout out. What about Pittsburgh? How do you think that’s reflected in your music?
I definitely have more of a Pittsburgh drill flow. Once, Jimmy Wopo came out, it changed the whole Pittsburgh rap scene, like the beats and stuff.
But I know Stevie B who produced that stuff, so those types of beats are what I started hopping on. That’s when I started getting more clout, when I started doing more drill rap because I used to sing.
Do you have singing stuff, like, out on streaming?
I do, yeah. But it’s under a different name. It’s not 412Liyy, it’s Liyyanardo.
If you could describe your sound as its own genre, what would you call it?
Oh, that’s a crazy question. I have no idea. It’s a tough one because I could sing, like Summer Walker type singing, and then I could do some crazy drill rap music, like some killer stuff. I could switch flows and show some versatility.
True. What about live shows? Have you done any?
Oh, yeah, I’ve been to Miami and Atlanta for performances. I won Mossfest like three times. I actually have a show Friday, It’s for my birthday.
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What other cities are you trying to go to?
I’ve been to New York and Cleveland. I feel like I’ve been to all the lit cities except, like, LA. I want to go to Chicago. I had a show in Chicago and but then I wasn’t able to make it.
I definitely want to go to Maryland. They be having cracking shows out there.
Are you a sports fan, Steelers fan? Any of that?
No, I’m a boxer.
Oh, word? Who’s your favorite fighter?
Definitely Gervonta, because he brings the hood to the fight. You can see it.
Yeah, definitely. That makes a lot of people back down, too. They’re not ready for that.
Yeah. His confidence and swag is just different, for sure.
What’s next for you as an artist? What’s your next steps?
Just to get on bigger pages, like WorldStar. Stuff like that definitely going to happen in the next year or two, that’s really all.
Is there anything else you want the people to know?
Nope, just listen to my music. Stream 412Liyy.