More than just a pretty face, Bronx rapper Champagne is breaking into the underground music scene. A rose from the concrete, this rising artist is no stranger to struggle and uses that past adversity to fuel her climb to the top. In this interview, we discuss her pivot from pop to rap, the top moments in her early career, and how Champagne’s magnetic personality has helped her grow her presence online.
Bubbly Star Unlocks Gold with Rap
Photobombshell: Hi, Champagne! Thank you so much for agreeing to take some time to discuss your music career with me. As a new listener, I am interested in learning about your upbringing and how you started on this journey as an artist.
Champagne: Hey, girl! My name is Champagne. I’m from the Bronx, but I was born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. When I was 15 years old, I tried to go into being a pop singer. It wasn’t going well for me, so my brother, DJ FlexOne, told me, “Yo, sis, you should start rapping and get into hip-hop music because you would benefit more from that.” I took everything he told me into consideration, and that’s how I am where I am today.
Photobombshell: You have a relatively new and decidedly short catalog but a strong following on streaming services and social media. How did you grow your following, and what are you doing that makes you stand out, given that you are relatively new to the scene?
Champagne: I was a bartender, club promoter, and model at one point in my life, and I have done a lot of networking since 2014. There is something about me that draws followers towards me. I know I am beautiful, but people love my energy and vibe. One person once told me I have a “dope personality.” My dope personality brings out my inner beauty and is why my supporters, friends, and family love me.
What does Champagne sound like?
Photobombshell: How do you describe your sound?
Champagne: My sound is unique. It’s original. I’m Champagne. I shine and sparkle like gold.
Photobombshell: Talk about your single, “Seduction.” What inspired that project? Describe the journey from the idea to releasing the project.
Champagne: “Seduction” is about a girl who embraces her sexuality and her feminine energies. She can’t resist temptation and craves the sex and presence of a man she desires. The girl wants him but doesn’t need him because she is a different type of bitch. This woman is a boss making money moves. This girl is beautiful. Every man wants her.
Advice for Fellow Independents
Photobombshell: As someone in the building phase of their music career, what advice do you have, if any, for fellow independent artists?
Champagne: Never give up on your goals and work hard to obtain them. Turn your dreams into reality. There will be criticism, haters, and nay-sayers, but never allow any of that to discourage you. Keep going and keep it pushing. Always apply pressure.
Challenges and Motivations
Photobombshell: What has been the greatest challenge for you as an artist?
Champagne: Facing criticism has been the biggest challenge because my biggest fear is becoming the person I once was. I had a hard life and was alone. Nobody had my back, especially during that hate train. I don’t want to go back to that dark place where I was a nobody; that people would clown me and defame my character because they were insecure about themselves. Growing up, I had a traumatic life, and I am healing from it all.
I am happy I have friends like my babies Ariel, Fefe, Queen Julz, 7, and my brothers Seec, Spotlight Breeze, Savage Ghost, Atti, Rockballa, DJ Uneeq, Certified Gage and Xavarosa. They always remind me to keep focused on my goals and never give up, no matter how hard things get. They always reassure me that they have my back and support me. My friends constantly remind me of my worth and hold me down. I thank God for blessing me with such wonderful people that I call my family. It means a lot to me because I never had a family, and they became the family that I never had. I love you guys so much.
Photobombshell: Having the right people in your corner makes a huge difference in confidence in what you do musically. It’s wonderful to hear about your chosen family who support you and what you are doing.
What Fans Don’t See
Photobombshell: What is something people often get wrong about you or assume about you?
Champagne: People assume that I’m weird, crazy, antisocial, or too quiet. I had a hard life. Of course, I’m quiet and shy because I have trust issues. It takes time for me to get used to people and trust them. I’m still healing from the traumas I have endured since I was eight. In actual reality, I love making new friends and meeting new people. My musical journey has been helping me to heal the scars that never got the chance to heal, slowly but surely.
Champagne Moments
Photobombshell: What has been your favorite moment or experience as an artist?
Champagne: My favorite moment was… OMG, I have three favorite moments. The first was at The Soil Rises event on February 11, 2023. I was performing my lead single, “Seduction.“ Everyone loved it. The crowd was cheering for me. They were singing along with me as I was performing.
Then, back in August 2023, I had a birthday celebration, which was also my single release party for “Seduction.” Everyone was showering me with birthday love. Hearing my family and friends tell me how proud they are of me meant so much. When my brother, DJ Uneeq, was on the 1s and 2s alongside DJ Sam Reel and DJ Melo One, let me tell y’all something. As soon as they started playing “Seduction,” everyone was going crazy. They were dancing and singing along. It was a real lituation.
Then, I did the photo shoot for the Love X Lust store lingerie line. I felt like I was a part of a women’s empowerment movement. The ladies that I worked with all had dope vibes. It was a room full of love and motivation. I love how bosses motivate other bosses. I love how we uplift each other. Big shoutout to Jennifer, the CEO of Love X Lust, for putting me and the other beautiful women on, making me a brand ambassador for the Love X Lust Store and helping me realize my worth and beauty when I didn’t see it myself.
Future Plans
Photobombshell: I love hearing about those standout moments. Each of those moments must have been overwhelming in the best way. It’s so powerful when things work out, and you get great feedback from people you care about. Speaking of things going well, what can we look forward to from you in 2023?
Champagne: The “Seduction” music video is on the way. It will be directed by Ceo Atm Teck.
Photobombshell: I am looking forward to that! Please send it along when the video goes live. Before we wrap up, any other news?
Champagne: My follow-up single is called, “Bad Gyal.” That single is coming soon. I also have upcoming music collaborations on the way.
Connect with Champagne
Photobombshell: Thank you so much, Champagne, for sharing your story with all of us at Photobombshell.media. I look forward to hearing more about your blossoming career. Readers interested in connecting with Champagne can connect with her via Instagram and stream her music on all digital streaming players.