Genuwine Beauty finds her way to use via a recent win in the New York underground after clinching the title of showcase winner at the Puff and Perform concert circuit hosted by the one and only Asia Supreme. In this interview, we talk about anime, goals, and doing what is authentic to you, no matter where it leads you.
Who is Genuwine Beauty?
Photobombshell: Hi, Genuwine Beauty! How are you? Big shout out to Asia Supreme for connecting us. Talk to the people about who you are and what kind of music you make.
Genuwine Beauty: Hey, my name is Genuwine Beauty. I’m a celebrity public figure for the LGBTQ+. I’m a music manager, executive producer, booking agent, A&R at Morbookings (run by Scott Morris), model, and cosplayer. In the industry, I wear many hats, but recently I started my sub-genre under Anime Rap called the Mae Mae genre. It deals with more than anime. It has anime, video games, adult swim, and 90s cartoon references. The track-related beat selection is placement music. It’s an urban version of the beat that I can hear on the game, show, or cartoon for background music in episodes for the beat selection.
Montana Dreams
Photobombshell: Oh, wow! That sounds dope and innovative. I didn’t even realize you have your own genre. I love it. Now, let’s talk about you. You were born in Jersey, lived in Virginia, spent some time in Atlanta, and now you’ve settled in New York. What brought you to New York and do you think this is where you’ll be for the long haul?
Genuwine Beauty: Yes I’m an ex-military kid. I left my home in Atlanta because I was either going to be dead or continue to be in jail. New York was a fresh start for me. I have family in New Jersey, but really didn’t know anyone in New York. I put myself in an awkward situation to focus on my life. Currently, I help Morbookings and help run the East Coast. When I finally make it to the goal of being an executive producer, A&R, that is an artist, I’ll probably move to Montana, buy land, and raise horses. The city life has been toxic, but I’m honestly ready to go.
For Genuwine Beauty, Rap Was a Family Affair
Photobombshell: Ah, the ex-military kid thing makes a lot of sense. I love that you’re thinking about the future and that your plans sound so relaxing. I’ve read that you got started in music with your four brothers. What is your relationship with them like and what was your first experience creating music/rapping with them?
Genuwine Beauty: Ahh! Open mic. * click * Unfortunately, they don’t rap anymore. I’m the only one who remains rapping. Wreck Style and Jae Favor do dancing now, still in Virginia, called the Get Lit Crew. We don’t speak as much, but back in the day, we had a deal on the table with Millium Records. This was around prom time in 2008, but unfortunately, they were worried about women and prom. But our talent was undeniable.
On LGBTQ+ Music and Being Relatable
Photobombshell: You’re well-documented as one of the first, if not THE first, openly trans hip-hop artists in the area. How did your transition impact your persona, how you’re received by the public, and the music you release?
Genuwine Beauty: Yes, I’m one of many, but I truly hate titles. I tell people I’m a female artist. I wish people would stop putting us in a box. As far as titles go, I really don’t consider myself an LGBTQ+ artist, like that has nothing to do with my talent. People should stop fixating on that and create unity. I do regular industry-type radio-ready music. I was never the type to do what they call LGBTQ music, like pop rap with LGBTQ community music references. Music is universal. My music is relatable to all, not just one demographic. My music is very impactful and people treat me with respect and love because I’m a true, genuine person. You barely see that in the music industry. I’m a rare breed. My name is Genuwine Beauty for a reason.
Genuwine Beauty and Success
Photobombshell: I love that! I agree with you that music is universal and unity is more important than labeling people and putting them in boxes. As an artist and a creative, what is your ultimate goal for this music thing? What does success look like to you?
Genuwine Beauty: At first, I just wanted to be an artist, but I explored another avenue behind the scenes, so I’m working on being the next executive producer/rapper in the industry. I have been succeeding in my way, especially with Morbookings. I appreciate my mentor, Scott Morris, for teaching me the ropes. He has opened doors for me when most people told me no. Success, to me, isn’t the big picture. It’s the goals you complete along the journey to your dreams. But I’m a person who wants to exceed further than my dreams.
About “Waifu Baddie”
Photobombshell: Let’s talk about your most recent release, “Waifu Baddie.” What inspired it and what made 2024 the right time for that project?
Genuwine Beauty: “Waifu Baddie” is an anime club, jersey club song. The song was inspired by my good celebrity friend, Cookie Kawaii. She’s known for her viral song, “Vibe,” that recently went RIAA Gold. I currently have her helping me push this song. As far as time, there’s no deadline for creativity. I made my own sub-genre. My genre keeps evolving, so ya. But “Waifu Baddie” is also my theme song for the black cosplay models community I run called hiddenwaifuvillage.
Big Protagonist Energy
Photobombshell: That’s amazing. I love the connection, the teamwork in pushing the track, and the amazing community you are running! You do it all. When people think of Genuwine Beauty, what should come to mind?
Genuwine Beauty: When it comes to Genuwine Beauty, I’m just that. I’m a genuine person to most. I’m loved by many, hated by few. Then there are frenemies in the industry, but most of my life teachings come from anime. It taught me to treat others how you want to be treated, but still stand up for yourself. Karma is real-life energy, but I have been in my villain arch at this moment. I’m just a natural protagonist anime character at heart, but I don’t mean any harm. I appreciate the ones who show me authentic love and the things I do for this industry and the Morbookings agency.
Career Highlights
Photobombshell: What has been the best moment of your musical career so far?
Genuwine Beauty: Making my own genre and enjoying the things that truly inspire me, which is anime, of course. Anime is life, but I have been doing my best for us anime rappers to be heard in the industry. Anime is currently turning into the gold era. It has impacted hip-hop and the entertainment business so much. Recently, I had my own rap anime stage, called World Tournament Stage for Daze Summit in New York. I named it the way I did because everyone from everywhere puts on their best to be a champion during festivals. I know some dope anime rappers and non-anime rappers who enjoy the anime culture, plus this is my second time having my stage at Daze Summit.
24 World Tournament hits different. We anime blerds have lost an OG in the game. The creator of the Dragonball Z series anime/manga, Akira Toriyama, passed recently. He always taught me to keep going, no matter how tough it gets. Goku never quit, even with obstacles and opponents who were tough. He still never quit.
Advice for Fellow Independents
Photobombshell: What top piece of advice would you share with independent artists who are just getting started?
Genuwine Beauty: Invest in your craft. There is nothing wrong with investing. A lot of upcoming local artists don’t travel or tour. They want to make it locally. Sometimes you have to take a risk in this industry to succeed.
Genuwine Beauty’s Plans for 2024
Photobombshell: What can listeners, readers, and fans look forward to from you in the rest of 2024?
Genuwine Beauty: I’m currently working on the “Waifu Baddie” music video. The feel of the video is based on the game Luigi’s Mansion but with my twist. I’m also in the process of working on my first album called “Welcome to the Wonderful World of Rachet Disney Projects.”
Photobombshell: What is something you’ve wanted to share in an interview but no one has asked yet?
Genuwine Beauty: My question would be, where do I see myself in the next 5 years? That answer would be the next executive producer rapper in the industry. Hopefully, I’ll be the first female anime cosplay rapper with an A&R and executive producer job living in Montana raising rapidashes and ponyta (AKA horses). I want to be doing what I love to do, helping people get to the next level in their careers, and bringing joyful music to anime lovers.
Connect with Genuwine Beauty
Listeners and readers looking to connect with Genuwine Beauty can find her on Instagram here and tap into her music here.
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