SXSW Interview: Anycia’s Got Vibes and Some Shit to Talk

Popularized by her conversational delivery, unbothered attitude, and larger-than-life personality, Atlanta native Anycia returned to Austin on Friday as a part of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase.

The 27-year old rapper has collaborations with Latto and Flo Milli under her belt, along with a fierce debut album, and co-signs from Drake and Kevin Durant.

Austin Chronicle: Last time you were in Austin was October of last year when you were supporting Kehlani on her world tour. Now you’re here with Rolling Stone. How does it feel to make that jump?

Anycia: It feels great. I was brought out on [KARRAHBOO’s] set last year for the same thing, so it’s cool that I’m here and I’m doing my own show. I feel like I had a good little break. This will be my first performance since tour. I’m getting back into the groove. I’m excited.

AC: Next month marks the one-year anniversary of Princess Pop That. Can you tell me about the process that went into making the album?

A: All of my songs were extremely sporadic. A lot of Don Julio was involved. A lot of Mary Jane was involved. A lot of chicken wings. It wasn’t as if I was making songs for an album. I was just in the studio making songs and then I just put together that album when the time came.

AC: A lot of people have been asking about your next project. Do you want that to be a continuation of your debut or are you dying to try something new?

A: I’m definitely staying in my same box. I’m dipping into different versions of myself, but even those versions [are] still the same girl. I feel like everything mushes together pretty well.

AC: Rap is one of, if not the biggest, music genres in the world at the moment. There’s so much talent coming from all directions and I’m curious how you go about making yourself stand out among all of the other artists?

A: It’s a mindset thing. Once you start looking at everybody as competition, that’s when everything kind of goes a different route. All of this shit is like a big ass high school. I feel like there’s enough room for everybody. I just stay true to myself.

AC: You’ve been called “Atlanta’s new it-girl” by OGM and “The Future of Music” by Rolling Stone. Do you feel a sense of pressure to live up to that?

A: No. I guess when the ball is in your court, you can lose the ball anytime. I’ve been feeling stuff like that, but I don’t really feel no pressure. I’m just doing my thing. I like that people love it.

AC: I definitely think that’s why they love it, because they can just tell it’s kind of effortless.

A: We just chilling, baby. I ain’t got no bippity boopity bop. I don’t got that. All I got is vibes and some shit to talk.