Art of the Come Up With Bia

BIA is on an unstoppable quest for the crown she believes is rightfully hers.

BIA is on an unstoppable quest for the crown she believes is rightfully hers. If you've just begun your BIA journey, you should step up your game. She’s the type of artist who has been waiting too long in the wings and is ready for the recognition she deserves. The rising star has secured three enviable positions on Billboard’s Hot 100 and has received commendations from music industry luminaries such as 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna. She's elegantly carving her niche in a predominantly male industry, and with each new track, she grants us deeper insights into her enigmatic persona. BIA is on a personal voyage, harboring her untold story within the sanctum of her heart, and searching for a meaningful calling beyond the realms of music.

“I have yet to determine my exact purpose in this world. It goes beyond just music,” she disclosed. “It definitely pertains to humanity in some way.” As the notorious “June Gloom” season in Los Angeles lifts, BIA ushers in a wave of warmth while on set for her first BET photoshoot and interview. She embodies her true essence, dressed in a red skirt, a complementary jacket, and a pair of tall boots. This is no orchestrated look mandated by some music mogul who perceives her as a mere product to be marketed. No, this is BIA at her most authentic. She is engaged, calm, and committed to maintaining her serenity as she aligns her ambitions with her chosen path and calling.

When people see me, they see the glam and beauty stuff, and they don't really see the struggle that brought me here

In “16,” BIA unveils a deeply personal story of yearning for guidance during the fraught relationship with her mother at that tender teen age, which ultimately led to her leaving home. “It was a vulnerable time for me, teetering on the edge of adulthood but not quite there yet, and your parents basically tell you, 'If you think you're grown, then go be grown, but you can't be both an adult and a child in my house.'”

My music speaks for the women, the go-getters, the hustlers, and people who are underdogs.

I have a big family, people on different sides of the world. I identify with many places.

BIA is the first to admit that her journey to stardom wasn't an overnight phenomenon. Her hit song, “Whole Lotta Money,” in 2020 garnered widespread attention, but before she had a whole lotta money, she experienced even more struggle. Within that struggle, she was lucky to discover the intersection where her dreams became a reality. “I worked hard to get where I am today. If you want something to last, it won't come easily or quickly,” she reflected.

Starting life unprivileged, BIA nurtured a relentless spirit to succeed against all odds, becoming a beacon of hope for others in her circle. “Growing up poor forces you to be resourceful. I’m the first in my family to attain wealth. I wanted to be the one to foster generational wealth and show my family that it's possible,” she said. She's ready to shoulder the responsibility of being the first in her family to reach this level, stating, “I don't feel it's a huge burden because I've already come this far. There's no turning back now.”

Music is not BIA's only tour de force. She ventured into entrepreneurship in 2022, founding Beauty for Certain, a clean, cruelty-free cosmetic line for women and men. She doesn’t use makeup to hide, but to enhance the beauty that’s already within. As she aptly puts it, “You have to feel beautiful to radiate that energy. Beauty is not merely an external factor. It should radiate from the inside out.” Whether it's her music or style, BIA always brings her A-game. She regales her fans with her array of eccentric nail styles, from long stilettos to futuristic asymmetrical designs like the ones seen in “I’m Geekin,” her latest music video collaboration with DDG. If her nails could speak, BIA says they would proclaim, “She’s that girl.” But to her, nails are more than just an accessory to her fiery personality; they serve as a therapeutic outlet and contribute to the alignment of her mental health.

BIA discovered the serenity of doing one’s own nails during the pandemic's peak. As a result, she hasn’t stepped into a traditional nail salon in two years. She even had a nail salon added inside her recording studio, where she does her nails between studio sessions. She says the time she spends on her nails has revealed valuable lessons about both patience and mindfulness. “I generally move at a fast pace, especially in music, where everything is about striking while the iron is hot. Nails have taught me to slow down. You can't rush through a manicure, or it ends up looking terrible. It's taught me the value of taking your time and being patient,” she reflected.

“I'm looking for ways to intertwine my daily endeavors to contribute back to society with my music,” she explained. She has sought absolution from her life's story by acknowledging that her talents as a rapper do not solely define her but serve as a gateway for opportunities that extend beyond the allure of fame and wealth. “There needs to be a higher purpose, it can't just be a pursuit without a cause. There has to be an ultimate goal.” On the cusp of Culture’s Biggest Night at the BET Awards 2023, BIA is preparing for one of the most significant performances of her career—sharing the center stage with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner Busta Rhymes for their latest summer banger, “Beach Ball.” This is a “full circle moment” in her journey, slated to become an “iconic” milestone. BIA showers praise on Busta, asserting, “I am so drawn to his energy. His attention to detail is unmatched. His creativity is unparalleled. He’s one of my absolute favorite people.” As the world gears up to commemorate 50 years of hip hop, the stakes for her forthcoming performance are high. No matter, BIA remains cool and collected, lounging with her team in the corner of the mansion where we are shooting.

Hailing from Medford, Massachusetts, BIA is a small-town girl. She grew up on the outskirts of Boston, famous for Fenway Park, the Red Sox, and the iconic bar from Cheers. She regards it as the cradle of her musical passion. Growing up in Medford, along with her mother's affinity for Tupac and Selena, provided young BIA with a flair for entertaining and a strong embrace of eclectic musical tastes. “I was an eccentric child,” she quipped. “I used to hold concerts in the car for my family. I always felt that I was truly being myself.” Adolescence wasn't merely a time of fond memories but a phase marked by familial upheavals that engendered BIA’s spirit of perseverance. This period is vividly depicted in her heartfelt song “16”. Driven by her raw emotions, BIA regards this as the catalyst that thrust her into the spotlight. “16 is profoundly significant to me. That's one of those songs that I poured my entire being into. It's crucial to my narrative. People often notice my outward glamor but overlook the struggles that brought me here,” she revealed.

When considering her ascent to stardom, BIA believes that her authentic personality continues to set her apart from her competition and helps her connect with her audience. “The one thing that I bring to the table is authenticity. It infuses my music and resonates with women, go-getters, hustlers, and the underdogs.” Although BIA is making her mark in an industry that boasts both established and emerging artists, there is still a noticeable underrepresentation of Latina female rappers. Conscious of this, she ensures her music fearlessly mirrors her cultural heritage. “Being Puerto Rican, I'm Boriqua. It's important to me to reflect that in my music. But I do it naturally and in a way that feels genuine,” she shared. While Spanish is not her first language, it doesn’t dilute her cultural pride or her identity. “I've always struggled with not feeling Spanish enough or worrying I'm not getting it right. I always try to do what feels natural to me and find a way to

represent my heritage authentically without going overboard,” she confessed. BIA’s journey to the top naturally attracts critics and stiff competitors ready to take her spot, but she remains unphased. Staying true to her nature, BIA retains her composure and confidence even when faced with negativity. “I don’t pay attention to them because I'm engrossed in my work. Why would I?” she laughs, exuding boss-like energy. Fame comes with enormous responsibility, but BIA takes it all in stride, striving to honor her heritage while charting her path forward. She may not be a saint, but her life story is a testament to her grit. She’s a gem that emerged from rough circumstances, an inspiration that learned life's hardest lessons, and she’s redefining how to empower the next generation. Her story is compelling, enlightening, educational, inspirational, and, most of all, just beginning. “I stand on principles and values. That makes me a role model because I stand for something.”

“I can't have the perspective of, ‘I'm trying to play this character that Will Smith played.’ When Will Smith was doing the original, he was up there really actually being Will Smith. That was him, the character was his name,” he explains. “I use the experiences that I've had, my charisma, and the things that I've been through to empower the character in each circumstance. Half of the character is like I'm playing Will, and then half of it is, ‘this is Jabari, and this is my life that I'm going through.’ I think that’ll grow from season to season.” Bel Air is just the beginning for Jabari Banks. He’s currently prepping to shoot alongside Benedict Wong and Callina Liang in Bad Genius, a heist thriller about high school students who are cheating on the SAT— an English language remake of the hit 2017 Thai film. He also hopes to play characters in fantasy films because he wants to see more Black people in those sorts of roles. He refuses to be typecast in the role of Will. Along with growing as an actor, he has taken a couple of lumps growing up in the public eye. During the first press run for the show, he appeared on The Breakfast

Langston Sessoms Bexx Francois/Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET Anita Nixon Falen Hardge Yesha Callahan

I always do what's natural to me and find a way to represent myself without it feeling like I'm doing too much.

From this pivotal experience on, she transitioned from her childhood into a world of independence. “It's the moment I had to fend for myself and figure things out. I'm deeply grateful for that time because it sculpted me into the person I am today,” she shared. Music was her sanctuary during these challenging times, a coping mechanism she still leans on when life becomes overwhelming. “Music has always been a source of relief for me. It's therapeutic. Whenever I'm dealing with something tough, I always turn to music,” she confessed. Now, as a rapper rapidly rising to fame, BIA acknowledges that her prowess as a lyricist has played a pivotal role in her success. Still, she believes other qualities contribute to her longevity and public rapport. “Being genuine in my relationships has taken me further than my talent ever could. I appreciate my talent and know I wouldn't be here without it, but I think many lose sight of the importance of being a good person.” She has seen the virtue of being genuine and never hesitates to echo this advice. “When you are inherently genuine or good, people naturally want to assist you, befriend you, and cheer you on. And I applaud many people, so in return, many people applaud for me.”

Video directed and produced by Photography by Design by Words by Entertainment Director

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