Rap Queens on The Rise: SCUMIE
SCUMIE has spent the last few years steadily building a name for herself in South Africa's ever-vibrant hip-hop culture. With the release of her debut project 066 Vol.2 in 2021, SCUMIE quickly climbed the ranks to earn collaborations with some of her more well-known peers in the industry- most notably featuring Blxckie on “Give Me Ya Luv”.
She returned with a joint project in 2022, which saw Moett as her collaborator on Gangsters With Standards. Standout tracks like “SHOW SHOW” featuring Phantom Steez show off SCUMIES' skillful lyricism over trap-fueled beats, while “Outside” features Silverstone Barz from Kenya, signaling a promising collaboration for women in rap on the continent.
In our interview with SCUMIE for this month's Rap Queens on The Rise segment, she uncovers the meaning behind her name, what inspires her, and where she’s heading.
This interview has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context.
What’s the meaning behind the name SCUMIE?
SCUMIE is an abbreviation of what I am and things I like; S is for Solitude C is for Calmness U is for Uniqueness M is for Money 🤑 I is for Imagination E is for Ethereal
How did you get started in music and who has inspired your sound?
I got started in music by making beats, and my most significant influence is Bktherula
How would you describe the kind of music you make?
Different. Refreshing. Unusual. Fire. Lit. Beautiful.
Where do you see yourself a year from now?
A year from now, I see myself being the best artist I can be. I see myself touring the country and the world. I see myself making more of an impact than ever.
What have you found to be one of the biggest challenges as a woman coming up in the hip-hop industry?
What’s challenging for me is always being the only girl in a room full of male rappers. Like where the ho*s at, you know?
What excites you about the current landscape of music on the continent?
What excites me is that South Africa is finally getting recognized due to Amapiano. It’s beautiful to see!
What do you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I knew that a lot of people wouldn’t believe in you at the beginning but only at the end
What’s next for you?
My new release called “Bank Account” ft K Keed and Buzzi Lee will be dropping at the end of August. In the meantime, continue to stream “Quick Fix”!
For more on other Rap Queens on the rise, read here.
The South African artist uncovers the meaning behind her name, what inspires her, and where she’s heading.