Whitney Peyton is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her energetic style and diverse music that blends rap, hip-hop, and rock elements. Hailing from the Philadelphia area, she gained attention in the underground scene with her rapid-fire delivery and honest lyrics. Whitney has been open about her struggles, using her music to address themes like mental health, empowerment, and independence.
We caught up with Whitney to ask what inspired her to get into rapping, what she enjoys doing when she isn’t rapping, her coming out story and so much more. Plus, read on to hear about what she has in store this year.
What first inspired you to get into rapping?
Everything I felt I couldn’t say in person I could always put on paper, it was a safe outlet for my emotions growing up. I started out doing spoken word which isn’t a far cry from rap aside from learning how to complement an instrumental.
I knew I wanted to transition into being a musician and there was a bit of a learning curve putting spoken word to a beat, but a catchy drum and bassline that gets people moving really brings life to the lyrics!
Can you tell us about your journey from the start to where you are now?
My journey in music is probably comparable to anybody’s journey as a human in general. Since art mimics life it’s definitely been a rollercoaster of triumphs and heartbreaks and everything in between, but overall the growth has been crazy. I’ve met all of my best friends through music.. It’s such a universal language that unites people.
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
Pink, Eminem, Tech N9ne, Eve all the way to Limp Bizkit, Sum 41, and Michael Jackson.
I really just looked up to a blend of hip hop and rock artists who were unapologetically themselves and could give a hell of a live show.
How would you describe your unique style in the rap game?
I definitely think being a lesbian, white, woman in rap brought its own uniqueness before even hearing a note of my music it surely turned heads, especially early on in my career, but I never wanted to slew of labels to overshadow the message in the music, which has always been about empowering underdogs and mustering up the courage to go against the grain.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far as a queer person?
I think adding to the previous answer it’s been about overcoming a label or stigma. Rather than being a “queer artist” I want to be an “artist” who also just happens to be queer… if that makes sense?
What is your coming-out story? Sorry, but everyone loves a coming-out story...
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I wish I had some kind of grand coming-out story, but the truth is, I was scared because I was young, green, and already carried a lot of labels as an entertainer.
I wasn’t a confident kid and put too much stock into gaining the validation of others, especially in an independent hip-hop scene which predominantly consists of men. I thought to myself straight people don’t need to “come out” so I wasn’t going to either!’
After years of hiding that part of me, I unceremoniously posted a pic of my GF and I online. I’m glad I gained enough confidence in myself to feel comfortable in my own skin and kind of adopted a “you see me with who you see me with” kind of attitude. I don’t need to make any big announcements or anything.. my way of making “gay” be perceived as normal was and is treated as just that.
You’re performing at The Dinah this year, how did that come about and what can fans expect?
Dinah has been a bucket list show for me! I have a lot of experience as a touring artist, but am still so young in the community and have wanted to be more involved. I think I can help be the representation I needed as a kid. I might have felt more confident and been more open much sooner in my life if I had that. Dinah will not only feel like a massive milestone in my career but also personally. Fans can expect ENERGY! I’m not there to perform for you, I’m there to party WITH you.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
As far as accolades on paper I’m surely so grateful to have written for an album that won a Grammy Award, I’m grateful for having Billboard charting records, but mostly the instances that don’t make the resume.
For instance, I played at a woman’s San Diego pride party not long ago and I remember performing this song I often play called “through the wall” where we call for mosh pits and throw piñatas into the crowd, it’s just controlled chaos and pandemonium. After the song ended I could hear someone yell to their friend “oh my god that was so fun! I needed that!” I remember feeling so accomplished hearing that.
How do you feel your music impacts the LGBTQ+ community and others?
In the way that the LGBTQ+ community acts as a support system for one another by accepting you for who you are, I feel like Music does the same. Music is a safe space that brings people with common interests together. It’s a therapy session where you can forget your problems, your bills, your worries and just live in the moment.
When you’re not making music, what do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
I read Joe Hill novels, go to the movies, try new restaurants, play with my pitbull, and attend shows of fellow entertainers because you’re never too big to be a fan.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring rappers, what would it be?
It sounds cliche to say “be yourself”, but trust me, people can tell when you’re not. Also, do you really want to blow up being someone you’re not and have to keep up that charade your whole life? No matter what your experiences are there will definitely be people who can relate, so unapologetically tell YOUR story.
What can we expect from you in the next year or so? Are any new albums or projects in the works?
I’m going to release a rock/rap album at the top of the new year! Usually, I drop an album a year, but this year I was establishing my own record label, ALPHA HOWSE, and have multiple tours… so I’m saving the new music for the new year! I love blending genres and keeping them guessing.
If you want to keep up with what is next for Whitney follow her on her socials, TikTok @whitneypeyton, Instagram @whitneypeyton and listen to her latest releases on Spotify.
Thanks for chatting to us Whitney!
Team Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
