Jahdira Atkins, professionally known as Billy B, was born in the Cypress Hill project of East New York Brooklyn. As a child, Billy sought music as a comfort from the mayhem surrounding her. She fell in love with Missy Elliot’s swagger, Nicki Minaj’s lyrical expertise, Patty Labelle’s soul, and Aretha Franklin’s range. However, Billy didn’t begin pursuing music until 2015. Over the next few years Billy B collaborated with various artists and producers; 808 Mafia, June The Jenius, Dizzy Banko, Nico Demi, Synesthetic Nation, Sukihana , Fetty Luciano Connie Diamond , and Skeme. But it was her breakout feature with fellow raptress Lola Brooke on the hit-song “Don’t play with it” that recently cracked Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart that showed the world that the women in hip hop is definitely taking over. In this interview we discuss her upbringing, her musical influences, camaraderie amongst female rappers, sexism and misogyny in hip hop, raising a son, her family and men in her dm’s plus more! Make sure to watch the podcast on youtube.com/jazziebelletv and Follow us on social media: @thcBillyB @jazziebelletv @womeninhiphop
Billy B performs her hit-single “Break” for Women in Hip Hop Podcast