Megan Thee Stallion, the Houston Hottie, is a force to be reckoned with. From her explosive stage presence to her razor-sharp lyrics, she has taken the music industry by storm. Billboard sat down with the multi-talented artist to discuss her journey to independence, her passion for Japanese culture, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting fellow female rappers.
From Texas Stages to Global Arenas: A Journey Forged in Fire
Megan’s rise to stardom began in the heart of Texas, where she honed her craft on the local circuit. This experience, she reveals, was instrumental in shaping her into the electrifying performer she is today. “It definitely taught me how to be the performer that I am,” she shares, emphasizing the importance of connecting with audiences on a personal level. “It made me understand, ‘OK, all you got to do is get out here and have fun.’ So every time I get onstage, I’m not thinking too hard. I’m thinking like, ‘I’m partying with my people.’”
This foundation of authenticity and raw talent propelled her from local stages to sold-out arenas, including a triumphant show at Madison Square Garden alongside Cardi B and GloRilla – a testament to her hard work and the unwavering support of her fans.
Megan Thee Stallion, Billboard Cover Shoot
Anime, Authenticity, and Evolving Artistry: A Deeper Look at “Megan”
Her latest album, “Megan,” offers a window into the rapper’s personal evolution, showcasing her love for anime, her Southern roots, and her dedication to pushing creative boundaries. “With this album, I wanted to show people my personal interests and thoughts. I wanted to touch on my love for all things anime, all things Southern, how much I like to have fun, and I wanted to be myself.”
This commitment to staying true to herself shines through in her music, even as she explores new sounds and themes. Megan remains grounded in her love for rap, recognizing it as her superpower. “The one thing in my life that I knew I was really good at was rapping. I don’t ever want to get away from that. I don’t ever want to play with it. I don’t ever want people to think I don’t take it seriously.”
Championing Collaboration and Celebrating Female Rap Excellence
While Megan is a fierce competitor, she is equally passionate about supporting her fellow female artists. Her recent collaborations with GloRilla, Cardi B, and the posthumous release featuring UGK’s Pimp C demonstrate her commitment to fostering unity and celebrating the power of women in hip-hop.
“I genuinely love Cardi. I genuinely love Glo,” she says, highlighting the importance of mutual support in an often-competitive industry. “In the industry, you really don’t meet a lot of girls who want to see you be successful. You meet people, and I’m not just going to say girls, but you don’t meet a lot of artists that want you to have success because they’re scared sometimes it’s going to take away from their success.”
This collaborative spirit extends to her business dealings as well. Megan believes in investing in her fellow artists, recognizing their talent and worth. “When you cool with somebody, you should support their business,” she states, emphasizing the importance of reciprocity and mutual respect.
Fighting for Freedom: The Power of Ownership and Independence
Megan’s journey to independence has been a hard-fought battle, culminating in her securing ownership of her masters before the age of 30 – a rare feat in the music industry.
“I’ve been fighting for my freedom my whole rap career,” she reveals, reflecting on the challenges she’s overcome. “I just couldn’t take no for an answer. I don’t ever want to be in a situation where somebody got their foot on my neck ever again. You got to do things to make yourself be your own boss.”
This newfound freedom has empowered her to take control of her career and shape her own destiny, proving that she is not only a talented artist but also a savvy businesswoman.
A Legacy of Inspiration: Embracing Vulnerability and Empowering the Next Generation
Megan Thee Stallion, Billboard Cover Shoot
Megan’s impact extends beyond the charts and into the hearts of countless fans who see her as a role model. Her willingness to be vulnerable about her struggles and triumphs resonates deeply with her audience.
She acknowledges the pressure to appear invincible but remains committed to showing her human side. “I don’t want everyone to think I’m a goddamn robot, because I’m not a robot. I want them to know it’s OK to be human, to feel anxiety, depression and to feel low. You’re not going to feel like that all the time.”
As she continues to dominate the music scene, Megan Thee Stallion remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, championing women in hip-hop, and inspiring a new generation to embrace their power and authenticity.
