Tierra Whack
Tierra Whack (born August 11, 1995) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from North Philadelphia. Known for her creative music videos, unconventional approach to hip-hop, and experimental artistry, Whack has been praised as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary rap music.
Early Life
[edit | edit source]Tierra Whack grew up in North Philadelphia. She began rapping at age 14 under the name "Dizzle Dizz" and gained local recognition through freestyle videos posted on social media. She attended the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush and later the Performing Arts High School before pursuing music full-time.[1]
Career
[edit | edit source]Whack World
[edit | edit source]In 2018, Tierra Whack released Whack World, a groundbreaking project that established her as a unique voice in hip-hop. The album consists of 15 tracks, each exactly one minute long, accompanied by a 15-minute audiovisual experience directed by Thibaut Duverneix.
The visual album showcased Whack's creativity, humor, and versatility, with each song accompanied by a surreal, colorful music video. Songs like "Hungry Hippo," "Pretty Ugly," and "Pet Cemetery" demonstrated her ability to shift between styles and moods while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision.
Whack World received widespread critical acclaim and earned Whack a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video.
Musical Style
[edit | edit source]Whack's music defies easy categorization, blending:
- Hip-hop and rap
- R&B and pop
- Experimental and avant-garde elements
- Surrealist and absurdist themes
Her lyrics often combine playful wordplay with deeper emotional content, and her visual presentation emphasizes bright colors, unconventional fashion, and imaginative imagery.
Later Releases
[edit | edit source]Following Whack World, Tierra Whack has released a series of singles and projects:
- "Only Child" (2019)
- "Wasteland" (2019)
- "Peppers and Onions" (2020)
- "Walk the Beat" (2022)
- World Wide Whack (2024)
She has collaborated with artists including Beyoncé (appearing on The Lion King: The Gift), Lil Yachty, and Alicia Keys.
Recognition
[edit | edit source]- Grammy nomination for Best Music Video (2019)
- Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (2020)
- Acclaimed by publications including Pitchfork, Complex, and Rolling Stone
- Praised by artists including J. Cole, Meek Mill, and Solange
Philadelphia Legacy
[edit | edit source]Whack represents a new generation of Philadelphia hip-hop artists who are pushing creative boundaries while honoring the city's musical heritage. She has been vocal about her North Philadelphia roots and credits the city's music scene for shaping her artistic identity.
Her success has helped expand perceptions of what Philadelphia hip-hop can be, moving beyond the hardcore street rap tradition to encompass more experimental and eclectic approaches.
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Tierra Whack Is One Of The Most Creative Artists Working Today". NPR. December 9, 2019