In an industry where authenticity often collides with commercial demands, female artists are increasingly taking the reins, crafting narratives of empowerment and independence. Atlanta rapper Anycia leads this charge with her upcoming single "Never Need," featuring rising stars GloRilla and Karrahbooo. Set to be released on March 28, 2025, the track embraces themes of self-worth, resilience, and the strength found in unity among women. Drawing from personal experiences and creative collaborations, "Never Need" embodies a contemporary anthem that resonates with listeners recognizing their value without needing external validation.
Anycia, known for her powerful presence in the hip-hop scene, describes the motivation behind "Never Need" as rooted in a desire to uplift women in all aspects of their lives—not just in relationships. “I wanted to make something that really spoke to women standing on their own, not just in relationships but in every part of life,” she stated. The song encapsulates the ethos of not seeking validation, encouraging listeners to recognize their strength.
This anthem doesn’t simply preach; it pulsates with its infectious beat, produced by the Spaceboy duo EJ Stellar and jetsonmade, who are known for their unique sound signature drawing on space-themed elements. The track also cleverly interpolates Khia's iconic 2002 hit “Don’t Trust No N—” which underlines its roots in hip-hop heritage while forging a new narrative.
Joining Anycia are fellow female MCs GloRilla and Karrahbooo, both artists at the forefront of the hip-hop scene. Their collaboration is more than a combination of individual talents; it's a testament to the power of solidarity among women artists. GloRilla’s rising star status and Karrahbooo’s raw charisma contribute to a track that isn't merely about self-reliance—it’s a celebration of female empowerment.
Anycia recalls her approach to selecting collaborators for this project, saying, “Man, I said ‘Let me find the most disrespectful women I can to get on this track with me!’” This playful determination has led to a synergy that creates an unmissable track, as she notes how their energies made the song “even more raw and unapologetic.”
The official music video for "Never Need" further amplifies the track's message. The visuals, rich in imagery of confidence and independence, showcase a behind-the-scenes camaraderie among the artists. Aycia dedicates parts of the video to depicting why she identifies as a “bad b—ch,” emphasizing that independence transcends the absence of a partner—it's about owning who you are and moving through life with unshakeable confidence.
Reflecting on the video shoot, Anycia highlights a memorable experience when GloRilla, despite feeling under the weather, delivered a powerful performance: “That’s a hard-working girl!” It’s moments like this that encapsulate the unity and drive shared among these women, fostering a positive atmosphere that echoes throughout the song and visual representation.
Historically, hip-hop has been a vehicle for personal expression and social commentary. Women in the genre, however, have often had to navigate a challenging landscape dominated by male perspectives. The emergence of powerful female voices in hip-hop, such as Anycia, GloRilla, and Karrahbooo, speaks volumes about the changing dynamics of the genre. This shift not only paves the way for more diverse narratives but also empowers younger generations to embrace their identity and self-worth.
Anycia's personal recognition of women's influence in her life highlights this transformative moment in her career. She states, “I literally never needed a n-—a for a goddamn thing,” a lyric that resonates deeply with her experiences and the women who have shaped her journey.
"Never Need" is not just another single; it's part of a larger narrative that marks the ongoing evolution of women's roles in hip-hop. The contribution of GloRilla and Karrahbooo to this track further consolidates the commitment to empowering women in the industry. Anycia's upcoming mixtape, set to feature the talents of DJ Drama and Grady Baby, is likely a reflection of her ambition to continue delivering narratives that resonate with boldness and authenticity.
While years from now the music of Anycia, GloRilla, and Karrahbooo will be celebrated, they are part of a pivotal movement redefining what it means to be a woman in hip-hop today. As Anycia herself remarked, “This one is for us,” marking a moment in history where women aren’t simply part of the industry—they’re driving forces within it.
"Never Need" is set to be released on March 28, 2025.
The track features fellow female MCs GloRilla and Karrahbooo.
The song emphasizes independence, self-worth, and empowerment for women.
Anycia wanted to create a track that highlighted powerful, unapologetic female voices in hip-hop and captured the essence of women supporting women.
"Never Need" interpolates the beat from Khia's 2002 hit "Don’t Trust No N—," connecting the new anthem with a significant hip-hop legacy.
Her lyrics celebrate the strength and self-sufficiency of women, encouraging listeners to find empowerment in their identities.