In part one of a three-part interview, New York rapper/singer and Fool’s Gold signee Leaf discussed her bi-borough upbringing, including time spent attending Manhattan’s Laguardia High School aka “The Fame School,” while also mentioning the significance of what she learned while hanging out at Manhattan’s Union Square.
As someone who began commuting on the subway at age 11, Leaf shared her story on processing and dealing with street harassment. In her early days she cursed people out, but now chooses to ignore catcalls altogether.
In speaking on the decline of the New York party scene, Leaf attributed the fall off to rising rents rather than social media and pointed out that during the Tumblr era, there were still lots of get-togethers, including water fights she helped organize. Having lived in both Atlanta and Los Angeles, she spoke about the party scenes in both places, but concluded while both cities can be fun, she still views a good New York party as the ultimate get together.
When addressing the recent battle between Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj, Leaf said there was no winner, and “both Remy and Nicki deserve the spot they have. In addressing how hip hop culture at the moment appears to be gunning for a Minaj take down, Leaf stated, “When you’re at the top, everyone is trying to take you down,” and added, “I don’t think anyone can’t take Nicki’s spot. She carved that out for herself. Just like no one can take Remy’s spot.”
Check out the interview below.