Kreayshawn
| Kreayshawn} | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Columbia |
| Website | |
| Members | |
| Current members | |
| Past members | |
Kreayshawn (born Natassia Gail Zolot; September 24, 1989) is an American hip hop rapper, singer, and music video director from Oakland, California. She rose to fame in 2011 when her debut single "Gucci Gucci" went viral on YouTube, accumulating nearly three million views within three weeks of its release. The song's success led to a record deal with Columbia Records and a nomination for MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Early life
Natassia Zolot was born on September 24, 1989, in San Francisco, California.<ref name="allmusic">Template:Cite web</ref> She is Jewish and a third-generation Russian American.<ref name="wiki-kreay">Template:Cite web</ref> Her mother, Elka Zolot, was a member of the San Francisco garage punk band The Trashwomen.
Kreayshawn grew up in East Oakland and received her first video camera at the age of ten, which she used to document her raps and everyday life. At 13, she enrolled at MetWest High School, which she described as a "new alternative type of high school." She later transferred to Oakland High School but was expelled for frequently skipping class. She also worked as an intern at a radio station during her time at MetWest.
Before pursuing music, Kreayshawn studied film and became known in the Bay Area underground scene for directing music videos for artists including Lil B and associating with members of Odd Future.
Career
Early work and White Girl Mob (2010–2011)
Kreayshawn released her debut mixtape, Kittys x Choppas, in November 2010, which included a music video for the song "Bumpin Bumpin." While living in Berkeley, she befriended fellow rapper V-Nasty, and the two later formed the all-female rap collective White Girl Mob (WGM) alongside rapper Lil Debbie.
On May 16, 2011, Kreayshawn uploaded the music video for "Gucci Gucci" to YouTube. The song, which featured a catchy chorus name-dropping luxury brands while mocking women who define themselves by those labels, quickly became a viral sensation. She later clarified the song's message in an interview: "I wasn't attacking girls who wear those labels. The message is: Don't let those labels define who you are."<ref name="interview-mag">Template:Cite web</ref>
The "Gucci Gucci" video featured White Girl Mob members Lil Debbie and rapper Speakz, as well as members of Odd Future including Jasper Dolphin, Taco Bennett, and Left Brain. Within three weeks, the video had nearly three million views.
Columbia Records and Somethin' 'Bout Kreay (2011–2012)
The viral success of "Gucci Gucci" attracted the attention of major record labels, and Kreayshawn signed a deal with Columbia Records in 2011. "Gucci Gucci" became her first Billboard Hot 100 entry, peaking at number 57, and was also certified Gold by the RIAA. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Heatseekers chart.
Kreayshawn was nominated for MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, where she also hosted the red carpet. Around this time, she directed a music video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Her debut studio album, Somethin' 'Bout Kreay, was released on September 14, 2012, through Columbia Records. The album featured the single "Go Hard (La.La.La)" and a collaboration with 2 Chainz on "Breakfast (Syrup)." She also appeared on the soundtracks of several films during this period, including The Sitter (2011), The Heat (2013), and Gone Girl (2014).
Later career (2016–present)
Following her Columbia Records period, Kreayshawn continued to release music independently. She released the single "Lean" in 2016 and the mixtape compilation Kitty's N Choppas in 2017. In December 2019 she released the EP T.O.B.M., followed by the album World's Biggest Idiot in April 2021. She has also collaborated with artists including Juicy J and Insane Clown Posse.
In a 2021 interview reflecting on the ten-year anniversary of "Gucci Gucci," Kreayshawn spoke candidly about the difficult personal circumstances surrounding her sudden rise to fame, including mental health challenges and the pressures of overnight celebrity.<ref name="stereogum">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2025, she released the single "Majora," continuing her independent music career.
Personal life
Kreayshawn gave birth to her son, Desmond, in 2013.
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Somethin' 'Bout Kreay | 2012 | Columbia Records |
| World's Biggest Idiot | 2021 | Independent |
Mixtapes
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Kittys x Choppas | 2010 |
| Young, Wealthy & Flashy | 2012 |
| Kitty's N Choppas (re-release/compilation) | 2017 |
Extended plays
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| T.O.B.M. | 2019 |
Selected singles
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Gucci Gucci" | Peak: #57 Billboard Hot 100; RIAA Gold certified; #1 Hot Heatseekers |
| 2012 | "Go Hard (La.La.La)" | From Somethin' 'Bout Kreay |
| 2012 | "Breakfast (Syrup)" Template:Small | From Somethin' 'Bout Kreay |
| 2016 | "Lean" | |
| 2025 | "Majora" |
Filmography (as director)
Kreayshawn has directed music videos for several artists, including Lil B and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.