RESPECT. Interview: Brooklyn’s Own Leaf Talks About Her Debut Album, NYC & More

Fresh, vibrant and talented are just some of the things that can be said to sum up Brooklyn, New York artist Leaf, who is surely making her presence felt in a major way throughout the industry. Leaf gives off an unforgettable vibe that shines bright. She’s also heavily backed by fan favorite record label Fools Gold, headed by the influential DJ A-Trak. Leaf is a new age progressive rapper/singer who is definitely bringing the important message of empowerment to the forefront for all, making Leaf a true staple for the culture in the years to come.

The first time I heard Leaf, I was instantly drawn to her music, from the beat selection to the stories she told. I thought this artist was a true standout, so it was (and still is) an honor to catch up with the artist for an in-depth interview. During the connection, she discussing her Brooklyn background, her new album Trinity and her process throughout, along with a few other important topics. Let’s get to know Leaf.

RESPECT.: Hi Leaf, thank you for meeting with us. How’s your day going so far? What are you up to?
My day is going really great! I’ve just been rehearsing all day, working on my building and writing my amazing newsletter!

RESPECT.: Recently, you’ve released a new album titled Trinity that seems to be doing very well. What was the process like for you working on this project and ultimately what did you want your listeners to take in from this body of work?
The process was a long 2 years in the making –- really enjoyed making the project because of the opportunity to grow as an artist and grow as a woman. I got to learn a lot about myself and learn about the music that I was making.

I really wanted listeners to get another piece of me; I can be a little mysterious at times and not too vulnerable. I really wanted to open up and give my fans a moment of my story that they can connect to by showing them who I am a little bit more.

RESPECT.: What were some of your main influences while working on Trinity and what is the story behind the album’s title?
Hmm, main influences, not necessarily an artist…I was more inspired by surroundings. Coming from NYC to living in ATL then moving to LA, meeting the people through my journey, moving through the moments of my life and gaining perspective while becoming who I am today really inspired the project. I wouldn’t say it is anybody in music or any person who I idolize, because I like a lot of music that doesn’t specifically pertain to [my own].

The story behind the title Trinity: number of creation (3), there are 3 trimesters in the birth cycle, you could survive for 3 minutes without air before dying, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food and 3 months without shelter. I just wanted to play with that connection between life and death. 3 is symbolic for creation and women are creators. Wanted to embody female empowerment and what it means to be a creator or creative who puts their gift into the world.

RESPECT.: Sorry to be cliché but my two favorite tracks on Trinity is “FWM” and “The Weekend”; the tone of these songs — alongside the vibes and your voice on the track — are perfect standouts for me. What’s your favorite (or what are your favorites) from this project and why?

It’s really funny you say that! I don’t have a specific fave but those are definitely 2 of the records I love a lot. The songs that I’m most focused on right now are “FWM,” gimme some, & I really like the weekend, too. A lot of people like that song which is really dope. & I really like the feedback on that song because I don’t show that side of me often. It makes me feel pretty vulnerable – in that state with a guitar being raw like that. Something I don’t show a lot of people it’s a part of me that I try to keep secretive I’ve been doing it for so long now – playing guitar since 14 & singing since before that – that I’m just happy that people really like that piece it means a lot to me.

RESPECT.: As you grow as an artist making waves through the music industry, how important is it for you to keep embracing the NYC underground culture/sound that you grew up in and around?
Coming from New York — growing up in New York — that’s something I can’t really get rid of, no matter if I’m at the top of the world, Dubai, or Paris for months, I’m never gonna get rid of the New Yorker in me. I’ve been living in LA on and off now for like 3 years [and] I don’t really feel like [the New York in me is] gonna ever go anywhere. My accent isn’t all the way there (even though when I do go home it comes back immediately)…I just feel like for me, New York is who I am –- that’s not something that I can take out of me. To incorporate it in my music, I don’t think it’s something I think about its something that effortlessly happens.

RESPECT.: So I see you just did something with the major brand Forever 21. How did this come together for you and what was like working with them?
The most dope thing about my brand collaborations is that they are extremely organic. Forever 21 hit me up on Instagram, they liked my music and what I stood for. When they asked me to be a part of their campaign, for me, it was a dream come true. As a young girl, it was always a goal and a dream of mine to work with Forever 21 while being able to reach young girls simultaneously. I am just extremely proud and honored to be a part of something so major and it’s been exciting continuing to build my relationship with them.

RESPECT.: Lastly, what can we look forward to seeing from Leaf in the upcoming months?
What’s next? Definitely more campaigns –- Trinity just dropped so continuing to push that and work on that. Maybe some more videos, more performances and touring, my newsletter, new merch and much more to come soon!

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