Kreayshawn is the stage name of Natassia Zolot, an American hip hop artist and music video director from San Francisco, California. Born in 1989, she is active from 2008 and becomes widely known in 2011 with the release of her single “Gucci Gucci”, a track that rejects designer labels and brings her mainstream attention. Her work is associated with hip hop, and she uses the label Mama Kreay Publishing.

Background

Kreayshawn grows up in East Oakland. She is the daughter of Elka Zolot, who is a former member of the San Francisco garage-punk band The Trashwomen. She attends several high schools but does not graduate, and later studies at Berkeley Digital Film Institute on scholarship without completing the programme.

Career

Alongside her recording work, Kreayshawn directs music videos. She directs videos for rapper Lil B. Her breakout single “Gucci Gucci” generates a large online response and leads to a recording contract with Columbia Records in 2011. Her associated acts include White Girl Mob and L$D.

Style and associations

Kreayshawn is identified with hip hop and alternative rap styles, and her name is also linked with the terms swag and based in music tag usage. Her recordings and publishing are connected to Mama Kreay Publishing.