Kreayshawn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kreayshawn
Kreayshawn performing in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Natassia Gail Zolot
Also known as	DJ Kreayshawn, KJ$
Born	(1989-09-24) September 24, 1989 (age 35) San Francisco, California, U.S.
Origin	Oakland, California
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper Singer Music video director Radio personality
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Columbia, Kreative Kittys, Smile.Rip
Associated acts	White Girl Mob (V-Nasty, Lil Debbie), Lil B, L$D (Grimes, Blood Diamonds), Dev
Children	1

Natassia Gail Zolot (born September 24, 1989), known by her stage name Kreayshawn, is an American rapper, singer, and music video director. She is from Oakland, California. In 2011, she became famous when the music video for her song "Gucci Gucci" went viral online.

Early Life and Education

Natassia Zolot was born in San Francisco on September 24, 1989. Her mother, Elka Zolot, was in a punk rock band called The Trashwomen. When Kreayshawn was young, her family moved to East Oakland. She got her first video camera when she was 10 years old. She started making videos about her life and her raps.

Instead of a typical high school, Kreayshawn attended schools that offered different ways of learning. She had an internship at a radio station and explored her interests in music and film. At 16, she focused on her education and earned her GED test.

With money she earned from a work program, she got her own apartment at 17. She used her laptop to record songs and shoot music videos for local artists like Lil B. Her video work was so good that she earned a full scholarship to the Berkeley Digital Film Institute for two semesters. After her studies, she moved to Los Angeles to build her career in making music videos.

Music and Directing Career

Kreayshawn onstage in 2011

Kreayshawn was part of a hip hop group called the White Girl Mob with her friends V-Nasty and Lil Debbie. The group eventually stopped making music together in 2012, but they all appeared in Kreayshawn's video for "Go Hard (La.La.La)".

Breakthrough with "Gucci Gucci"

In 2010, Kreayshawn released her first mixtape, Kittys x Choppas. The next year, on May 16, 2011, she released the music video for her single "Gucci Gucci". The video became a huge hit on YouTube, getting millions of views in just a few weeks. Kreayshawn said the song is about encouraging people to be unique and not just follow trends.

The success of the video got the attention of major record labels. Soon after, she signed a contract with Columbia Records. Her fame also led to other opportunities. The Red Hot Chili Peppers asked her to direct the music video for their song "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie". In August 2011, Billboard magazine ranked her at number 34 on its Social 50 chart because of her strong presence on social media.

At the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Kreayshawn was nominated for Best New Artist. During this time, she also had a public disagreement with rapper Rick Ross.

Debut Album and Later Work

Kreayshawn's first album, Somethin' 'Bout Kreay, was released in September 2012. It included the singles "Breakfast" and "Go Hard (La.La.La)". In 2013, her song "Left Ey3" was featured in the movie The Heat.

After her first album, Kreayshawn began working on new music and other creative projects. She started her own jewelry line called "Hella Cute" in 2014 and has been the creative director for the brand OK 1984. She also started a podcast called Lost in Thot with Chippy Nonstop.

On October 27, 2023, her hit single "Gucci Gucci" was certified platinum by the RIAA, meaning it had sold over one million copies.

Artistry and Influences

Kreayshawn has said that her biggest musical influences are the Spice Girls and Missy Elliott. She admires Missy Elliott for her unique style and originality. She is also a fan of artists like Waka Flocka Flame, Kool Keith, and Aaliyah.

In 2011, Business Insider named Kreayshawn one of the 19 Most Important White Rappers, alongside artists like Eminem and Mac Miller.

Personal Life

Kreayshawn announced she was expecting her first child in May 2013. She gave birth to her son on September 18, 2013.

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Extended plays

Singles

Guest appearances

Filmography

Television

Awards

See also

In Spanish: Kreayshawn para niños