Authenticity Over Acceptance: Phoenixx's Journey in Music

For Phoenixx, music has always been bigger than entertainment. The New York native was raised by a single mother and grew up singing hymns in Italian and Latin in the Catholic Church. At home, her grandmother's record collection introduced her to artists like Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, while Gospel music became another major influence. She credits that diversity of sound for shaping her into the multi-genre artist she is today.

As a child, Phoenixx would sneak to watch public access television, where she discovered artists like Jay-Z and Aaliyah. Music quickly became her focus. She sang in several choirs, developing the vocal skills that would later lead her to vocal coaching and songwriting. By high school, she was skipping class to write lyrics at Daddy's House recording studio. After graduation, she pursued songwriting professionally. Although she started as a singer, a friend challenged her to rap, leading her to release freestyles that expanded her audience. Last year, she merged both sides of her artistry on her debut single, Doin the Most, followed by Match.

The journey hasn't been without obstacles. As a plus-size, dark-skinned woman, Phoenixx says she has had to navigate both body discrimination and colorism in an industry that often prioritizes appearance over talent. After undergoing weight-loss surgery in 2015, she expected some barriers to disappear. Instead, she found new challenges waiting. Still, she refuses to let those experiences define her career. "I'd rather it take longer," she says, confident that talent, authenticity, and persistence ultimately matter more than fitting industry standards.

Phoenixx is now working to bring all facets of her artistry together. On July 3, she released Woosa, the first single from her upcoming project, From BK to LA. The compilation pairs California artists with West Coast production. Featuring Long Beach artist Trap, Woosa explores anger management and self-control. Inspired by experiences living in Los Angeles as a New Yorker, the song reflects those moments when people try to provoke a reaction, and the discipline required not to give them one.

While Phoenixx continues to write for other artists and coach singers, her personal mission remains clear. Despite having a relatively small support system, she relies on her faith and believes God has a plan for her path. For Phoenixx, success isn't measured by fame or streaming numbers. It's measured by impact. She describes her artistry as a ministry. If someone approaches her after a performance and says they connected with her music or felt inspired by her story, she considers that a success. Her goal is to create music that empowers people to believe in themselves and resonates across generations. For Phoenixx, the ultimate goal is simple: make meaningful music, touch lives, and empower the people she encounters.

Written by Thiisiiscyn