Ahead of Kehlani’s “Crash World Tour” Austin stop on Friday, Anycia strutted across the stage in burnt orange, hyping up the crowd for her interactive performance and hit songs from her debut album Princess Pop That. Before the rapper performed at the Moody Amphitheater, The Daily Texan spoke with Anycia about her latest releases and collaborations. 

The Daily Texan: In many of your songs, you mention being from the southside of Atlanta. How has where you’re from influenced not only your taste in music but what you produce?

Anycia: I like to consider myself a girl from Atlanta as a whole and it has played a big role in all the shit I do for obvious reasons. … We have Sierra Outcast and The Bone Crushers, but it’s one of those places that allows you to be an individual. It allows you to be yourself, so I wouldn’t say Atlanta influenced me, but it made me who I am and my style. 

DT: What was your initial reaction when your debut was announced as one of the best albums of 2024 by Rolling Stone magazine?

A: I’ll be happy, but I feel like I’m in a dream and I’m just not gonna wake up. … I haven’t really had time to sit down, and so it ain’t really hit me yet. Everybody be having to remind me like, ‘girl you cannot just be doing whatever.’ 

DT: Is there a message you want to be able to tell with your music?

A: Always have thick skin. If you want to jump into this water you better know how to swim. I’m not about to sugarcoat it and play because you have to have thick skin. You gotta learn how to deal with yourself before you even try to deal with other shit. You have to be comfortable with yourself because it’s a lot of different opinions so just learn to deal with it. 

DT: What’s your advice for students who want to go into the music industry?

A: Not to sound cliche, but be yourself. It’s as simple as that. It’s free-ninety-nine to be yourself and it’s easy. Why are you trying to be somebody else? (Why) are you trying to keep up with what somebody else is doing? You lose sight of yourself (by doing that), and that doesn’t last. Be yourself kids, and don’t let nobody tell you what you can’t and can do. Don’t ever allow anybody to discourage you if it’s something you’re passionate about.