The polarizing rapper addresses career doubts and her philanthropic foundation in a revealing new interview
On August 27, 2026, rapper Sexyy Red addressed her public persona during a candid XXL interview. The St. Louis native discussed her resilience against online criticism and highlighted her philanthropic efforts. She also detailed her genuine friendship with Drake while firmly dismissing claims regarding her fleeting fame.
St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red continues to dominate the music industry without letting public opinion dictate her moves. The 28-year-old star recently opened up about the heavy pressures of fame.
Born Janae Wherry, the artist burst onto the scene in early 2023 with her controversial hit song. Curiosity quickly turned into massive success when Nicki Minaj joined the official remix. Since then, the magnetic artist has secured multiple platinum plaques and Billboard hits.
Ignoring The Critics
The rapper recently spoke to XXL about navigating her immense popularity. She detailed her refusal to let negative comments affect her mental health.
”Because I don’t believe what they say. They could say, ‘Oh, she ugly.’ I don’t believe y’all.” Sexyy Red stated.
Fans frequently question how the unproblematic star avoids online feuds with other female artists. ValidUpdates understands that the rapper deliberately chooses her own peace over internet drama. She actively uses negative energy as fuel for her ongoing success.
”I just go with my mood. I don’t go off of comments. I don’t care. I be seeing them talk stuff. But when they talk stuff, they make me want to make them hate some more.” The artist added.
Built For Longevity
Fame brings intense pressure that breaks many upcoming artists in the modern music industry. The St. Louis native believes she possesses natural leadership qualities to handle this heavy burden.
”[I had a] feeling I was because people always followed me. Like even when I was young. I wasn’t purposely doing it, but like, I’d be the leader of the group where everybody want me to be the leader, or they following after stuff I’m doing. I got that like, leader quality in me. That’s why I don’t care what people think. I’m built to be the leader.” She explained.
Critics often flood her social media pages asking when her fame will finally fade away. The rapper firmly rejects the idea that her success relies on a brief viral moment. She plans to maintain her consistency and leave a permanent mark on hip-hop.
”You just can’t care what nobody got to say. That’s why you’ll see a lot of these artists killing theyself or harming theyself because, you know, you stressed out. It’d be too much. And they do.” Sexyy Red observed.
”But you just got to know how to deal with it. That’s real. Like, everybody not really built for this because it’s a lot of stuff that come with this. You’re gonna see people attacking you, you’re gonna have people comment on every little thing you do, you know?” The star asked.
”You got to be consistent because people be thinking the stuff just get handed to you. No, it do not. Sometimes, you will get lucky and maybe you got a hit song with someone. But, you got to be consistent because you see how they be moving onto stuff real fast. They move on to the next artist super-fast.” She warned.
”Be consistent. Leave your mark. And that ain’t easy to do. That’s why a lot of people don’t last long in this stuff. But obviously I’m doing something if y’all still in the comment page, ‘Why her 15 minutes ain’t up yet?’ And I be like, Oh, y’all think it’s going somewhere? Let me show you I’m here to stay.” The rapper declared.
Philanthropy And Genuine Friendships
Beyond the explicit lyrics and polarizing persona lies a deeply nurturing side of the mother. She recently launched the Giving Is Sexyy foundation to support vulnerable families and single parents.
”I just always been a giving person. I like helping out when I can or whatever I can. Especially for my seeds. If it’s gonna benefit them, I’ll be like, yeah, let me help them out.” She noted.
Her authenticity has clearly attracted some major heavyweights in the global music scene. She boasts impressive collaborations with Tyler The Creator, Lil Durk, and DaBaby. However, her bond with Canadian superstar Drake remains one of her most solid industry connections.
”Yeah, that’s my dawg. [He] always come through. You can call on him for whatever. He’ll make sure you straight, for real. Drake just that kind of person. It’d be his birthday; he’d give everybody something that came to his birthday. He buying us gifts on his birthday.” Sexyy Red revealed.
