Draft Article #3

Libby Zarong. The name that’s been circulating the office here at Major Magazine for weeks, and the one that would be unfair not to share with you. Libby Zarong, the 20-year-old Londoner has proven to be one of music’s most intriguing new shape-shifters since she started posting songs and videos online a few years ago. Fast-forward to today, and her fiesty single “Did You Know?” has amassed more than one million-plus YouTube views. What’s fresh about Zarong is how she combines ludicrous charisma with lyrical naughtiness, and groundbreaking bass lines whilst spitting unforgettable rhymes in the process. “I’m aware of the negative audiences I’ll reach through my music. Hip-hop reflects the truth that society tries to conceal, and that is what I intend to voice,” says Libby, who studied fashion before she took to the music industry. Her honesty and attitude fully emerges once she steps in front of a camera, as proven today at the photo shoot for Major. Zarong oozes with confidence, not phased by the racial comments being made and stereo- typical views constantly being preached to her that white women should not rap. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore, why can’t a British girl rap?” Libby groans, “I guess it’s just another thing to set me apart from other artists.” Understandably, Zarong doesn’t want anything to affect her speedy, flawless victory that she’s accomplished so far. She’s already collaborated with Pharrell Williams - American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer - and signed a major record deal with Def Jam Recordings, which is yet to confirm the release date of her debut album later in the year. Not to mention that she’s already got her hands on a Brit Award for the Critic’s Choice of 2013. With Def Jam Recordings managing her every move, it’s not surprising that Zarong has already began to crack America, starring and performing on the Ellen Show, “Featuring on the Ellen Show has been a great experience of mine. To be in America and to be doing these shows is just unbelievable,” says Libby. It’s about time that a British girl crashed onto the hip-hop scene and became more than just a one-hit-wonder, and it looks like Libby is about to do exactly that. It’s been quite a journey for Libby Zarong, whose current fame-filled and chaotic lifestyle contrasts to her tough beginnings in life: Her mother died when she was twelve, and so she was raised in London by her father. “I get noticed, even when I’m underwear shopping... It’s weird,” Libby says. “It’s all came at once. For me, a 20- year-old girl from Camden, it’s like... You know... How does this happen?” Libby Zarong has already performed at Coachella festival alongside Azealia Banks, V Festival, and Glastonbury, with massive turn outs at each performance, shaking up the hop-hop scene and changing the conventions of the typical rap artist. We asked her if she has any festivals or gigs lined up already for this year, but all she revealed was, “I like to surprise... All I’ll say is that I am very excited about one festival in particular!” Alongside her unique lyrics and beats, her style makes her stand out from the rest. She’s been praised for her daring outfits that come to her so effortlessly yet look outstanding on stage and has been the talk of the fashion blogs for the past month, Zarong even made an appearance on Jessis Holeva’s “Trend Hungry Blog”, a massive blog in the fashion world. But try calling her a fashion icon and prepare for a woman in denial, “I don’t see myself as some sort of fashion icon... I wasn’t brought up with materialistic things and this hasn’t changed, I just make do with what I have and throw an outfit together.” We asked her to describe her style in three words and she responded quite confidently, “fiesty, bold, and chic”. All of these accomplishments from one woman in one year is extraordinary, let alone for a British girl from Camden. Libby Zarong has a laundry list of boldfaced fans, including Kanye West, Gwyneth Paltrow, Karl Lagerfeld, and Nicola Formichetti, who will direct Zarong’s next video. However, Zarong seemse almost aggressively unastonished by the attention. “I definitely have more money and shit,” she admits, “but that’s all virtual stuff.” And if you ask her about meeting the likes of Kanye? “It’s cool, but they’re just people. The skies don’t part and glow orange.” An attitude like this from someone that’s been thrust into the spotlight is refreshing, and is an attitude that the music industry so desperately needs. We’ll keep you posted on the release date of Libby Zarong’s highly anticipated album “OWN” and her debut single “Did You Know?” is available to download on iTunes now.