Toronto’s Ekelle rhymes about what she knows best: her real-life experience! Money, sex, drama, and identity stir together to create a style she calls Hood Pop – popular music with a street edge. Currently, Ekelle is an artist in the RBC Launchpad Music Entrepreneurship Program, guided by her instincts and a passion for music, pop culture and fashion.

She’s back with a new ‘bad bitch anthem’ titled “Flo” which she remarks is her preferred song style. “We’re finally in a place where the music scene, especially in Canada where we are embracing Female rappers, allows us to exist independently without putting us all in a box.” It’s a sexy track perfect for a night out.

We caught up with Ekelle below!

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

The story of ‘Flo’ is one of bold self-confidence and embracing your sensual energy. The track has parts that are sexier and softer and others that are aggressive and in your face. I wanted the visual to have a sassy, playful theme with a little dangerous, vibe. This is also my first release of 2023 so I wanted this visual to be different, to really capture an aesthetic.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video(visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

I was actually trying to find creative ways to have my more modest friends be involved. They want to support me, but may not be as comfortable as I am with certain levels of explicity. I love the imagery of a ski mask baddie, and the factor of anonymity can be very sexy so I built the concept around that. I definitely got some inspiration from Destiny’s Child, 90’s hip hop, and just rap culture in general. I also wanted to go with a less is more philosophy, it’s a simple video but I think it allowed us to get more creative.

3. What was the process of making this video?

The process of making the video was fun. I usually start with a mood board so I can show the videographer my ideas, themes, and inspiration. I like to collaborate with different videographers and I was wanting to work with Prince Beatz Media for a while so I was excited to have a concept to bring to him. I showed him the mood board and he really got it down to a T. He even added the effects and shots I was looking for without even having to tell him. It was a great experience. I shot the video at That Toronto Studio.