PREMIERE: MONRXE's Reflects On Being A Black Woman In Australia With 'BAD4YA'

When we talk about music being an introduction, Melbourne’s MONRXE has made a strong one with the release of her debut single, BAD4YA.

Built upon a bed of lived experiences, drawing from a rich and vibrant sonic palette of influences, the track is an insight into a fresh new voice and perspective to come out of the Melbourne R&B scene.

Though this is her first release under the MONRXE moniker, the artist has been evolving her craft from a young age; a natural performer who has established a reputation for herself as a strong and dynamic vocalist in other outfits, now ready to step out into a spotlight all her own.

As MONRXE describes, BAD4YA is an observation on life lived as a Black woman growing up in Australia.

Spending these formative years in Queensland, MONRXE experienced multiple forms of racial discrimination and fetishisation; with her music, she has channelled the feeling of hurt, confusion and frustration into music that is impossible to steer away from.

Perfect for fans of Teyana Tayor, KAIIT, DVSN and Lauryn Hill, BAD4YA puts the ignorant on blast.

“BAD4YA explores multifaceted layers of systemic fetishiation of Black women within a world of white privilege,” she explains.

“Particularly, when it comes to oppressive views that the Black woman should be seen and not heard. The idea that white society loves black culture, but not Black issues is sad; really dehumanising.”

“BAD4YA speaks of such experiences where partners outside of my culture would be drawn to the fact that I was a well-spoken Black woman.”

She continued, “I was opposed to preconceived stereotypes of their experience with Black women portrayed in the media. That was the limit to how I was permitted to behave. I wasn’t allowed to contest treatment of racial discrimination, nor voice my authentic opinions from a Black perspective.”

“If I ever did contest, my reputation was villainised. I had to remain in a state of code-switching in order to be accepted as “safe.””

In celebration of MXNROE’s powerful debut single dropping tomorrow (July 12), we’re premiering the track a day early just for you - check it out below!

BAD4YA is out on all platforms on July 12.