In Conversation with Alizade

Introducing Alizade, the unstoppable force shaking up the Turkish rap scene with her unapologetic style and energy. Born in Azerbaijan and raised in Russia, she blends Middle Eastern vibes with the unfiltered grit of her Russian roots, creating a sound that’s as vivid as it is captivating. From writing hits in the cold Russian winters to becoming a pioneer in the Turkish rap scene. Alizade’s journey is one of resilience and relentless self-expression. With lyrics that hit hard and a presence that commands attention, she’s redefining the game and inspiring anyone who listens to her to embrace their boldest selves. Keep reading to find out where the inspiration for Alizade’s lyrics lies and how she continues to push boundaries one track at a time<3

It’s great to talk with you! You’ll be playing your new song on Glamcult TV soon. Can you tell us a bit more about it and what inspired it?

Thank you for having me. I’ll soon be performing “Stop Smoking” on Glamcult TV. This song is about sisterhood and trauma bonding. Muslim women are often told to stay quiet, but our tongues are sharp. It’s about how we can do whatever we want as Muslim women without fear. We don’t meet anyone’s expectations. At its core, it’s a song about freedom and breaking free.

When creating music, how do you avoid limiting yourself to a specific genre?
I never limit myself to anything. Even with men, there are no boundaries. From Russia to Holland, with love.

You’re originally from Azerbaijan, Russia. How has your journey from Russia to Turkey influenced your career and personal life?
I was born in Azerbaijan but grew up in Russia, where I spent all my youth and teenage years. From Azerbaijan, I take the Middle Eastern vibes, and from Russia, I take the cold, tough Russian soul. Without my life in Russia, I wouldn’t have the life I’ve built in Turkey.

Russia is my home. It’s where I learned everything—how to cook, how to make music, how to style. Then I brought all of that to Turkey, where, to be honest, there’s no real style. The base of my songs comes from Russia, but Turkey is where I sell the products I create in Russia.

I learned how to make music in Russia. I wrote and recorded all my hits there, in my bedroom, at minus twenty degrees. Then I moved to Turkey and released them—boom, they blew up! Before that, I’d never even been to Turkey. I made my “tantuni” in Russia and sold it in Turkey.

Your work is culturally brave, subversive, and celebrates individual freedom of expression. How do you approach this in your art?
That’s exactly right—my work is culturally brave, subversive, and free. It’s because I’ve got big balls. I’m not scared of anyone, and I don’t think about what people are going to say. I just create what I like and what I feel.

How do you play with the way people perceive your image, particularly with your persona and over-the-top style?
I only care about the opinions of my fan base—my Tantunis. I also care a bit about what my haters say because, in a way, they love me too. That’s why I don’t stress about anything—except if my nail breaks!

Your lyrics are often expressive, but fun. Could you share more about your creative process behind them?
I just like to have some Zaza and fun.

Considering the multiple arrests of Turkish rappers, do you feel that your artistic expression is censored or restricted?
I don’t feel anything anymore because I’ve already been deported from the country. There are no hard feelings—just love.

You’ll be performing in Amsterdam soon. Could you tell us about your relationship with the city?
I don’t have a relationship with the city, but I do have a relationship with my husband—he’s from Amsterdam. I really like the city as well, and I’ve already started learning Dutch.

Get ready to hear her latest track, Stop Smoking, performed on Glamcult TV soon—a powerful anthem of sisterhood and liberation.