Among the new wave of artists making noise today is pretty liyah, a rapper from the South Side of Chicago whose authenticity, energy, and relentless hustle have helped her stand out in an increasingly crowded scene.
Born and raised in Chicago, pretty liyah came up in a city legendary for its intense musical culture. Her early appearances in interviews and tracks make it clear that the city — with all its challenges and culture — has deeply shaped her voice and perspective. From the beginning, she built her audience not through major label backing but through consistent online output and local support.
Unlike many artists who first enter the industry through major studios, Liyah carved out her space primarily on YouTube and street platforms, racking up views with vivid performances and tracks that captured a raw, unfiltered view of Chicago life. Her early singles like “It’s a Throw” became underground summer hits in the city, earning traction through word-of-mouth and performances at local events like high school homecomings and youth fairs. Her connection with Chicago’s young community helped cement her as a relatable and homegrown star in her own right.
Musical Style & Breakout Moments
Pretty Liyah’s sound mixes elements of drill, street rap, and energetic footwork influences, underpinned by catchy ad-libs and bold braggadocio. Her lyrics often navigate themes of hustle, personal struggle, community pride, and “having fun while living through real experiences.” This blend of energy and authenticity has helped her grow a legion of hardcore fans largely through organic reach.
Beyond “It’s a Throw,” she has released numerous singles that showcase both versatility and grit — from high-energy club bangers to more personal pieces. Liyah’s music has resonated especially with listeners who appreciate her unapologetic approach and her commitment to representing her city without compromise.
Life, Growth & Challenges
Interviews with Liyah showcase a young artist balancing her rising rap career with real-world responsibilities and growth. In discussions on podcasts and video interviews, she’s opened up about the realities of being booked and busy while navigating personal life challenges, including motherhood and managing a growing career. She’s spoken candidly about going viral and the unexpected moments that come with chasing a music career — like having a video shoot interrupted by gunfire — underscoring both the resilience and complexity of her path.
Her rise hasn’t been about glossy mainstream hype — instead, it has been rooted in authenticity and relatability, earning her respect within Chicago’s streets and beyond as a voice that represents her community rather than commercial trends.
“LI AGAINST THE WORLD” — A New Era
In January 2026, pretty liyah dropped her latest project, LI AGAINST THE WORLD – EP, a 6-track body of work released through Velcro Records.
The EP blends the unapologetic energy she’s known for with personal storytelling and sonic diversity — from gritty rap bars to melodic hooks. Standout tracks like “Straight To My” demonstrate Liyah’s ability to fuse catchy hooks with confident verses, while songs such as “Need That” and “Bad Decisions” (featuring Ron E) show a maturation in her sound that balances vulnerability with bravado.
