Urban Pulse Magazine

Bri Toria is more than just a rapper—she’s a storyteller, a visionary, and an artist using her voice to break generational barriers. From sharing her first viral freestyle to releasing vulnerable and purposeful music, Bri Toria blends honesty, creativity, and raw energy in her artistry. With influences from icons like Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, and Snoh Aalegra, she’s carving a lane entirely her own. Through challenges, self-discovery, and persistence, Bri Toria continues to show the world that music is not just a craft—it’s her purpose.

When did you first realize rap was more than just a hobby for you, and what was the moment that made you say, “This is it”?
I always loved music, but the moment I knew rap was more than a hobby was when I did my 444 freestyle and shared it for the world to see. It wasn’t just about rhyming—it was like the words were carrying me through something. That’s when I realized—this isn’t just me expressing myself, this is me stepping into purpose.

When you’re writing, do you start with the beat, the lyrics, or a feeling you want to capture?
It’s a mixture of all the above, honestly. I started writing to no beat and just lyrics/melodies I get in my head. When people send me beats I’ll write to them, so I can’t give a one-answer response because it’s all of them for me.

Which artists or life experiences have shaped your style the most, and how can listeners hear that influence in your music?
Lauryn Hill has a huge impact on that side of my artistry, along with Snoh Aalegra, Beyoncé, and Tink. You can hear it in my vocal runs, my storytelling, and the vulnerability I bring to every track.

If someone had never heard your music before, which one track should they start with, and why?
The song I would tell people to listen to is “Wait For Me.” It’s the song that put me on as an artist. I openly expressed myself on a vulnerable level in that song. You can hear the potential in my vocal ability and wordplay.

What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the hardest obstacles was being taken seriously in a space where everyone thinks they know what you should sound like. I overcame it by putting in the work, showing consistency, and proving through my music that my lane is mine alone.

You’ve probably lived through moments your fans don’t know about—what’s one personal story behind a song that changed how you see life or music?
My song “Loved the Unloved” from my album Eye Am Isis is one of those songs. It explains how the way people treat you is a reflection of them and their insecurities, not who I am or my impact. I internalized this for years, thinking I wasn’t good enough or worthy of love. Through therapy, self-reflection, and healing, I realized none of that had to do with me—it was all about them. That song is a testament to reclaiming your power.

How do you feel about the current state of hip hop, and where do you see yourself fitting into it?
I feel like there is no authenticity in it anymore. I can count on both hands all the rappers I know who actually rap about what they witness or live—most of it is fraudulent or lacks substance. Sometimes I don’t feel much, but there are a few who rap with purpose and energy, and they have my respect. I’m here to bring realness and intention to the culture.

What’s the most misunderstood thing about you as an artist or person, and how does your music set the record straight?
That I’m just a pretty face and a nice body. I’m extremely creative, and people do not give me credit for my creativity or my sound. My music sets the record straight—it’s my lane, my vision, and my story.

When people talk about you years from now, what do you want them to say about your impact on the culture?
I walked it like I talked it, with my head held high. I want them to say that I became an inspiration for pursuing dreams and breaking generational curses. Also, that I’m a wide-range artist—a box would hate to see me coming because I’ll break through it.

What’s coming up next that fans should be excited about—whether it’s music, performances, or collaborations?
So much is coming next—you’ll just have to keep a good eye on me to see what’s up.