Brooke Candy

Brooke Candy
Birth name Brooke Dyan Candy
Born July 20, 1989
Oxnard, California, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s) Rapper
Labels RCA,[1] Columbia (UK)[2]
Website brookecandyofficial.com

Brooke Dyan Candy (born July 20, 1989) is an American rapper and singer. She is best known for co-starring in the music video for Grimes' hit single "Genesis".[3][4] She independently released videos for her songs "Das Me",[5] "Everybody Does",[6] and "I Wanna Fuck Right Now"[7] before collaborating with photographer Steven Klein and stylist Nicola Formichetti on her fourth video, "Opulence". [8] Candy signed with RCA in February 2014.[9]

Candy's father is the CFO of Hustler magazine and CEO of Hustler Casino, and Candy herself has been employed by Hustler as a mannequin stylist. Her industry ties helped her snag an internship with reality star and stylist Rachel Zoe. Before becoming a pop singer, Candy worked in a strip-club called Seventh Veil for eight months. Although she has been approached by four major record labels, she has not signed a recording contract. Best known for sporting metallic bikinis and pink cornrows, Candy has been compared to Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, and Nicki Minaj. Candy cites transhumanism and superhero-culture as the inspiration for her metallic costumes.

Early life and career

Brooke Candy was born in Oxnard, California. She grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of Agoura Hills[10] and is of Italian and Jewish descent.[11][12][13] Her parents divorced when she was eight. Her mother was a pediatric nurse while her father was CFO of Hustler magazine.[14] Candy has talked about the stark difference between her two parents’ lives: "[The Hustler offices were] so gaudy and amazing. I'd eat ice cream and watch TV and just go from that to being with my mom, who had nothing. It was strange... It's this whole idea of duality that I'm just obsessed with.”[14]

Candy was kicked out her house by her parents after coming out.[15] She also lived out of her car for a period, working as an exotic dancer at the Seventh Veil adult club in Hollywood.[10]

While working as an intern for Rachel Zoe, Candy contacted Larry Flynt, seeking work as a photographer for Hustler.[10] Flynt eventually employed her as a mannequin stylist for Hustler store fronts. Candy described the job as "dress[ing] the mannequins slutty."[10]

Music career

During 2012 and 2013, Candy independently released her first three videos for her songs; "Das Me", "Everybody Does", and "I Wanna **** Right Now" on YouTube.[10] The videos had more than a million views by early 2013.[10] In August 2012, she co-starred in the music video for Grimes' single "Genesis".[10] Candy's first major label recording took place when she appeared on the track "Cloud Aura" on Charli XCX's debut album True Romance.[16] Candy was introduced to Charli by Azealia Banks when Candy hosted Banks' Mermaid Ball in Los Angeles.[17]

She eventually signed with RCA Records in February, 2014.[9] "Opulence", co-written with Sia and produced by Diplo, was her first single for the label.[18] For the song's video, she collaborated with stylist Nicola Formichetti and Steven Klein.[18] The video explores the theme of "freaks," a concept that was conceived conceived by Candy and Formichetti at a drag bar in Tokyo.[18] It features transgender woman, drag queens, and gay men who are friends with Candy.[18] “We’re all freaks and outcasts, and this was meant to empower them,” Candy said.[18] Formichetti, Candy and Klein worked on a V Mag shoot that lead to Steven Klein directing "Opulence".[19]

"Opulence" was the title track of her first EP, which was released in May 2014.[20]

Her debut album is currently being produced by label-mate Sia amongst others. Sia, who is an executive producer and an songwriter on the album, discovered Candy on Instagram in 2008 and reached out to her, believing “that I was the only person who could really support [Candy] in becoming who [she is] on a grander stage or platform.”.[14] So far, Sia has written at least one song --“Living Out Loud”—for Candy.[14]

Artistry

Candy is known for her extreme fashion style, most notably her long cornrows and metallic bikini costumes.[10] Sia described Candy as a “feminista glam alien.” [21] Vogue profiled Candy in July, 2014, saying "For all her shape-shifting, perhaps it’s helpful to think of Brooke Candy as a tabula rasa whose videos, concerts, and everyday appearances each necessitate a different character. Together, they make her a fashion plate palimpsest." [22]

Candy's fashion has been described as a distinctive stripper-meets-Tumblr aesthetic.[23] She often collaborates with fashion designer Seth Pratt.[24] Following trends in stan culture, Candy has nicknamed her fanbase #FagMob.[7]

Vice blogger Ali Carman asked Candy, in an interview, if she was offended that her internet persona was considered fake. Candy replied: "My persona is a reality to me, you know. Like I would never rap and act hood if it wasn't actually my mentality and I wouldn't perform in a super-sexual way if being a stripper wasn't the way I made money."[25] MTV called Candy's look "super hardcore", a "breath of fresh, fearless air", and a prayer answered by the pop goddesses.[26] Calling her the "Freaky Princess", The Guardian journalist Michael Cragg agreed with the stripper-turned-rapper's alias, comparing her to Xena, the Warrior Princess.[27] Musically, Candy's work has been recognized for its twerk-able nature, springy beats, and cyberpunk.[17]

Candy also hosts a blog dedicated to photography.[25]

Public image

Candy is the face of Formichetti's campaign for Diesel accessories.[18] Formichetti discovered Candy in Grimes' Geneisis video.[18] “I wasn’t really looking for anybody. I wanted to just focus on Diesel,” Formichetti said. “But when I saw her, I couldn’t resist.”[18] Candy performed at Diesel's Spring 2014 launch party in Japan.[28]

She was on the cover of Paper‍ '​s 30th anniversary issue in September, 2014.[29] She also performed at their anniversary party during New York Fashion Week.[29]

Candy's image is highly sexualized "They told me not to make something so sexual," Candy told New York writer Christopher Glazek, recalling a conversation Candy had with her record executives about the music video for her song "I Wanna Fuck Right Now",[10] whose refrain is: "I wanna fuck right now / I wanna fuck right now now".[10] In her song "Das Me", Candy raps the phrase: "Slut is now a compliment" and "Candy is my name but there's nothing sweet about me.", epitomizing her personality and mission.[17] Her salacious discography aims to metaphorically represent the modern, digital zeitgeist and the dystopian future Candy foresees.[17][27] "I Wanna Fuck Right Now" reverses the gender-roles placed on women by hip hop music with lyrics like: "...pussy is a weapon, I'll be shooting dudes at random."[27] The prologue of the song reiterates the theme by sampling the line "boy don't try to front I know just what you are" from "Womanizer" by Britney Spears.[27] The video for "Das Me" co-starred many of Candy's personal friends, and the costumes were designed and made by Seth Pratt. The golden bikini sported by Candy in the video, reminiscent of the silver one worn in the "Genesis" video, was inspired by Candy's scholarly fetish of nanotechnology and transhumanism.[17]

Film

Candy has made two film appearances.[30] In 2011, Candy landed herself a leading role as a rockstar vampiress named "Baby K" in the slasher film, Bloodrape.[31][32][33] At the age of ten, Candy had a walk-on role in the film Dennis the Menace Strikes Again! as the little girl at the diving board.[30][34]

Influences

Candy revealed Lil' Kim as an inspiration for her rapping technique and irreverent image.[25] Openly bisexual[35][36] Candy also expresses strong feministic ideals,[25] saying on the topic:

Well, being a woman that likes women, I guess you could say I've derived inspiration and wanted to promote strong women my whole life. I'm all about women helping women. There aren't enough collaborations like there were back in the day. Remember that track "Ladies Night" with Missy, Angie Martinez, Da Brat, and Left Eye?[25]

Contrasting to what a traditional feminist would involve themselves in, Candy often shoots with celebrity photographer Terry Richardson who has mustered controversy regarding sexual exploitation of models.[37]

Candy is an adamant and vocal proponent of the legalization of sex work and recreational use of marijuana.[10]

Personal life

Candy's father is the CFO of Hustler magazine and CEO of Hustler Casino.[10] Candy loves traveling, and listed Copenhagen and Hamburg as favorite destinations.[10] Candy has the name "Gotti" tattooed on the inside of her forearm in honor of John Gotti, after whom she has also named her puppy.[26]

Discography

EPs

Title Details
Opulence

Singles

List of lead singles, showing year released and album name
Year Title Album
2012 "Das Me" Non-album singles
2013 "Everybody Does"
"I Wanna Fuck Right Now"
"Pussy Make the Rules"
"Dumb"
2014 "Opulence" Opulence

Features

List of features, showing year released and album name
Year Title Lead artist Album
2012 Cloud Aura Charli XCX True Romance
2014 2 On (Remix) Tinashe Non-album song

Other releases

List of alphabetized other releases, showing other artists if applicable
Title Other artists
Acapulco Blue
Angry Birds Young Hawaii Slim
Bedrock Closet Boy
Bitch Like Me Cory Enemy
Both Hands Damien Blaise
Don't Touch My Hair Hoe
Eat Fist Paloma & Mela
Firey Dick
Flawless Alex Black & Closet Boy
FREAKY PRINCE$$
Henny Pop (Double) 2.0
Hoops
Low Luxury Closet Boy
So Dope Jesse Saint John
$TACK
Theme Music Count Mack
Trill

Filmography

Films
Year Title Role Source
1998 Dennis the Menace Strikes Again! Girl at diving board [30]
2011 Bloodrape Baby K [31]

References

  1. ↑ "Dynamic Rapper/Singer Brooke Candy Signs With RCA Records". RCA Records. 2014-02-18. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
  2. ↑ "Dynamic Rapper/singer Brooke Candy Signs With Columbia Records The Opulence Ep Is Out May 5th 2014". Contact Music. 2014-02-18. Retrieved 25 Jun 2014.
  3. ↑ "Director's Cut: Grimes "Genesis"". Pitchfork Media. 2012-08-27. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
  4. ↑ "Grimes - Genesis". YouTube.com. 2012-08-22. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
  5. ↑ "BROOKE CANDY "DAS ME" OFFICIAL VIDEO". Bloodyguts.tumblr.com. 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
  6. ↑ "BROOKE CANDY "EVERYBODY DOES" OFFICIAL VIDEO". YouTube. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Cantor, Paul. "Brooke Candy 'I Wanna F*ck Right Now' Video". The Boom Box. AOL. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  8. ↑ "Opulence". YouTube. 2015-04-27. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Dynamic Rapper / Singer Brooke Candy Signs with RCA Records". RCA Records. 18 February 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2015. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 10.12 Glazek, Christopher (17 March 2013). "The Rise of the Rapping, Stripping, Snake-Charming Brooke Candy". Vulture. New York Media, LLC. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  11. ↑ "BLOODY GUTS: is candy your real last name? what is your...". tumblr.com.
  12. ↑ Sophie Hoyle. "No Homo: Brooke Candy and the New Wave of Queer Hip-Hop". academia.edu.
  13. ↑ "Brooke Candy: ‘I Don’t Do Well With Barriers’ - DIY". DIY.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 "The Chosen Ones". PaperMag. Retrieved 24 June 2014.
  15. ↑ "Brooke Candy". Vulture. V Magazine. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  16. ↑ Eanett, Lindsey (28 November 2012). "Charli XCX, Brooke Candy and... Honey Boo-Boo?". BlackBook. VIBE. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Myers, Owen (October 2012). "Video Premiere: Brooke Candy "Das Me"". Dazed & Confused. Waddell Limited. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 Zarella, Katherine K. (28 April 2014). "Backed by Nicola Formichetti’s Diesel Power, Brooke Candy Shoots for Stardom". Style.com. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  19. ↑ "Candy Land".
  20. ↑ "Brooke Candy To Release Opulence EP On May 6th". RCA Records. 2014-04-28. Retrieved 2014-06-25.
  21. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/20/magazine/sia-furler-the-socially-phobic-pop-star.html?_r=0
  22. ↑ |title=Why Brooke Candy Is Poised to Become Fashion’s Latest Pop Muse |url=http://www.vogue.com/946467/brooke-candy-fashion-pop-music-muse/
  23. ↑ "Exclusive Gallery: L.A. Rapper Brooke Candy Unwrapped". Bullett Media. 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
  24. ↑ "BROOKE CANDY". Alispelleschi.com.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 Carman, Ali. "Stalking Heads: Brooke Candy". Vice. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Catarinella, Alex (19 February 2013). "Brooke Candy: These Are A Few Of Her Favorite Things". MTV: It Girls. Viacom. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 Cragg, Michael (11 February 2013). "New music: Brooke Candy - I Wanna Fuck Right Now". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  28. ↑ "Nicola Formichetti interview". Elle. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "WELCOME TO THE FERAL, FREAKY WORLD OF BROOKE CANDY".
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 "Brooke Candy - IMDb". IMDB. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Bloodrape (2011)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  32. ↑ Stipp, Christopher (17 September 2010). "This Week In Trailers: Trigger, Night Of The Demons, Bloodrape, Idiots And Angels, Picture Me". /Film. Peter Sciretta. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  33. ↑ SF Weekly Staff (22 August 2012). "Arthouse Movie Listings August 22-28, 2012". SF Weekly. The San Francisco Newspaper Company LLC. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  34. ↑ "Amazon.com: Dennis the Menace Strikes Again". Amazon.com. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  35. ↑ Bendix, Trish (2013-02-12). "Brooke Candy has a butch fluffer in her new video, lesbianism in "The Nun"". AfterEllen.com. Retrieved 2014-06-29.
  36. ↑ Hattie Collins. "Gay rap, the unthinkable becomes reality | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 2014-06-29.
  37. ↑ Smith, Emily (March 16, 2010). "New rip on fotog". New York Post. Retrieved August 7, 2011.

External links