Kenyan-Australian artist Brazen Barbie has released her new mixtape, BRAZEN, a 12-track collection blending R&B, hip hop, and rap.
The project shows off a mix of confidence, introspection, and sharp lyricism, and includes singles like “Ain’t No Dummy” and “DEEP END”.
“BRAZEN is a self portrait,” says Barbie. “Each track is a snapshot of a different mood or moment in my life… the good, the gritty, the tired.”
From playful moments to more reflective themes, the mixtape highlights Barbie’s range as both a performer and songwriter. She’s previously performed at SXSW, BIGSOUND, Sydney Fringe Festival, and Promiseland.
Brazen Barbie’s BRAZEN is out now.
Brazen Track by Track:
“Ain’t No Dummy”
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This was the first track I locked in for the project and it really set the tone for everything that followed. I wrote it during a time when I felt like people kept underestimating me, in relationships, friendships, life. I wanted something bold, bratty, but still smart, and this was it. I kept the vocals raw and upfront, and that attitude ended up shaping the whole tape. I wrote it because I also found it really interesting how we as humans can know what the right thing is, know what’s best for us and what not to do, but ultimately still choose the self destructive path.
“Deep End”
Deep End is definitely my favourite track on the mixtape. This one came out of pure release. I was fed up, burnt out and needed something that matched the chaos in my head. The garage 2-step bounce gave it this unhinged, high energy feel, like letting go of all my frustrations. It feels like clocking out after a long day of being micromanaged, underestimated, and talked down to, then finally snapping back.
“Been That”
Ish Quan produced this one and the electric guitar gave it a slick, gritty edge that instantly pulled me in. The writing came from a place of confidence and clarity. It’s sharp, self assured, and full of lines that hit if you’re really listening.
“What Do I Care?”
This one sits in its own lane. The beat is smooth and soulful, but I’m saying some real shit over it. It’s part rant, part revelation. I was unpacking everything identity, ambition, betrayal, expectations and flipping it into something powerful. It’s grounded in truth, I wrote it in a moment where I was sick of double standards especially the way strong women, and Black women in particular, get treated when they’re confident.
“Doomsday”
Doomsday is like a smile right before the explosion. The beat is bright and bouncy but the lyrics are anything but. It reminds me of those movie scenes where everything’s blowing up in slow motion and there’s a happy song playing in the background.
“Sneaky”
Sneaky is so fun. I had fun with this one. every line just fell into place. It’s got that light feel and bounce but still cuts if you catch the bars.
“Can’t Hang”
This one’s for the girls that show up, look good, and don’t wait on anybody. Loud, confident, and not for the easily offended. If it hits a nerve, you probably can’t hang. Don’t Talk – It’s that moment when someone pushes you too far and you’re officially done, no matter how many times they try to spin the block. The hook’s repetitive on purpose, like blocking someone mid sentence. It’s bitter, funny, and a little unhinged, but it’s honest. I wanted it to feel like a final text you don’t even send, just press play instead.
“Necessity”
This is about being wanted versus being needed and sometimes confusing being needed with being loved. It’s a little toxic, a little honest, and still playful. I liked the tension in it knowing someone can’t let go, but still acting like they could, and knowing what you bring to the table.
“Anyway”
This track feels like the full circle moment. It’s about moving through betrayal, loss, self-doubt and still getting it anyway. I was writing from a place of exhaustion but also clarity. There’s pain in the verses, but there’s also power in every line. It’s solo stepping, no handouts, no safety net. The hook hits like a mantra. No matter who switched up or what tried to slow me down, I’m still going to get it anyway.
“No Attention”
This track’s straight to the point. It’s about dealing with someone who thinks they deserve a reaction when they barely deserved a chance.
“BIG B”
This one’s about realising that no matter how solid you are, people will still move grimy. You could show love, hold them down, do right by them, and they’ll still switch up.
