Tills, a rising talent based in Newham, has garnered widespread attention, including a notable endorsement from Stormzy. This co-sign marks a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her impact in the new generation of artists.

Drawing inspiration from rap, R&B, and influential figures from the noughties to the 2010s like Avelino, Lady Leshurr, Missy Elliot, and Nelly Furtado, Tills infuses British rap nostalgia with a fresh perspective. Her sharp-witted bars and expressive vocals explore complex emotions and personal truths.

From performing with live bands and hosting an all-female rappers' sound clash to filming a captivating freestyle with Red Bull, Tills effortlessly navigates different stages, showcasing her versatility. Her soulful vocal modulations, modern references, and female-centric lyrics distinguish her from previous generations. We sat down with Tills to talk about her infamous new song, ‘VIM’.

Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘VIM’! Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this track and what message you hope to convey through it? Why did ‘VIM’ need to be released in the world?

Thank you! Vim actually came from a place of anger and frustration but ended up turning into an empowerment anthem. I wrote it basically sending for someone that I worked with that was very misogynistic towards me, as the song developed it became more about affirming my power and showing that my confidence can’t be knocked.

Your music draws from various influences, including rap, R&B, and icons like Avelino, Lady Leshurr, Missy Elliot, and Nelly Furtado. How do these influences shape your sound and style?

My lyricism is very much shaped by the fact that I learnt to bar between 2014-2016 which I believe is one of the most influential time periods in terms of British rap going more mainstream/global. It was a pivotal era. Artists like Lady Leshurr, Avelino, Wretch 32, Kano, JME, Mike Skinner deffo influenced my lyricism at that time. Sonically I’ve always been very influenced by Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Missy Elliot - 90s/Y2K legends. I feel like my sound is a mix n blend of those two groups of influences.

As an artist based in Newham, how has your environment influenced your music and your journey in the industry so far?

East London has definitely shaped me so much and the biggest thing that’s helped with my journey is the community I have around me of East London creatives - we’re the most supportive, hard working group of people you’ll meet. I am 100% a product of my environment in that sense - I will succeed because the company I keep is pure.

Stormzy's co-sign is a big deal. What does it mean to you personally and professionally?

Yeah Stormzy re posted one of my first viral vids and it was a bit of a full circle moment for me. I was in college when shut up the fire in the park vid came out and I remember everyone being so gassed. Now all these years later to get support from him means a lot, he’s cold!

Recasting British rap nostalgia for a new generation is a unique angle. What do you think makes this approach resonate with today’s audience, and how do you balance nostalgia with contemporary trends?

Music, art and culture is always in a way regurgitating what has already been done before but with a new twist. As artists we are all products of our unique environments and influences - I’m just drawing influence from what shaped me when I started writing and tryna keep it current and exciting through my lyricism and genre blending.

Your lyrics often centre on the female experience and are noted for their quick wit and expressiveness. Can you share your creative process when writing songs and how you decide on the themes you explore?

Thank you - yeah female empowerment will always be a strong theme in my songs. With my creative process normally someone pissed me off and then I write bars about it haha OR I get really inspired by a movie, album, performance, story someone’s told me and start writing down little phrases/bars. I’ll then get into studio and start tryna put all the lines together and make it make sense. 

How do you stay current with trends while maintaining a unique sound that stands out from the crowd?

I think the most important thing is being unique and authentic to be honest, I’d rather put out ideas and content that feels genuine and be consistent with it over following trends.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your musical journey, and how have you overcome those challenges?

Imposter syndrome - it took me 10 years to really truly understand that I was being my own worst enemy and wasn’t trusting myself or putting myself out there enough. Once I learnt to let go of needing validation from anyone else and to trust in my power and talent 100%, everything started falling into place.

What are your goals for the next phase of your career? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?

I’d love to perform and travel this year - I’ll be in Paris with my girls at Venus in Flames on 5th July which will be so fun! We maaay also have a Vim remix on the way so stay tuned!

Vim out now on all streaming platforms.