Atlanta raptress, Salma Slims is a flow queen you need to get familiar with because she’s here to stay. On the heels of her latest release, “Seasoning”, I had the chance to catch up with Salma Slims on her journey to rap music, Private Club Records, and her future drops.
As we talked on the phone, Salma Slims was on her way to shoot a music video. This wasn’t out of the ordinary for her. A typical day in the life of Salma Slims involves multiple photo and video shoots, studio sessions, face beating sessions (of course), and grubbing of the best foods. Whatever city she’s in, Slim makes a point to go to the best food spots there. By her side most of the time is her biggest supporter, label-mate, frequent collaborator, and husband, 24HRS.
Slim Beginnings
She reminisced on how her journey began. “I thought I was going to be a lawyer. My parents are from Africa (Gambia) and my family is Muslim, so music isn’t something they pictured me doing. ” Slim’s parents took the Islamic faith seriously and pursuing rap music wasn’t regarded as a respected career. “They wanted me to have a good job.” Before her parents came to America and experienced hardships, Slim’s father was a successful business magnate in Gambia. Despite her parent’s wishes and influence, Salma set her sights on the music industry.
Photographed by King Yazid
When Salma Slims started high school, she joined an all-girl group to live out her musical passions, but by college the group had disbanded. “I was in a girl group when I was 15 up until 20 and we were about to sign a deal with L.A Reid, but one of the girls got pregnant.”
Soon after, Salma Slims left the group and went solo.
Solo on the Runway
“After that, I started my solo career and I was running around with MadeinTYO and he had “Uber Everywhere”.” MadeinTYO’s massive hit, “Uber Everywhere” put Private Club Records on the map. A short time later, Salma Slims would become the First Lady of Private Club Records, a small Atlanta label started by MadeinTYO and 24HRS. The roster currently holds Salma Slims, MadeinTYO, 24HRS, Rossi Rock, DWN2EARTH, Noah Wood$, and MyNamePhin.
As the only female on the label, Slim touched on what it was like transitioning from an all girl group, to now being the only girl in the group.
“It’s a lot different being with the guys. It’s like I’m always coming hard with music, but sometimes they don’t understand the fashion and makeup, and how I get ready for the day.”
Salma Slims is the self proclaimed Runway Rapper so she stays sauced up with her looks. While men might not understand the importance of a shiny highlight, sharp contour, and popping liner, Slim does. She lists Naomi Campbell as her muse and inspiration on the runway and in music. With her tall frame and strikingly chiseled face, it’s no surprise Slim had an infatuation with modeling. It was in her looks. Naomi Campbell even inspired the cover art for Slim’s project, which is expected to be released later this year.
Aside from working on new music, Salma Slims wants to go back on tour and do more collaborations with female rappers. Some artists that came to Slim’s mind were Rico Nasty, Megan Thee Stallion, and Maliibu Miitch.
“I want to go back on tour with Tink and do more collabs with upcoming female rappers. I’m all about women empowerment and unity and I really want to show that.”
Over the weekend, Salma Slims delivered her newest single, “Seasoning”, a boastful track honing at her soon to be GOAT status in the rap game. With a versatile flow like Salma’s, we don’t see any lies.
Photographed by King Yazid
