Indigenous Brilliance Shines as Snotty Nose Rez Kids Illuminate Big Braid Energy in “BBE”

Indigenous Brilliance Shines as
Snotty Nose Rez Kids Illuminate
Big Braid Energy in “BBE”

WATCH: HERE

LISTEN: HERE

Photo Credit: Mackenzie Walker

(April 19, 2024) – Canadian Indigenous Hip-Hop artists Snotty Nose Rez Kids amplify Indigenous creativity and culture with their latest single “BBE,” paired with a celebratory music video directed by frequent collaborator Sterling Larose. The certified hit marks the second release from their upcoming album Red Future, slated for release later this year.

For the dynamic duo, “BBE”’, or Big Braid Energy, is about the pride and resilience represented by braided hair. BBE taps into the inner strength of Indigenous peoples and is the anthem for embracing long braids. This contribution to the broader dialogue also serves as a catalyst for meaningful conversation about the deeper cultural meaning of braids.

Yung Trybez, one half of Snotty Nose Rez Kids, explains, “There’s real power in Indigenous people growing out their hair, and this song taps into that power. When we braid our hair, it gives us strength and reminds us of our growth. ‘BBE’ is an anthem for our people to be proud of their long braids! BIG BRAID ENERGY is what we feel when we think about the journey that brought us to this moment.”

Beyond the music, the duo made it a priority to showcase Indigenous talent in the elevated visual. From designers and jewelers, to braiders, makeup artists, and nail technicians, the production features a diverse team of Indigenous creatives, including cinematographer Kaayla Whachell; established designers Yolonda Skelton, Jennifer Younger, Alicia Designs, and Rebecca Baker-Grenier; nails by Santana Walker; hair artistry and braiding conceptualized by Krystal Dumais; jewelry designers Alex Sanchez, Adam Fierro, Monday May Jewelry, and the late Damian Cotton; makeup assistance by Nicole Johnson; and the cast, provided by Indigenous modeling agency Supernaturals Modeling.

“We really took care in trying to highlight all that Indigenous creatives are doing, and there’s so much more beyond this,” the band shares. “We’re happy this video can be a piece of showcasing all that we are capable of, our brilliance.”

With a futuristic aesthetic paying homage to the 2000s, the music video not only serves as a visual treat but also as a platform for Indigenous voices and talents to shine. Snotty Nose Rez Kids continues to break barriers and uplift their community, leaving an indelible mark on the Hip-Hop landscape.

About Snotty Nose Rez Kids

Snotty Nose Rez Kids, the Indigenous Hip-Hop duo hailing from the Haisla Nation in British Columbia, Canada, tore into the music scene in 2016 with unmistakable talent and an unforgettable name. Showing off their lyrical prowess and natural storytelling ability, Yung Trybez and Young D jumpstarted the band with two back-to-back albums: The Average Savage (2017) and Snotty Nose Rez Kids (2018). Their follow-up album, 2019’s Trapline, launched their career with hit “Boujee Natives,” and multiple awards, including their first JUNO Award nomination.

The band took their high voltage live show on the road and clocked 100 shows in six different countries. Their pandemic album, Life After, saw greater industry recognition with multiple music magazine cover stories, strong streaming platform support, playlist cover images, and an Amazon Twitch Channel Takeover. Taking the album on the road, the band toured 80 shows in support of the album across North America. They received their second JUNO Award nomination in 2022 and performed during the live broadcast.

Their 2022 project, I’M GOOD, HBU? elevated their career to new heights, and saw them receive their fourth Polaris Prize Shortlist, a win for top music video of the year at the Prism Prize Awards for their Beatles-inspired, “Damn Right,” and four Western Canadian Music Award nominations, bringing their tally to 14 nominations and 10 wins to date. SNRK have gone on to dominate in Hip-Hop music, most recently achieving their biggest milestone, signing to major label Sony Music Entertainment Canada. SNRK are blazing their own trail, weaving together a musical fabric of hard-hitting lyricism, revealing stories about the struggles they and their people have encountered, empowering protest songs for the front lines, and a humor that keeps even the heaviest of topics something you can vibe to.

For more info on Snotty Nose Rez Kids, see below:

BBE Cover Art

Photo Credit: Mackenzie Walker