We recently had the chance to connect with Bates and have shared our conversation below.
Bates, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
This morning while I was doing my “booty-duty” I murdered a ball of hair that I thought was a spider that wouldn’t die with tampon box.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yo! My name is Bates. I’ve spent 75% of my life addicted to creating music and moving, removing, destroying and eliminating anything that gets in the way of it’s creation or reception. Everything else I do is by force. I founded Femfest and won a bunch of awards because I have a problem being denied access and opportunities, so with a chip on my shoulder, I create a way and take up space where I’m not welcomed or invited. Equality isn’t given, it’s snatched.
I’m a black, masc-presenting lesbian so my experiences speak to that. That’s why it’s important that I use my work to prove that none of that matters. What’s great is great, not ‘great for a(n) {insert marginalization here].
For half a decade I’ve been rocking with my band, the Strangers, but I’ve decided to go a different direction and re-brand myself as a hip-hop solo act. Having a band makes people forget I’m from the streets. It softens you up a bit. As long as Madison is playing the bassline think ish is sweet. FAFO.
I haven’t dropped an album since 2021. That’s way too long, especially since I dropped six full-length project from 2015-2021. I can’t leave for that long and not turn up for the comeback. I went back to college and got a music degree because I needed something to boost my musical intelligence. There are millions of rappers but only one Bates. With that said, my next album “The Terrible Tales of Mother Goose” produced by myself and THR3D drops September 30.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The guy at the corner store caught me stealing a bag of ranch Fritos when I was 7. He told me to go get my mama, and my slow a** did. I told mother I didn’t do it, and despite evidence, my mother defended me and told the man to never accuse her daughter of stealing ever again. Don’t judge me, yo. I turned an ass whooping into a assertion.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Losing my best-friend the way I lost her. She un-alived herself a few years ago. I’m trying. I’m still traumatized but I’m trying to forgive her. The space she took up is still vacant.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yep. One just says what they’re thinking without worrying about the consequences and hasn’t put on lotion in days.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’ve completed all of my responsibilities and can just laugh and do fun stuff with my friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bates_stl/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Bates_STL
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BatesStLouis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YAHOMEGIRLBATES
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bates-stl/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hIRfkiEmF6UJ0tkQ3eJCy
https://batesstl.hearnow.com
Image Credits
Roach God Photography
