At just 16, BBG Steppaa isn’t just another rapper from Newark; he’s quickly becoming the face of the Jersey Drill scene. With bold tracks like “Catch Up,” “Love and War,” and “Die Every Blocc,” he’s creating a signature style, capturing attention beyond city limits. For BBG, music isn’t a hobby—it’s his only choice; there is no plan B. “I never saw myself doing anything else,” he states firmly.
Growing up in Newark’s South Ward, music was his escape. A teacher, recognizing his talent, booked a local studio when he was just 10 years old, where it became clear to him that this was what he was meant to be doing. Despite facing challenges from the streets, brushes with the law, and school expulsions, recording music became his lifeline—a way to rise above his circumstances and provide for his family.
Speaking fondly of his father, emphasizing how he was everything to him, taking care of everyone around him, BBG Steppaa shared that each song, especially the pain songs, are dedicated to his father. He mentioned a particular track, “Thug Cry,” which is yet to be released but holds a special dedication to his dad. However, there’s no set release date for it yet.
Despite the challenges he faced, Steppaa’s talent emerged. Collaborations with rising stars like DD Osama and Sugarhill Ddot brought him recognition. Tracks like “Spinnin'” became pivotal, showcasing his aggressive style and solidifying his place in drill music. Notably, in the same year, 2023, “Spinnin Part 2” was released, further amplifying his impact on the scene.
Asked about his studio must-haves, Steppaa’s response was refreshingly straightforward: “Weed, fr water, and weed.” His focus on the music itself permeates his tracks, resonating with listeners.
Discussing his latest release, “Bisexual Glock,” Steppaa offered deeper insight. “It’s about breaking gender norms,” he explained, reflecting the societal commentary in his music. BBG Steppaa’s latest single has already made significant waves, amassing over 46,273 Spotify streams and attracting 144k views on its official music video in less than four weeks. Produced by acclaimed talents like AyyoLucas and EMRLD, this track not only showcases his growth but also solidifies his position in the music drill scene.
The title and the lyrics of the track stirred up some controversy with lines like ‘The glock is bisexual aim it at women too.’ This in itself demonstrates BBG Steppaa’s authenticity when it comes to expressing his true thoughts. I did ask him about his choice of lyrics ‘’The glock is bisexual aim it at women too.’’ and he explained, ‘it ain’t on some super crazy sh*t, it’s the generation now females partake in the activities that men partake that supposed to be strictly for men.'”
As I delved deeper into the roots of Jersey Drill, it became clear that this sub-genre is more than just a sound; it’s a voice for the voiceless, a platform to address the systemic issues facing the community. Through their music, artists like BBG Steppaa shed light on the harsh realities of life in Newark, challenging listeners to confront the truth behind the beats.
BBG Steppaa talked to me about his latest album, “Shooting Star,” which will be out by the time this article drops. Featuring standout tracks like ‘Cold Outside’ ft DD Osama, ‘Glock Habit,’ and ‘Nobody Outside’ ft BLOODIE & DudeyLo, among others, Steppaa is eager to explore new musical territories. He suggested potential collaborations and a deeper dive into his evolving sound, reiterating his openness to collaboration by encouraging anyone interested to reach out via his DMs. This proactive approach reflects his commitment to innovation and building bridges within the music community.
With the support of Priority Records, BBG Steppaa is on the verge of greatness. His journey, from Newark’s streets to the forefront of the industry, is truly inspiring. By constantly pushing boundaries and defying expectations, BBG Steppaa is positioned to make a significant mark and solidify Jersey drill on the map.
