Malka Red
Introduction
Rebecca Carrol, known professionally as Malka Red, is an American actress, rapper, and songwriter. She is known for provocative music videos satirizing gender roles in the music industry.
Life and career
1993–2015: Early life
Rebecca Michal Carrol was born on February 16, 1993 at the Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, New York City, to a Jewish family with Polish and Austrian roots. Brought up in Las Vegas, Nevada, she attended Las Vegas Academy high school, where she majored in theatre. In 2015, she graduated from Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Evolutionary Anthropology.
2015–2018
Red began performing at open mics in New York City, where she connected with director Lee Milby, who would go on to direct each of Red's music videos. In 2016, Red released her music video for her single "Boy Booty," which went viral on Facebook. The video satirizes songs about women's bodies. She has since released three additional music videos, and she has performed at venues in Orlando, L.A., Lisbon, Mexico City, and New York City. In 2017, she performed at Gay Days, the largest gay pride event in the world.
Artistry
Influences
Red cites Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj as influences since, like these artists, she also develops colorful, larger-than-life characters and incorporates theatricality into her act. She is also influenced by Chance the Rapper and Lady Leshurr.
Musical style and themes
Featuring lyrics and melodies harkening back to her Jewish roots, Red creates "gay-club anthems" with powerful dance beats. She generally raps about women's issues; her songs "Yes Bitch" and "Red Queen" both include themes of feminine empowerment.
Videos
Red's 2016 video "Boy Booty" incorporates imagery from songs about women's bodies, including a reference to "Birthday Song" by 2 Chainz and "Tip Drill" by Nelly. In Red's 2017 video "Red Queen," Red explores her four alter egos: the Red Queen, Betty Buckets, Panther, and Analysa. Her 2018 video "Yes Bitch" was filmed in one take, inspired by the rapper Lady Leshurr, who often creates single-take music videos.