Using the name Nokia as a rapper could be interpreted as a bit outdated, if not paying tribute to a Swedish phone company of your youth. Fortunately, New York City’s Princess Nokia is no thing of the past. The 25-year-old— born Destiny Nicole Frasqueri— released her first song in 2010 as Wavy Spice before steadily garnering deserved recognition as “Bitch I’m Posh” took off on SoundCloud. Her stage name, which serves as an alter ego, has allowed her to tackle issues like feminism, race and sexuality— also addressed on her Smart Girls Club podcast. In September, Nokia released her debut album, 1992 Deluxe, an expanded version of her 1992 mixtape that allowed her to build on its momentum and move her intelligent blend of snappy lyrics and hip hop beats. (Wyoming Reynolds)
