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GET TO KNOW:
SHELAILAI
TUESDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2025
WORDS BY LIAM TYLER
LA-based artist Shelailai moves with the ease of someone who knows exactly who she is, and isn’t asking for permission. A true multi-hyphenate, she blurs the lines between rapper, songwriter, and creative director, channelling sharp intention into music that feels both fearless and fun. Her latest single, “No Touchy,” is an instant statement: high-energy, playful, and unapologetically confident, the kind of track that commands the room while keeping a knowing smile.
At the heart of Shelailai’s world is empowerment without pretence. Whether she’s crafting industrial-leaning beats, delivering witty, assertive bars, or shaping bold visuals, her work centres autonomy, confidence, and self-possession, especially for women. With roots in open mics, rap battles, and influences that span from A Tribe Called Quest to Amy Winehouse, Shelailai is entering a chapter defined by clarity, growth, and sharpened creative tools.
We caught up with her to talk about No Touchy, personal power, and the evolution behind her most confident era yet.
You’ve been described as a true multi-hyphenate - rapper, songwriter, creative director. For someone meeting you through ‘No Touchy’ for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and what you do?
Would let the music speak for itself, greet them with a smile, the music is meant to feel fun, energetic and exude confidence.
'No Touchy’ feels like your fiercest track yet.
What moment or mindset sparked it?
No touchy is a fun baddie anthem as well as a reminder that we should be able to go out have fun and feel sexy while also feeling safe at all times.
You’ve described it as a “baddie empowerment anthem”. What does that energy look like for you in day-to-day life?
Being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want, without the need for external validation. Being confident in what I choose to do.
The production has this tough, industrial energy while your flow still keeps it playful. How did that balance come together in the studio?
When I heard the beat the flow and lyrics came naturally to compliment the beat.
The video, directed by Tyler Winther, places you in a boxing ring, a strong visual metaphor. What message or feeling did you want that setting to convey?
The boxing ring was a metaphor for my personal space, and the men who came in were literal examples of an invasion of that space. I had superpowers to ward them off as a reminder that us women hold power and can protect ourselves.
The styling in the video walks a line between toughness and glamour. How involved were you in that visual process, and what did you want to express through the look?
Yes, I was involved in the glam and styling process. I wanted to express fierceness, strength and femininity. Grace Jones was one reference for styling. I looked up to her growing up; her beauty and power perfectly matched this concept.
From ‘Don’t Need Him’ to ‘No Touchy’, there’s been a clear shift toward something sharper and more assertive. What pushed you in that direction?
There’s been a clear shift in my music because of time, care and growth. I’m always striving to be more clean and intentional with my music my songs are getting sharper because I’m sharpening my tools
You cite influences from A Tribe Called Quest to Amy Winehouse, how do those sounds feed into what you’re making now?
t’s more of a launching platform of my roots, I grew up on them and reference them to pay homage but I could never be them I don’t try to be, I’m just me
You came up through open mics and online rap battles. How did those early experiences shape your delivery and confidence?
They showed me the importance of being live, to deliver just as good in my live performances as I do in the studio. Also starting from a place of fun and authenticity
You’ve shown so much growth since Butterfly Effect, what feels different about this chapter of your music?
I’m being much more intentional with my songwriting, trying to be cleaner and focusing on levelling up always. I’m always a student of music. I now have a beginning, but I know that I’m far from the end
You’ve built a community that connects with your sense of humour and confidence as much as your music. How do you keep that relationship with your fans authentic?
Honesty. I know I’m not better or above anyone, so I treat everyone the same and stay true to myself. I just want to create a safe space for everyone to be themselves.
'GOODTHANKYOU’ hinted at this new, bolder energy. Did that track set the tone for what you’re creating now?
Yes absolutely! Felt like Good Thank You was a great way to set the tone for this next project, in contrast to a more bright and colorful vibe with butterfly effect
Looking ahead, what kind of stories or sounds do you want to explore next? Where do you see Shelailai going from here?
I'm always creating and experimenting with different themes and sounds, so the possibilities of where future songs could go are endless. You’ll just have to stick around to find out!
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