Exclusive: Rapper pineappleCITI Talks Songwriting For Kelly Rowland, Releasing New Music & Wanting Justice For George Floyd

Being groomed in a musical family inspired on-the-rise artist, pineappleCITI, to delve into poetic talents of her own.

Surrounded by classic vinyl, and a family full of DJs — the North Jersey-based rapper picked up her pen to jot down lyrics by the age of 6. With her heart set on placing new raps on wax, the tyke developed tuneful talents by writing songs. From there, pineappleCITI began to forge a path in the name of tradition.

“I was exposed to a variety of musical genres growing up,” she explained to The Knockturnal. Some of her first cassettes included the MCs, Lauryn Hill, and Redman. Their influence is sonically evident in her present-day indie bops. And while pineappleCITI was always certain her purpose was music — she took her time finding her way to a recording studio. In 2016, the rapper brought things to the next level by making music her full-time pursuit, after resigned from her day job.

Taking a leap of faith, pineappleCITI released her self-titled debut project. Still, the high of a new buzz growing throughout the underground circuit faded from the artist swiftly. Unexpectedly, the songster was involved in a car accident. Life as she knew it was changed forever.

For the next 2 years, pineappleCITI could not utilize her legs. Still, learning to navigate past physical obstacles, did not stop her drive — instead, it motivated her to go harder. “I believed I could overcome anything,” she added. pineappleCITI continued to put in work through song. In time, her tracks were discovered at a listening party by Red Bull Music.

The energy drink’s team enjoyed her sound. They encouraged pineappleCITI to explore songwriting for other artists such as Kelly Rowland. And while she considers herself an artist first, the Red Bull Music songwriting experience changed pineappleCITI for the better. Excited by refreshed possibilities, she continued to work with the brand adjacent to some of her radio favorites including, Yo Gotti, and Twista. Today pineappleCITI joins us to discuss her thoughts on modern social injustice — and her musical journey: past, present, and future. Check out our conversation now.

The Knockturnal: When did you start rapping? 

pineappleCITI: I’ve been rapping since I was 6 years old. I used to carry around a notebook. My dad, stepfather, and grandfather are all DJs. [The art] is something that has been embedded in me since birth. 

The Knockturnal: Can you speak to what it was like to have a musical family? Also, how does it influences your recordings today?

pineappleCITI: I think being from North New Jersey and Jersey, in general, we have a great palette for music. We listen to so many different types of music, especially me growing up being around my dad, my stepfather, and my grandfather. I heard every [genre] of music there is. My dad is actually a house music DJ — as in old school New Jersey cuts.

So, I think that has definitely contributed to my music, and why it sounds the way that it does. We listen to so many different types of artists. I think [each is] embedded in me. I include all of those types [of sounds and genres into my music,] so I guess that’s why it [blends] the way it does.

The Knockturnal: Who are some of your influences musically?

pineappleCITI: Well, especially being from [New] Jersey, we had a lot of legends. Growing up, for me, it was the Fugees — also, Lauryn Hill [was an influence.] My stepfather was actually a back-up pop-locking dancer for the Fugees. [Other musical influences] are Naughty By Nature, Faith Evans, Redman, and Whitney Houston.

Outside of New Jersey, I’ve always been a huge JAY-Z fan. I’ve always loved Erykah Badu. Yes, I’m a huge Erykah Badu fan — to the core. Jill Scott [makes great music] — I was on some super eclectic shit back in the day. They really influenced me and influenced my sound. [I am a fan of] Missy Elliott and Aaliyah. I can go on and on. I love music so much. We could talk about this forever.

The Knockturnal: What are the 3 biggest moments in your career?

pineappleCITI: That’s a great question, the first thing I would say is, the year 2016 was a big year. I was actually a day-care teacher. I remember singing to the kids one day, and my boss was like, “Wow! You make really good songs for the kids. You should make more of them.”

I was out, and at that specific moment, right there, [was when I was inspired to] quit my job. Two weeks after that, I met my producer. After our meeting, we finished my first album. It kinda came really fast. I’d say a month after, my music started bubbling up. Following, I got into a crazy car accident. [As a result of the accident,] I couldn’t walk for 2 years. So, yes, 2016 was a roller coaster for me. My song, “Rose Colored” went viral when I was in the hospital.

Where I’m at now — just making something out of nothing — I’ve been through a lot of trials. There have been tribulations when it comes to my music. So, just being in a position where I’m making music for a living, is my sole being. Music is my sole purpose. I’m really getting a chance to explore that and create a life from it. Also, my first opportunity as a songwriter [was] for Kelly Rowland, which was an amazing opportunity. [It is surreal that she was] the first person that I wrote anything for.

The Knockturnal: What was it like working with Kelly Rowland, and how did that opportunity come about?

pineappleCITI: At that time, I was still putting out music. And, actually, I did a listening party for an album that never came out, which is crazy. But that listening party was held at The 40/40 Club. [I networked] and met somebody from Red Bull Music. They heard my stuff, and I wasn’t expecting to get the love I was receiving at the time. I was just doing it because I know it’s my purpose.

Long story shorter, I started working with Redbull’s team after that. They really got into my head. [I was told I was more than] an artist, I’m a songwriter as well. They really helped me understand it. This was like a piece of me that I really had to utilize. It was not something to look down upon.

I got a call from Redbull Music and they said they were going to do a documentary. [Their team] asked me if I wanted to be a part of Kelly Rowland’s album. Redbull hooked that situation up for me. It was a truly amazing experience. I [was excited] just being in the studio with her and learning from her. She gave me the confidence to sing more because I was super rapper-y. Kelly Rowland really gave me the courage to explore that. 

The Knockturnal: Can you tell us about your time working with Yo Gotti?

pineappleCITI: It’s super dope because Yo Gotti is actually a friend of Clinton Sparks. And Sparks has helped me from the beginning. Just meeting Yo Gotti, in general, and getting his feelings on my music was good. Also, [it was cool] just learning from him, as a mentor. Working with Yo Gotti was a super dope experience. We spent maybe a day or 2 together. I really remember his energy. He was so vibrant, and that is what really stuck with me. 

The Knockturnal: How do you feel about some of your recent releases?

pineappleCITI: My goal this year is to keep hitting people in the head with music. I dropped a song, “Recognize,” at the end of last year. The music video was released in March. I dropped a new track, “Believe” [this year,] and it was dope because we shot that video on an iPhone. We did this in the middle of the ongoing quarantine. My goal has always been to show people that nothing can stop me.

Right now we’re on a pineappleCITI marathon. We are just gonna continue to drop music every month until the end of the year. I got my latest song, “Lift Me Up” out now. The recent release is doing really great, and I’m excited about it. With that song, “Lift Me Up,” the whole [theme] behind it, is simply having so much on your mind, and you just want to vent. With everything going on, [in the world], that’s what we all wish we could do. I think that the track, “Lift Me Up” is symbolic of everything happening right now.  

The Knockturnal: Is there anything else you’d like to your listeners to know?

pineappleCITI: It’s a crazy time that we’re going through right now. I think we’re in the midst of a revolution. I know that everything looks crazy negative [in the world and media] right now. So, first, I want to say, “Rest in peace to George Floyd.”

I hope justice is served in his case. It needs to be served. I look forward to that happening and [I acknowledge how his life changed the world.] I will continue to protest against all the [police brutality] that’s ongoing. Also, I encourage everybody to do the same. In time, hopefully, we can all [reach] a better place, and remain as positive as possible.