Glam Rapper PrettiBoiRoq Releases Scandalous Self-Love Anthem ‘Bad Bitch Alert’

Last month, queer glam rapper PrettiBoiRoq teamed up with trans artist Chanel Jole and released a scandalous new single and music video titled “Bad Bitch Alert.”

“This track is an anthem of self-love, “PrettiBoiRoq explains in an official press statement. “I want the song to be blasting from the speaker while kids are in the bathroom getting ready for the club or in the car on their way to work. I hope it instantly boosts their egos and reminds them that they got this. Whatever obstacles block their way, they will overcome because they, too, are bad bitches.”

Born Cory Tyndall, he grew up in North Carolina and moved to California when he was 23 to pursue a career in entertainment. Instantly, he earned local recognition after performing original tracks and covers with an all-male cabaret group called The Foxes.

According to PrettiBoiRoq, he and Chanel have been trying to collaborate for some time, and “Bad Bitch Alert” is his first official single since his 2018 sophomore album, Haus of Ken. He took some time to talk more about it, as well as his growth and passion as an artist, with OFM.

Can you begin by telling us more about the concept and inspiration behind your new track, “Bad Bitch Alert?”

I’m recently single, and I’ve been trying to work on a track with Chanel Jole for a while. We were just passing beats back and forth and trying to come up with a concept, and she was very much like, “I really want to create an anthem.” When I heard the beat, I was like, “I think this is it.” So, I sent it to her, and while she was still sitting on it, I went to the studio and recorded the hook. She was like, “This is it. This is the track.” It’s such an empowerment anthem, like, there’s a bad bitch inside everybody, and you need to let it out. You’re here; have fun; you only live once.

What was it like working and collaborating with Chanel?

Oh my gosh, she’s amazing and so professional! She’s been writing for years. I’ve collaborated with a lot of different artists, but I have to say, her studio etiquette is probably top tier from start to finish.

This is your first official single since your 2018 sophomore album, Haus of Ken. Why the long pause between projects?

COVID, for one. I was just kind of in between work, but also, I was running out of things to say. I released a couple things here and there, but this year, I’ve got four other songs ready to go as well. So, we’re going to do a solid 2023 rollout and have fun with it.

You say you weren’t comfortable living in your own skin for the longest time, especially while growing up. How did you overcome that, and what advice can you offer to others who are hoping to do the same?

I don’t think I ever truly overcame it. Everybody has their days where they feel ugly and not attractive, especially because our community in general tends to be very hyper-focused on physical appearance. Growing up, I was overweight most of my life, and I feel like once you have that stigma, you always kind of carry that with you. You never truly outgrow it, but there is a way to own it and be like, I don’t have a six pack; I don’t look like I should be posted on a Calvin Klein ad on a billboard, but I’m happy with my body. I’m happy with the way it looks. We’re all human, so we’re all going to be self-conscious from time to time, but I think people should embrace who they are and just be comfortable in their own skin as much as humanly possible.

Would you say “Bad Bitch Alert” is a reintroduction to PrettiBoiRoq?

I would. I think it shows my growth as an artist. It’s not the most lyrically genius track I’ve ever written by any means, but I think the overall sound and quality, as well as the overall confidence, shows my personal growth as an artist. I would say it’s a reintroduction to who I am and where I’m going.

Have you always had a passion for singing and songwriting?

Songwriting, yes. I’m not a singer, which is why I rap (laughs). You will not hear any ballads coming from me in the near future, but I was really big into literature, reading, and writing in high school. I always did write poems and lyrics, but again, because I couldn’t sing, I didn’t really pursue it too aggressively until I found the cabaret group here in Orange County.

What specifically drew you to the hip hop industry?

I think just how matter of fact it is. It’s very unapologetic. You’re able to kind of tell your story and narrate in a way that’s aggressive and angry, and people accept it. I love all music, and my playlists are all over the map, but hip hop has been a huge part of my life since I was in elementary school. It always just spoke to me, and it really drives home the point. When I wasn’t being forced to listen to country music by my parents, I was reciting Nicki Minaj verses in the backseat while we’re driving to the club and things like that. Lil’ Kim, DMX, Ludacris—hip hop was always in me, and I just think it was a natural fit once I started creating music.

The hip hop industry hasn’t been the most inclusive when it comes to queer people. Do you believe those views are changing?

I think it’s gotten better, but I think it’s going to take a lot longer. I think the introduction of artists like Lil Nas X and people before him like Cazwell helped approach that area, but as far as mainstream, Lil Nas X was the first to really go there. However, he didn’t come out until after he had already established himself in the industry. So, I don’t know if hip hop will ever fully embrace the gay community as far as mainstream. Looking at women’s struggles in hip hop, it’s still a very common thing to be very sexist. I think there will always be that element of homophobia within the community.

What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from your music overall?

That you can do what you want and enjoy doing it. You can be that gay kid from North Carolina that has big dreams, who drives his car to California and is now making music and doing Zoom interviews for magazines. I just want to be a voice for the kids and be the kind of person I wish I had while growing up. I wish I had a role model who was able to help me feel comfortable in my own skin at a younger age.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your music career and platform?

I want to keep growing as an artist, but I don’t mean in numbers and popularity. I could take or leave that. I just really enjoy what I’m doing, and I want to be able to continue. I want to continue to get better. I don’t want to become stale and stagnant with my art because I feel like that’s the point when I’ll need to walk away from it. Also, I wouldn’t mind having my first number one on Billboard’s Hot 100! (Laughs).

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

I have, hopefully, three more singles with three more videos dropping this year, and Chanel and I are also gearing up to do a Barbie and Ken Pride tour on the West Coast. We’re working out the details with a couple Pride events and things like that, so stay tuned, and stay active on my social media!

Stay up-to-date and connect with PrettiBoiRoq by following him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube @prettiboiroq, or visit his official website, prettiboiroq.com. “Bad Bitch Alert” is available on all music streaming platforms.

Photos courtesy of Nicholas Eastman