MISS UNDERSTOOD: An Interview with Bhad Bhabie

Words by Kimberly Haddad

It’s no secret that Danielle Bregoli, aka Bhad Bhabie, rose to fame following a memorable appearance on theDr. Phil Show in 2016 where she spurted out the phrase, “Cash me outside, how ‘bout dat?” But the American rapper and songwriter quickly evolved from viral meme to a multi-platinum hip-hop phenomenon— becoming the youngest artist to have three singles on Billboard Hot 100 and boasting over 1.5 billion global streams. Known for her mischievous persona and an increasing catalogue of breakthrough hits, Bhad Bhabie has returned to the music scene with her latest single “Miss Understood” and continues to channel her passionate energy into creating new, more mature sounds that never cease to push the musical envelope.

Tell me about your early life and what it was like growing up in your family.
My mom is Catholic and my dad was Jewish. I was rambunctious and rebellious, like most kids. There wasn’t really anything much different from anyone else my age. I was raised in Boynton Beach, Florida, which wasn’t the best area.

Can you describe one of your most vivid childhood memories?
I have a lot of memories from Turn About Ranch [Utah Troubled Teen Treatment Program]. I was sent there as a teenager. They used to have us do something called “Reflection”, where we had to walk around and pick up horse shit. We were made to stand in teepees for hours. Some kids were even kidnapped throughout the night. There were murders there. There weren’t any good memories there other than bonding with the other kids about our horrible experiences.

At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to embark on your journey as an artist? How has your upbringing influenced the woman you’ve become today and the way you view the world?
I’ve always loved music. When I first started, I didn’t really have the confidence and didn’t think I could actually do it. I was working with a lot of co-writers, but now, I do most of the writing by myself. I’ve definitely evolved. I’ve always loved music and rapping, so making it a profession came naturally to me.

You recently returned to the music scene with a new music video for your lead single“Miss Understood”, a track on your forth coming EP. Talk to me about the concept of the intimate video and what this song means to you.
My sound has definitely evolved and my new music like “Miss Understood” is less gimmicky. I feel like a lot of my older music was kind of childish, but I was young—14 and 15 years old. I’m 18 years old now and I’m definitely going to show that I’m more mature when it comes to both my content and its delivery. I’m really excited about my new music and the EP. The single is definitely all me and we had so much fun filming the music video. I’ve made a lot of my own music before, but it was mostly about what the label wanted. When you’re signed, they’re just thinking of hits and marketing, especially because I was so young. I didn’t have a lot of choices or a strong voice. But I’m older now. I understand the game now. I will tell producers and music executives which songs I want and how I want them to sound.

You have catapulted yourself from a meme to a globally recognized influencer and artist boasting over 1.5 billion global streams. On top of that, you transitioned into the world of OnlyFans—generating over one million in revenue within six hours. What led you to the platform?
It’s been amazing. I have a great social media platform. My OnlyFans has become much larger than I ever thought it would be. The awards, plaques, and overall response to me as an actual artist has been mixed, but I’m okay with that. Obviously, it’s hard when I’m out and about. I can’t go to as many places as I used to and I spend a lot of time in the house. I love my fans though, and I am glad they can connect with both me and my music.

What are some of the daily challenges you face with having an OnlyFans? Has your work on the platform affected how your friends and/or family view you?
It involves a lot of photo shoots, content creation, and responding to messages, but overall, it has been a positive experience. So many women have an OnlyFans account nowadays that no one really views me any differently.

What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
I have always felt misunderstood from the Dr. Phil Show. I never wanted to have to explain myself, but eventually I had to because I chose to stay in the spotlight instead of ending up as a joke or a meme. I was only 13 and I didn’t know people were going to think they knew me or talk about me in a negative way. When people see someone so much younger than them making millions of dollars by just living their real life, they don’t want to accept that. They think I’m trying to be something I’m not, when in reality, I am completely me. This is just who I am—whether it’s how I speak, dress, or do my makeup. It’s all genuine.

What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today?
Probably learning not to care about what other people say about me on the internet. I used to hate it, but I’m slowly learning to zone it out. Surviving Turn About Ranch was also a huge milestone for me.

With “evolution” being our theme for this issue, how do you see yourself evolving in the next couple of years?
I want to continue speaking out about the injustices in the troubled teen industry and keep putting out good music and content. I want to continue interacting with fans on social media and embracing my womanhood. I’m excited about the woman I’m becoming. I also want to get into fashion, NFT’s, and just everything artistic.

What would be your dream collaboration with any rapper or producer?
Young Thug. He’s my favorite rapper.

What is the strangest thing you have ever heard or been given from a fan?
Once in a while my management sends me random emails from fans who are a super wild or creepy. I don’t even want to repeat them. Some real bizarre stuff. I haven’t been on tour in so long because of the pandemic, but when I used to do meet-and-greets at my shows, I would get really thoughtful and amazing gifts from my fans. I love being able to meet them.

Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?
Me. I’ve overcome so many odds.

What was the first album you ever owned?
Mail on Sunday by Flo Rida.

What song has been stuck in your head this week?
Probably some dumb TikTok song.

Tell me one thing most people don’t know about you.
I can do nails—both gel and acrylic. I have an entire nail room in my house where I do my friend’s nails. I am also 50 percent Jewish.

Describe yourself in five words or less.
I could give zero fu*ks.