After two Grammy nominations, being honored as Variety’s songwriter of the year in 2018, a VMA award and diamond certification for her hit single ‘Meant to Be’, you would think that Bebe Rexha is on top of the music industry. She has written multiple high-certified hit songs for artists like Rihanna and Selena Gomez and later released two of her own studio albums. But guess what? She is still one of the most underrated and slept on female artists in the game. Even though most people would recognize a few of her hits, a lot of the time they don’t associate it with the name or face that is Bebe Rexha. Can you believe that? There is so much more to her name and it is about time we open our eyes and start seeing her as the talented powerhouse she is.
It is rare to find musicians who share their most vulnerable sides and aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Getting to know Bebe, I have heard her talk about mental health issues, body positivity and real-life struggles. She has the ability to put all of that into her work which results in the lyrics of songs you can listen to today. Fans describe her as authentic, hard working and extremely kind. As an outsider you might not see the value behind her name just yet, but the more you learn about her journey and listen to the heartfelt, honest and powerful lyrics the clearer it’s gonna get.
Being an artist can be challenging as it is, but being a female artist in a constantly judgmental industry is a mountain climb with lots of obstacles being put in your way. So it is even more important for women in the business to continue embracing what makes them unique and to show unity and support to others too. Bebe Rexha stands for transparency, power and keeping up the sisterhood within the music industry. In 2018, she created a female get together called “Women in Harmony”, hosted in Los Angeles and London with known artists like Charli XCX, Rita Ora, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Nicole Scherzinger – as well as women who are working behind the spotlight – in attendance since then. The purpose behind it was bringing women in the music and entertainment industry together in harmony to talk about success stories, personal journeys and connect newcomers to the already successful female artists. It is amazing to see Bebe create a safe space and an opportunity to successfully grow together.
As young women, we are – often even unintentionally – looking for perfection; admiring these perfectly taken pictures on Instagram. With that comes self-doubt, insecurity and mental health issues. So when you come across Bebe Rexha, you will be taught the exact opposite. That imperfection is what makes each one of us unique. Instead of trying to cover those edges and flaws, she encourages her fans to embrace all of that until it beautifully blossoms into the confidence and self-love you didn’t think you had in you. And that’s why women like Bebe – who are unapologetically themselves – are valuable to not only the young girls they have inspired, but social media representation and the industries they’re known in. They lead the way into a much needed shift of realization and the end of society pressuring women to be perfect.
All in all, I strongly believe that women like Bebe Rexha deserve better. We need strong female representation in the music and entertainment industry that is not just real and inspiring, but helps us move into a future where female empowerment is not just talking about the issues, but showing and encouraging real change. We as women struggle with self-confidence and body image and it often results in severe mental health issues. Having music to relate and artists to look up to should never be taken for granted. Bebe writes music that is honest and raw. She deserves respect, recognition and more credit for her hard work and what she personally and artistically contributes to be a real example for her mostly young fanbase. Imagine having someone like her to look up to. Someone who is embracing her flaws while encouraging others to be proud of how they were beautifully made.
Even though Bebe Rexha calls herself the Queen of burning bridges – referring to a more negative habit – the fire she has lit up is the one that burns beautifully in the hearts of those she has inspired. Her great impact will result in a boost of confidence within those girls who have been sitting inside a bubble of insecurity and loneliness for way too long. Let’s be honest, we have all doubted our worth from time to time and what better therapy than having an openly vulnerable female artist to relate to and music to comfort us. Say your last hurrah to the mess you used to be and become the shining star in your own story of life.
ROARA Magazine 