Snow Tha Product (real name Claudia Feliciano) derived from the underground hip-hop scene in San Jose, Calif., after going viral with her 2011 hit “Holy !@$%.”
She’s collaborated with artists such as Natanael Cano and Snoop Dogg, always paying homage to her Mexican-American roots and love for both Latin and rap music.
Most recently, she teamed up with Argentine hitmaker Bizzarap to bring to life “BZRP Music Sessions #39,” which showcases her versatile beats. Overall, Snow, who also starred as Lil Traviesa’ or “Lil’ T” on USA Network’s Queen of the South, can go full-force on a fast-paced rap to a more mellow R&B tune.
Her experience as a gay Latin female recording artist hasn’t always been easy, but she assures that honesty is the way to go. “To anyone who’s unsure about coming out, I would say coming out and being honest definitely helps your art,” she tells Billboard.
In celebration of Pride Month, Snow discussed being an artist in the LGBTQ+ community, below:
How did the decision to come out impact your art?
I think the decision affected my art in the sense that I can speak about certain things even though I’m still not very forward. I say things with a lot of double meanings but I feel like being able to talk about girls in my songs, at least people can understand me more now.
Did you ever have an LGBTQ+ idol growing up?
Juan Gabriel was someone I always looked up to. He always said, “Lo que se ve, no se pregunta” (loosely translated to: “Don’t ask about the obvious”). Whenever he would get asked about his orientation, everyone knew what he was trying to say.
Would you say the industry is more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community compared to when you first started your career?
Yes, I would definitely say it’s more accepting now than at the beginning of my career. I think we’ve come a long way and there’s still a long way to go as far as acceptance but I’m happy we’ve taken the steps towards, for sure.
What would you say to new artists who are on the rise and are unsure about coming out?
To anyone who’s unsure about coming out, I would say coming out and being honest definitely helps your art. The reason we do our art is to connect with people and talk about our journey, all those things get amplified when you get to be your true self.
This year, I’ll be celebrating Pride by:
I’m born in June, so every year, June is a good month for me. I celebrate everything Pride and then my birthday. I was in Miami recording a bunch of music, celebrating my birthday with my family. I want to be outspoken and happy about it.
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