Wielding a sharp signature rasp, serving up scorching bars, and exerting a presence as overpoweringly magnetic as your favorite anime heroine, A.R. The Mermaid injects effusive and enigmatic energy into the culture. The Memphis-born native asserts herself as a fiery force with an inimitable and irresistible style. After piling up millions of views and streams and receiving co-signs from the likes of SZA in addition to plugs by Dirty Glove Bastard and AllHipHop.com, this energy defines a series of 2023 singles and her forthcoming debut for 300 Entertainment.

“You can’t put me in a category,” she declares. “When you hear my music, I want to get you going and motivate you. I’m the new wave.”

The wave started in East Memphis where A.R. grew up with her parents and three older brothers. Dad entertained crowds as a local favorite DJ, so she naturally absorbed her family’s passion for music. She honed her voice in church before auditioning for the R&B outfit Karma. At 15 years old, she earned her spot in the group and hit the recording studio for the first time. Learning the ins and outs of the business, she developed her performance chops on tour with Mindless Behavior and The OMG Girlz.

Amicably parting ways with the group, she focused on her solo artistry. Equally under the influence of anime a la High-Rise Invasion and Pokémon (Gengar even inspired her eyebrows!) as well as Hoodrich Pablo Juan, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Sauce Walka, and Money Man, the budding talent grabbed a mic and taught herself how to rap. The name “A.R. The Mermaid” combined her birth name “Ariel” and a lifelong love for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

When I took a break from music, I was trying to get my mental together,” she admits. “Going from touring back to normal life was a big change. I just felt like I could express what I was going through better by rapping.”

Initially, A.R. gained traction with “Try Me” in 2019. Fans clamored for more as her social media following expanded. “Come Outside” and “First Day Out” maintained her momentum before she caught fire with “Let A Ho Play.” Powered up by her uncontainable attitude, off-kilter rhymes, and undeniable chant, it reeled in over 1 million cumulative views and streams. Not to mention, superstars such as SZA and K. Michelle touted it on social media, while Drake even followed her. In the wake of this, she landed a deal with 300 Entertainment and it proved to be a match made in heaven.

“300 reached out to me, and it felt right,” she notes. “I was so excited. They work with so many artists who I genuinely fuck with. I’m just looking forward to getting my music out there.”

With more music on the horizon, she will only continue to grow her audience, affectionately dubbed “Mermaid Gang.” Ultimately, she’s about to leave her imprint on the game with artful mystique and anthemic bangers.

“My voice and image make me stand out,” she leaves off. “You haven’t heard or seen anybody like me. You’re never going to forget me either.”