Janae Nierah Wherry, professionally known as Sexyy Red, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter who has rapidly ascended in the hip-hop scene with her bold persona and unapologetic lyrical style. Born on April 15, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, Wherry’s early life was rooted in the city’s vibrant culture. She began her musical journey in 2018, inspired by personal experiences, notably penning a diss track after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity. This initial foray into music led to the release of her debut track “Ah Thousand Jugs,” a reimagining of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” which garnered viral attention and marked her entry into the music industry.
Sexyy Red’s breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of “Pound Town,” produced by Tay Keith. The track’s raw and explicit content resonated with audiences.The song’s success was further amplified by a remix featuring Nicki Minaj, titled “Pound Town 2,” which became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 66. Following this, she released “SkeeYee,” a single that not only topped the inaugural TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart but was also named the Best Rap Song of 2023 by Rolling Stone. Both tracks were featured on her second mixtape, “Hood Hottest Princess,” released in June 2023. The mixtape showcased her distinctive style and included collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, and Sukihana.
Sexyy Red’s contributions to music have been recognized with several accolades. In 2024, she won the “Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist” award at the BET Hip Hop Awards, following a nomination the previous year. Her rapid rise in the industry and distinctive style have solidified her position as a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop.
