BET Awards 2022: Who is Coi Leray? Get to Know the Burgeoning Female Emcee (2024)

By Tabie Germain

May 17, 2022 / 8:43 AM

Before we know it, the BET Awards 2022 will be here, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable night of show-stopping performances, over a dozen awards presentations, and of course, award moments we’ll be talking about for weeks to come. Ahead of this year’s show, we’re taking a trip down memory lane at some past winners, nominees, and everything in between.

Former BET Amplified artist Coi Leray made a big splash on the music scene thanks to records such as “No More Parties,” released in Jan. 2021, which became her first track to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Big Purr (Prrd).” Later that year, she was nominated for two BET Awards, including “Best New Artist” and “Best Female Hip Hop Artist.” Although she didn’t take home the win, Coi has already proven to be the star to look out for. So, get to know the burgeoning female emcee a little better ahead of this year’s ceremony.

• Nicki Minaj is one of her biggest influence

  Aside from having a smash hit titled “Blick Blick” with veteran female emcee Nicki Minaj, she also has a tattoo dedicated to the Queens native. It’s a silhouette of a pink Barbie doll head—a tribute to Nicki’s fans, also known as the Barbz—with the “3.18.22” written above it.

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• She wrote her first song when she was 10-years-old

  During an interview with Office Magazine, the “No More Parties” emcee revealed that she wrote her first song when she was just 10-years-old.

  “My first song was called ‘Stitch and Lilo.’ I wrote it in a grocery store, and I was, like, ten,” she shared. It goes like this: [Raps] I like Stitch and Lilo. My brother’s name Ray Ray, and my father Benzino. And if you don’t know, I like to play with toys. My middle name Leray, and my first name’s Coi.

• She dropped out of high school

  Before becoming a rapper, Coi was 16 and a high school dropout just trying to find her way before she decided to take her musical career seriously in 2018. As uncertain as that may seem, it appeared to pay off for the female emcee who’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in music.

• She comes from a hip hop background

  Those not following the reignited feud between 50 Cent and Benzino may be unaware that Coi is the daughter of hip hop veteran and Source magazine co-owner Benzino. However, the rising artist has made it clear several times that she wants to make it in the music business at her own pace and without the help of her father, who has publicly hated on his daughter’s burgeoning success.

• Her secret talent is painting

  Many may not know this, but Coi revealed to Office Magazine that she likes to paint, aside from being a rapper and songwriter. “I can paint. I’ve always wanted to invent something,” she told the publication. “I want to invent—I don’t know, not like a security system. But I’ve always wanted to be one of those people that invent a robot. I love engineering and building.”