16 year old female rapper Juicee Kouture is steadily creating a buzz in the music industry. The Atlanta native who now resides in Sanford, Florida took the Internet by storm when she dropped a succession of freestyles on her YouTube channel as well as various blog sites such as WorldStarHip Hop and Yo! Raps.

Her mom works as a club promoter in Atlanta so music has been in Kouture’s blood from an early age and a career in music was inevitable. In March 2012, she released her debut mixtape Colour Blind, hosted by DJ Spin King, featuring Jelly Roll, Lil Chuckee, Stephen Stash and Najee and is currently working on her album.

The bright young star speaks to Yo! Raps about her mixtape, musical influences and who she would like to work with in the future.

What was it that made you want to pursue a career as a recording artist?

Some of my earliest memories of music were basically artists coming out of Atlanta and the South like Petey Pablo, Jagged Edge, Trick Daddy, T.I. and Usher. After growing up on music from the South it made me love music so much that I knew I could pursue a career in rap just because I had so much love for Hip-Hop. Also as an artist I knew I would have my family's support 100 percent.

Are there any artists that have influenced you? If so who are they and why have they influenced you?

Tupac, Trick Daddy and T.I. but mostly Tupac. Even though I know my sound isn't anything like Tupac’s but I just love his realness and his flow. I love how his music has so much emotion and showed his struggle. His music makes you think and I love that.

How would you describe your style?

Well, my style is a little bit all over the place. I don't really have one look or one style. In my music I do a lot of different types of songs, whether it’s pop, old school Hip-Hop, or Dirty South type songs.

In 2011, you released numerous freestyles on YouTube as well as various blogs and websites including Yo! Raps… they took the internet by storm. Can you tell what that buzz was like for you?

The buzz I got from the freestyles was insane, I loved it. I think the biggest part of my buzz was just getting all the negative and positive feedback. I love all types of feedback because I know everyone isn't going to like me or my music and for the people that do, it’s just a great feeling to know people slap my music and want to hear more from me.

March this year was the debut of your first mixtape called Color Blind featuring the track Might Be The Police with Jelly Roll. Can you tell us about the mixtape?

Well, I think my first mixtape was important for me to grow as an independent artist. And to show how versatile I was.

Why did you decide to call it Color Blind?

Color Blind is just how I feel on a day to day honestly. My stepdad is black, I have two little brothers that are mixed and I was never raised to judge on someone because of their race. So for me, as a white female wanted to let everyone know that my race shouldn't mean anything or anyone else's for that matter. We all bleed red.

You’re only 16, what is a typical day like for you?

Normally I will wake up, do school, go play basketball, chill with friends, and me and my cousin really do some crazy shit together. We'll pull pranks on randoms! It’s hilarious.

How often do you write and record?

Everyday really, I'm always thinking about lyrics and recording, I always look at everything as a way to turn it into a song.

You’ve worked with artists such as Lil Chuckee and Jelly Roll, are you affiliated with a record label at all?

Right now, I'm in the works of getting a deal. The contracts are getting reviewed and I'm really excited and happy with the label I’ll be signing with.

As an artist where would you like to see yourself 5 years from now?

Hopefully, I would like to be coming out of your speakers and on the radio everywhere, but definitely touring.

What are artists are you listening to at the moment?

It’s really diverse with me. I like Jessie J, YMCMB, Tupac, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Eminem, Waka Flocka, and Dub Step.

Are there any artists or producers that you would like to work with?

I'd love to work with Tyga, Eminem, Waka Flocka, Honey Cocaine, Lil Wayne, Drake, The Weeknd, Plies, Jessie J and Snoop Dogg.

You’re currently recording and planning on releasing your debut album, would you be able to give us a sneak peak about that?

I'm definitely taking my time in that and making sure it’s perfect before its release. Hopefully, it will be out by the end of this year or beginning of 2013.

Where can people find out more about Juicee Kouture?

Follow me on Twitter @JuiceeKouture, hit me on www.facebook.com/juiceekouture and follow my Tumblr at juiceekouture.com

- By Jai Boo