Sound of the City: Missy D
The bilingual femcee chimes in on grief, her new video, and the healing power of melodies
SOUND OF THE CITY is a chance to discover and explore Vancouver’s incredible and diverse music scene created in partnership by the City of Vancouver and Stir.
We’ll hear from different local artists or acts, what’s in heavy rotation on their playlist as well as what’s happening in their world amid COVID-19—in their own words.
We ask each artist or act to curate and share a Sound of the City playlist that features some of their favourite Vancouver musicians.
Sound of the City is a way to celebrate local talent, highlight BIPOC and underrepresented artists, and connect with creatives and each other. It’s time to crank the volume on the music that’s all around us, right in our own backyard.
Missy D
MISSY D IS a bilingual female emcee born and raised around the Motherland. Born from Rwanda and having grown up in Cote d'Ivoire and Zimbabwe, she represents a blend of African cultures in her life force and in her music. Now representing Vancouver, Missy D loves to blend hip hop, rap, and R&B with what she calls Rap & Soul.
The femcee has been rapping since she was 11, in French and English. You will hear the sounds of MC Solaar, Diams, Erykah Badu, India Arie, J.Cole, Missy Elliott, and Lauryn Hill echoing through her voice. She continues to make noise for the people with performances at SXSW, Juno Fest, and even performing with the likes of Busty and the Bass, Maestro Fresh Wes, Jully Black, Nomadic Massive, Sons of Kemet, Mr.Eazi, Snotty Nose Rez Kids and the Sorority.
On March 20, 2020, Missy D dropped her second EP entitled “Yes Mama” following her journey through grief, a topic very relevant to its debut launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. After having to cancel the release party, Missy D dropped a music video for “Yes Mama” available on YouTube. She embraces diversity in instrumentals, music, and people.
Listen to Missy D’s picks on her Sound of the City playlist, below.
Missy D’s Playlist
How are you feeling about life right now?
It's hard to think about the future and sometimes hard to live in the present. I’ve been feeling very nostalgic for the past year and recently realized that my grieving process was interrupted by a pandemic. But I’m trying to take it day by day, getting up, drinking water, moving my body, and singing some melodies into harmony and therapy.
What did you have planned this year and how has the pandemic changed those plans?
I was hoping to launch my EP in March, which I ended up releasing as the lockdown was confirmed. I was hoping to continue promoting it through live shows, at festivals around the province, and on the East Coast. But due the pandemic, my inbox was then filled with cancellations and a hard reality that this summer, this year would look different.
What, or who, do you miss most about pre-pandemic life?
I was also planning to go home to Cote d'Ivoire for the first time since the loss of my dad and I dearly miss him and miss being surrounded by loved ones. Additionally, I miss those random jams with my friends in their cars and at open mics, and HUGS! I’m not very touchy person, but I definitely enjoy good hugs, and I’ve missed hugging my people, my friends.
What gives you solace and comfort?
Melodies have been healing me. I’ve been humming random melodies or playing my drum pad and listening to music that uplifts me. Whether that looks like a solo dance party or a random jam that stays in my voice notes, it helps and I can’t wait to jam once again with the band to workshop it all and perform for you and my loved ones. I see my peers making moves, hustling, and fighting for our rights—that gives me energy when I don’t feel like getting up. Gratitude to you!
What song or album has been in your heavy rotation and why?
Locally it has been Tonye Aganaba’s Something Comfortable. I’ve rocked with this album for the past year through some tough times; it has allowed me harmonize along and feel all the feelings. Outside BC, I’ve been falling in love with Masego’s Studying Abroad and his previous work, I love the mix of soul music with hip hop beats; I feel it relates to my passion for making Rap&Soul.
Who is your favourite Vancouver musician or artist? What about them inspires you?
This question is too HARD! I love them all, hence my long playlist. But someone who continues to inspire me constantly has been Tonye Aganaba. They are a legend, a presence, a voice, a being that shines and deserves all the shine that they radiate!
If you could change one thing about Vancouver, what would it be?
I would love to see the city champion its creative minds—build networks and accessibility for marginalized communities to share their talents and amplify those voices. (More venues!) Your local coffee shop should be playing this playlist; all the movies being filmed here should showcase local art, license songs from the artists you hear on this playlist, or hire and showcase the stories of our BIPOC community. Representation Matters.
You’re writing to us from 2025...what does the future hold?
Missy D is an official music artist, full time, performing in your local schools and in arenas around the world for the youth and for old-school hip hop lovers!
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