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Danileigh is R&B’s favorite sweetheart. The singer, songwriter, and dancer has been a music lover since a very young age; doing Youtube covers and even having the opportunity to work with Prince at the age of 18. It was his “Breakfast Can Wait” video that she directed, wrote, and even played a feature role in — eventually seeing The Purple One as a mentor.

But, It was her breakout single “Lil Bebe” released last year that pushed her name to the mainstream light. The track is a confident, trap-heavy anthem for both females and males, alike. While the record’s original visual hails over 50 million views and counting, the remix with Lil Baby certainly didn’t hurt. Then, in December of 2018, the songstress unleashed her debut album, The Plan, via Def Jam Recordings.

Her plan now? Continue to do music and take care of her family. Most recently, the 24-year-old tapped Chris Brown on her “Easy” remix and delivered yet another banger for fans to obsess over. In the video, the two artists’ synergy on the dance floor was unmatched, as they broke each other off with the choreography.

REVOLT caught up with Dani backstage at the Real Street Festival shortly after she exited the stage. We chatted about linking with Chris Breezy, driving the boat with Megan Thee Stallion, and her live performances. See the interview below!

How was driving the boat with Megan?

Driving the boat with Megan was amazing. I was like, ‘Oh, you really do this. This is cool, I fuck with it.’ It’s kind of a way of getting everybody comfortable. It’s cool, I like that.

Did you crash the boat?

What does that mean, I got fucked up? (chuckles). Honestly, I drank like six shots that night. I definitely got a little turnt.

‘Easy (Remix)’ has over 54 million on YouTube. What did Chris Brown bring to the record?

Man, Chris Brown brought a lot to the record. I thank him. He’s an amazing artist. He’s, I’d say, a living legend. Everybody knows who Chris Brown is, so he brought a lot to it. He’s a vibe.

How did you end up getting him on it?

We were friends. We were planning on working and I finally ended up going to the studio. I pretty much was just playing him records and I played him ‘Easy,’ and he’s like, ‘Yo, let me hop on this right now.’

Who broke who off with the dance moves?

I’ma give it to myself. Just kidding (laughs). Shit, we both killed it. He’s fire always. That’s Chris Brown, I’m not gonna be like, ‘I beat him.’

What did you learn from recording with him? He’s so talented.

Yeah, he’s super talented. We actually have a couple songs, it was cool. It’s funny seeing the different processes of artists and the way they work. His was cool to see. He’s similar to me really. We go in and do melodies, then I write it in the process of it all.

Best memory from the video shoot?

I think at the end when the lights and everything changed, we got in our music video mode and outfits. We were just in rehearsal chilling preparing for this video, then when we transitioned, it felt different.

When’s the next single coming out?

Shoot, probably within the next couple weeks. It’s called ‘Craving’ featuring G-Eazy.

Talk about linking with G.

Yeah, it’s a real West Coast vibe type of record. Me and him have just been cool on Instagram. Every time we see each other at events, we show love or whatever. I had that record and felt like he would sound fire on it, and he did. I texted it to him, he sent it to me the same night.

You actually worked with Prince at age 18. Can you bring us back to those days?

That was a big time in my life and my career. He taught me a lot, he was one of my mentors. He invested in me and my group, I was in a group back then. It was cool.

What was the biggest thing you learn from him?

Just to be myself and never compromise for nothing.

What goes into your live performances?

My live performances are lit. It’s a lot of energy. I’m always dancing, I just feel it. It goes from different vibes. I got R&B records, I got trap/cool records, too. My shows are a movie (chuckles).

I saw you onstage at the YG listening. Talk about that energy.

That was a real cool idea, too. It was [a] vibe, everybody was out there.

I loved seeing you turn up to Ski Mask The Slump God. Top five artists in rotation?

I really like Lil Keed, he’s a vibe. I just started getting into Stats. He’s tight, too. I got put on to him the other day. I like Roddy Ricch. I like Gunna, Lil Baby, Drake.

How much are you prepping or rehearsing for your shows?

A lot. I get in when I can. I travel a lot, so it’s hard to get breaks. But, every time I do get breaks, I make sure I do a rehearsal. I did a rehearsal for this.

What do you feel when the crowd reacts to ‘Lil Bebe’?

It’s lit. It’s a different feeling now too with ‘Easy.’ So, I really look forward to that moment.

Talk about opening with ‘Lil Bebe’ because I know you used to close with it.

It was different. I thought it was a cool energy to come out to that song. I don’t know if I miss ending it with ‘Lil Bebe.’ But, it was tight with ‘Easy’ too.

Saw your post with your baby cousin. How’s balancing being a celebrity and spending time with family?

Well, my family is all in the industry, too. So, it’s kind of hard to balance it. It is what it is, we’re an industry family.

Talk about being a motivational speaker on top of everything.

I love it! When I was just a dancer, I always said it’s cool to inspire people through dance. But now, I got my music to actually say a message with it. It’s dope. I feel like my music is very motivational and positive. We all have a responsibility as artists, people are following us and what we choose to put out there.

How do you plan to continue being a role model for women and girls around the world?

Just continuing to be me and spreading what I spread.

Talk about the energy here at Real Street Fest.

It’s cool. Good energy, beautiful weather, a dope crowd. It was a great show. The show is the highlight of the weekend.

What are some goals you’ve set for yourself as an artist at this point in your career?

To keep living life the way I’m supposed to. Making sure everybody’s straight around me: my family, my team. Just keep going, more wins.

Can we expect any acting?

For sure, definitely tap[ping] into movies and all that. I’ve done it, but it wasn’t a serious thing. Once I focus on that, I would do it.

Anything you want to let us know?

Album coming soon!

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