Yung Miami has been struck by Cupid’s bow and is taking the hit in stride.
It’s a brisk October afternoon, and the rapper, born Caresha Brownlee, is in a Midtown Manhattan studio, taking a break after a photo shoot. She’s gushing about the new love of her life, which she’s expecting to arrive in the coming days. It’s all she talks and thinks about, from the thrill of the chase to the fulfillment it’s brought into this new era of her life. Those butterfly feelings aren’t the product of a mystery man, but can be attributed to Watch Dis!, her debut solo album set to arrive days after our conversation. The Florida native likens the album’s creation to a literal labor of love.
“It feels good,” Miami — clad in a sheer top, lace bra, pants, and gleaming YSL heels — says of reaching the finish line. “It’s like giving birth. You’re carrying the baby, you’re finally about to push it out, and you can’t wait to see the baby. I’m so excited to push out my first baby and share it with the world.”
Released in April 2026, Yung Miami’s hit single, “Spend Dat,” has retained its luster as one of this year’s hottest rap records, sending the 32-year-old’s buzz back to a crescendo with chatter centered on her artistry. Peaking at Number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and landing her first entry in the top five of Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, “Spend Dat” became a viral and commercial sensation, earning an RIAA Platinum plaque after selling over one million units. Few would have predicted her milestones at the turn of the calendar, but they stand as a testament to the rapper’s creative and emotional resolve in the face of criticism and adversity.
In recent years, the conversation surrounding Yung Miami has been defined by everything but the music. Her relationship with hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, which the pair publicly confirmed in 2022, drew headlines and boosted her profile with mainstream audiences. Appearances alongside the mogul at the 2023 Met Gala and other events sparked further intrigue into the nature of their non-monogamous romance. However, after allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering against Combs surfaced in 2024, her proximity to the mogul and the controversy surrounding him placed her in the center of a media firestorm, leaving her character subject to public scrutiny. Despite being mentioned in allegations against Combs, who is currently serving a 50-month federal prison sentence for violating two counts of the federal Mann Act, Yung Miami was never officially charged with any wrongdoing and has vehemently denied all allegations against her.
Now, Yung Miami is ready to push past drama aside and focus on the one thing that has always been within her control: the music.
More than a fresh chapter, Watch Dis! represents an opportunity to silence detractors, challenge preconceived notions, and establish her credibility as an artist on her own merit. “I think that this album shows that I can stand on my own,” she tells VIBE while lounging on a beige studio sofa. “This album shows I can work with other legends and other big artists in the industry and hold my own. I can be a Platinum-selling artist. I can be Grammy-nominated. A lot of people told me that I couldn’t do none of those things, and I did. That’s why I decided Watch Dis! was very important. When you’ve got so many people telling you that you can’t do this, and you can’t overcome this, or you’ve been through this, or you can’t do that, it’s like, ‘Watch this.’”
That chip on her shoulder is no coincidence. The underestimation, criticism, and constant attempts to define her through others’ choices have fueled her phoenix-like rise, leaving her more excited and determined than ever. Nearly a decade after entering the music industry alongside her City Girls groupmate JT, Yung Miami finds herself navigating an entirely different landscape, one she hopes to traverse while drawing on her personal growth and burning ambition. For now, her attention is fully focused on sharing Watch Dis! with the public while reminding the world that her story has always been bigger than the headlines
VIBE: When did you begin recording your album?
Yung Miami: It’s been like two years. I started recording two years ago.
What spurred you to even start on this solo artist journey?
I’ve been doing music for a long time now. I was in a group. I’m just ready to tap into my solo era, put out some new music, and become a solo artist.
Where was most of this album recorded?
Most of the album was recorded in Atlanta. I record a lot of music in Atlanta; I don’t know why. In Miami, my kids are there when I record in the studio, and I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get back home.’ I’m watching the time. I need to get back home before the school starts and take my kids to school. When I’m in Atlanta, it’s like, ‘Okay, my kids are situated back at home,’ and I’m just really focusing in on the music.
When did the album begin taking shape?
I would say… now (laughs). I recorded to the very end. So many times I thought the project was done. A year ago, it was called Yams. I had 12 tracks that I was like, ‘Okay this is it. I’m ready.’ Then, once it was time to get down to the nitty-gritty, I was like, ‘Nah, I need to go back in. I just kind of feel a little lazy, and it felt like it’s wasn’t creative enough. The music was good, and it was a great body of work, but I felt like it wasn’t at my full potential. [With this album] there were moments where I thought it was finished. Even now I was like, ‘I could do one more thing,’ but I’m like, nah, it’s time. It’s good now.
What aspects of your artistry or creativity did you unlock during the making of this album?
I would say just being carefree. Just being free, really putting all my emotions and thoughts into the project and not being in my head about it. Or not saying I’m not going to say this because of this. It’s really just being free.
What topics can listeners look forward to you addressing?
I think it’s just like my life. Yung Miami. Like you said, I’m full of personality. It’s just some fun music. It’s some deep music. Just me popping my shit, you know? It’s just a glimpse of all things Yung Miami.
What’s the recording process for you? Do you pick out the beat first, or the lyrics?
I think that beats are very important. When I listen to music, a good beat gets me. I want to know how a beat sounds. I’m more of a tempo-and-beat person.
I like to start with the beat. Then, I like to go with a topic and a hook. I would say a hook or a beat is how I create my music.
Who were some of the producers you worked with on Watch Dis!?
I worked with London On Da Track, J White Did It. Honorable C.N.O.T.E. Who else? J.Y. Bigg D from Miami. Go Grizzly, Cheeze Beats, and a few more.
What features can fans look forward to on this record?
Summer Walker. Travis Scott, Bryson Tiller. Trick Daddy and Trina. Rick Ross, G Herbo, Quavo.
Speaking of the Summer Walker feature, that’s a big one. How did you connect?
First and foremost, I’m a big Summer Walker fan. I love Summer Walker, like love, love, love her. I think she’s a great artist, and I think she’s also soulful.
I wanted something that feels soulful, like that real R&B back in the day. When you listened to the song, it was like you were crying in the rain. I was like, ‘Okay, if I want a song that feels like that, I need to call Summer Walker. She’s got that soulful voice, and its like a gift from heaven. She’s one of the best R&B artists of our generation.
Other than Summer, who else would you say was the most memorable?
I would say Travis Scott ’cause I was in L.A. I had just done a Don Toliver concert and having a great night. It was actually BET Weekend, and I was supposed to go home that day. I get a call, and it’s like, ‘Bryson Tiller wants to bring you out at the concert. I’m like, I really want to go home ’cause I’m drained. But I was like, ‘I’m going to go do this concert.’ I just remember saying, ‘I want to go to the studio this night. I’m going to just go out with a bang. I’m already here, fuck it. I’ll go to sleep on the plane.’ I ended up going to the concert, and then I booked a studio session that night, and J White Did It was there.
Being in the studio with him, you know magic is going to happen. We were in the studio working on “Just Might Go,” Travis ended up pulling up, and we had a party in the studio. The energy was so great. It was so fun.I went from a long weekend to a concert, and from the concert to the plane. And I slept on the plane (laughs).
That’s a memory.
Yes.
What was your goal in making this album, and do you feel you accomplished it?
Yeah. I think my goal in making this album was for me, for one. I did it for myself.
Also, just being an artist and people telling me, ‘You can’t rap, you can’t do this, you can’t do that.’ I was like, ‘I’m going to show them on this album.’ My first album has to really speak volumes. It’s got to show growth. It needs to show elevation. It needs to show that I can flow. I need to show that I can switch up my style. I need to show that I got bars and that I’m versatile. Like I can do whatever the fuck it is that I put my mind to.
And I think that this album reflects that, and I think that I proved myself. I would say that this is the most focused I have ever been.
What inspired you to really hunker down and take things into overdrive?
Just life. Just going through a lot. Having tough years, going through a whole bunch of shit, and then motherfuckers telling you, ‘You can’t do this.’ People counting you out, people doubting you, people online talking shit about you. I feel like your work reflects where you are. I’m a hustler, I don’t stop, and I think that’s kind of what motivated me. I’ve got to feed my kids, and I’m here.
God put me in this music industry for a reason. He gave me this gift. I was one of the chosen ones. I just felt like I’ve got to get to what God gave me to do. He put me here for a reason.
Did the backlash of everybody coming at inspire the title Watch Dis!?
Oh, yes, for sure. For sure. Watch Dis!.
Right, so you were taking notes and all that.
(Laughs)
“Spend Dat” has been one of the biggest records of the year. Were you at all surprised by its success?
I wouldn’t say that I was surprised because I prayed. I just felt it. I knew my time was going to come. When it came, I was just like, He did this. This is your moment; this is what you’ve been waiting for. This is what you’ve been grinding for two years for. This is all the time, effort, and everything that you felt. I always believed I was here for a reason, and I believe in myself. I believed that I was going to have this song. I believe that I’m supposed to be where I’m at. So was I surprised? No. To have this moment off my first debut project is very inspiring. I’m excited.
Was there any pressure to duplicate the success of “Spend Dat” while making this album?
When I had “Spend Dat,” the album was kind of done at that point, but when it dropped, it did cause me to go back in and say, ‘Hold on. I’m missing some shit.’ I would say it was pressure, yes, but I didn’t pressure myself to try to beat that ’cause I feel like that was what it was going to be. I just wanted to make a follow-up. Not to beat it, but I need something that’s going to feel like that again.
What’s a record that you could say is on that level?
For me, I feel like it’s “2008” and “F You,” the last two singles I just dropped.
There was a bit of controversy around the messaging of “Spend Dat.” India Arie and other people had critical things to say. What was your reaction to the backlash?
I just felt like it was noise. It didn’t really bother me because I felt like, ‘Come on now. We’re in hip-hop. Shit, what the female artists were talking about back in the day, “Spend Dat” wasn’t even that. I saw nothing but positivity come out of “Spend Dat.” I feel like it brought people together. Every time I got online, people were having fun. They were at barbecues, weddings, fucking restaurants. It was more about people having fun and enjoying themselves. I didn’t see nobody committing a crime or anything to the song. I mean, I get it, but that wasn’t my intention, and I think my intentions were clear. The song was made to make people feel good.
What did the process of making this album teach you about yourself as an artist and a person?
Ooh, it taught me that I’m great at what I do. To trust myself. Always have fun. To bet on myself every time. It showed me that I can do it. I ain’t gonna lie, the process was kind of up and down. I felt like I was ready, then I felt like I wasn’t ready. Then I felt like, ‘Okay, the project’s done.’ Then I’d want to go back in. I’m a perfectionist. I feel like everything needs to be perfect and in place. I would say that it taught me patience, a little bit (laughs). But it also made me feel good.
What would you say were some of the more emotional or stressful parts of making the album?
Just getting it right. Feeling like it’s not ready, feeling like it is ready, going back in and recording songs, taking songs off, putting songs on, just the whole process of making music. I won’t say stressful, but as artists, we get in our heads, and we just want everything to be right. We’re more attached to the music than the consumers because we’re like, ‘Okay, I need this; this record means something to me,’ but the consumers, they just want the music. They just want to have fun. I would say being personally attached to songs and just getting the album out.
You’ve been around for a decade now. How have you grown overall in your life from then to now?
I would say I’m more level-headed, more focused on the business aspect of it. I’m really focused on putting this music out, building my business, becoming an overall businesswoman, and building my brand. There’s so many different layers to me. Once I get to the music, I want to get to my podcast and things like that.
You just spoke about your business beyond music. Do you think that gets overlooked, far as your acumen in that space?
No, I think everybody looks at me under one umbrella. People see me, and they always ask me about the podcast, Caresha Please. Every time you see me, I always have my red cup, which is what I sell on my website. People are always like, “Oh my god, I love your game.” I don’t think my other businesses get overlooked; I think people look at me and love everything about me, including my businesses.
How have you been able to stay grounded?
I think my kids, to be honest. Being a mom, having to be responsible for two other young people. It really keeps me grounded, like just knowing that I got to keep going no matter what because of them.
How has your adjustment been to your fame and being who you are during this journey?
When I first came on the scene, people were so used to me just being so out there. Now, I’m more reserved; I’m more chill. Everything was just fun, and I was new. I was fresh, and people were so excited, but I think when you give a lot of yourself, it gives people room to judge you, and then tear you down. I think one minute they loved me, and then they tore me down to a point where once I built myself back up, I don’t know if I want to give y’all all of me again.’ They kind of took that carefree freedom away from me a little bit.
You’re now one of the flagship artists on the relaunched Uptown Records. How does it feel to be part of its legacy and add to it?
It feels so good. As a Black woman, I’m so excited to see it relaunched under Danielle Price. She’s a Black woman, and I just love that. I feel like we’re going to show that Uptown is still that.
How has it been working with the other artists on the label? I know y’all got Kirk Franklin and G Herbo.
G Herbo, that’s like my brother. He be calling me big sis. I tell him, ‘Stop saying that shit (laughs). He be making me feel like I’m big, big sis. I’m probably like a year or two older than him. I love Herb. Real nigga from Chicago. He’s just like a brother to me. If I ever call him for a favor, he’s going to be there. He’s going to be right there. I feel like Uptown is on to something. I think that people need to watch.
It’s been three years since the release of the last City Girls album RAW. Will there ever be another City Girls album?
Inshallah. God willing. Seriously. If that’s in God’s will, then it will happen.
Do you feel you and JT got the respect you deserve as one of the great female rap duos of this generation?
I do. I’m not going to lie ’cause City Girls was a big female girl group. When we first came out, I feel like we got a lot of big looks. We made our mark in the industry when people bring up girl groups. I do feel like we made a mark in hip-hop.
What’s it like seeing JT also blossom with her own solo career
I love it. 100%.
What’s the relationship between you and JT now? Do y’all stay in touch?
Um… I would just say Watch Dis!.
Can you describe the role Saucy Santana played in the making of this album? I know that that’s your ride or die.
Me and Saucy Santana actually had a song together on the album. It was one of my favorite songs, and I’m still so hurt that it did not make the album. The record was so dope, but it didn’t get cleared, and I fought, and I tried. He was a big part of the album [by] just being there in the studio, the energy. He’s one of my biggest supporters. One of my best friends. We all need a friend like Santana.
Earlier, you said that this album is your first child. How important was it to use Watch Dis! to fully establish yourself as a solo artist and make an impact with this project?
I think this whole album – from the song titles, the songs, the topics, the beat selections, the rollout, the marketing, everything- was very important because this is my first introduction to the world. I think that people are going to have to respect me, and it also just shows my love for being an artist. A lot of people always said, ‘Oh, she doesn’t take music seriously, and she doesn’t work hard, and she doesn’t do that,’ and it’s like, ‘Don’t speak for me, babe.’
So you’re competitive with it a little bit?
Very.
Would you say that this album is going to put you near the top of the female rap soloists in the game?
When it comes to being the top and this and that, I’m not really into that. That’s for the people who debate and go through all that. I’m here to make music, have fun. Wherever God placed me on that list, or whoever makes the list and decides to put me there, they can do that. They can navigate and argue or whatever comes with that. I’m just here to do the music, show my growth, show that I am an artist.
How does it feel to be looked at as a modern fashion icon?
I’m very girly. I’m very into myself. I love dressing up. Not all the time, but I am into fashion, glam, beauty, cosmetics. I love heels. To be like a fashion icon or one of the girls that put that shit on, I enjoy that ’cause I’m a girl, and I think that’s all our goal. Our end goal is to be a fashion girl and to get noticed by these brands. You want them to invite you to the show, be a part of their fashion shows, give you clothes, and things like that.
Who are some of the fashion girls or icons that have really influenced you?
I ain’t gonna lie. Rihanna is my top person. I love her style, love her sense of fashion. She gets it every single time. She’s got her pajamas, and it’s going to be fly as fuck.
Any updates on the Caresha Please podcast?
I’m looking forward to bringing the podcast back. That’s the next thing that I want to relaunch
Who are some of the guests you would like to get on there?
I would like to have Rihanna. I want to talk to Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige. I want to do Joe and Jada ’cause I was on their podcast. I want them to come sit on my couch. I’ve got to get some New Yorkers on there to come talk their shit. Who else? I want to do Michelle Obama. She be making her rounds. And LeBron James.
That’s a dope lineup. Who would you like to bring on the tour?
I would love to go on tour with Quavo. I love Quavo. That’s my good brother from my QC family. I don’t know off the top of my head.
Speaking of QC, Quavo and Offset linked up. What’s it like to see that part of the family come together?
I love it. When I saw it, I was like, ‘Yes! That’s what the fuck I’m talking about!’ I just love seeing them [together]. As a group, they went through a lot. They’re friends; they came up together. Friends fight; they fall out. Sometimes you need time to separate and to see them together.
Now that you’ve released Watch Dis!, what are some things we should watch out for from you next?
I think y’all got to just keep watching. When you try to tell a motherfucker something, they be like, ‘Girl, you can’t do it.’ They told me that the last time, so I think that I’m going to give y’all the music. I do want to go on tour, so stay tuned for some dates that may be coming up. I just want to continue to work on all things Caresha. I got a lot of things up my sleeve and under my belt, and I think right now, I just want y’all to go listen to the music, download it, stream it. Let me know what y’all think, and what’s y’all’s favorite tracks. We’re watching this right now. We’re focused on the music.