Self-Love in Every Bar: How 7xvethegenius Is Shaping the Future of Black Music

In the gray-toned heart of Buffalo, New York—where struggle and soul run deep—a lyrical powerhouse is carving her own lane in hip-hop. Known for her sharp pen, raw storytelling, and unshakable authenticity, 7xvethegenius is redefining what it means to be a Black woman in hip-hop.

"I've always just tried to be as authentic as possible," she tells Bleu Magazine. "I always try to make my music sound current, but ultimately, I make what I want to hear. That's my approach. I'm a firm believer in making what you want to see."

That simple yet powerful philosophy has guided her journey since childhood. 7xve got her start in the business at just 11 years old when she released her first CD after recording music in her cousin's neighbor's home studio. It wasn't a polished industry rollout—it was a moment of self-expression born from a family where art, creativity, and resilience were daily survival tools.

7xve says she comes from a "musical family," and despite not having much, everyone made the most of their talents. She also drew inspiration from a wide range of influences, including Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, Pharrell, and Spike Lee. But legacy, she says, is the real motivator. "I want to set a clear blueprint for other artists, not even on how to be the best rapper, but how to be fully expressed."

In addition to family and influences being huge motivators, 7xve says the city of Buffalo, which has gritty streets and a muted color palette, shaped her sonic aesthetic.

"Buffalo influences me tremendously. I feel like outside of Buffalo, people appreciate the sound and understand what it is," says 7xve. "The landscape and tone of the city are very gray, brown, and dark blue colored, and that reflects in the music."

7xve's music started out as a personal outlet—a diary, as she describes it—but over time, it became something more. The turning point came unexpectedly when a viral dance video overseas featured her song "The Genius." As she watched people move to her words, she realized that what she was doing is actually making an impact on people's lives.

That realization, as well as balancing vulnerability with strength, is what's fueling 7xve's upcoming project, Self 7xve 3, the final chapter in a trilogy that's been years in the making. For her, it's not just an album—it's a culmination.

"It represents completion for me, not even in the way of like finalization, but just completion as far as where I feel I am as a woman right now," says 7xve. "It's a story of love, a story of heartbreak, a story of hustle and drive, you know what I mean? What we do every day and you know you gotta just get yourself together as a whole and accept things as it is and go for it."

Some of the themes of Self 7xve 3—vulnerability, heartbreak, hustle, and healing—mirror her evolution not just as an artist, but as a woman. This album is also about acknowledging feelings, not putting them aside, as 7xve says, "It's about moving through them properly."

That emotional honesty comes through strongest on one of the album's standout tracks, titled "Stay"—a song that 7xve says was the hardest to write. According to 7xve, she got extremely vulnerable on that track, which has the strength and feeling of a gospel record.

"It's extremely vulnerable," she admits. "It was hard for me because it's not even being okay with what I'm saying, but being okay with putting it out there. That's the strength of the album."

Beyond Self 7xve 3, she's already planning what's next, including a collaborative album with fellow Buffalo artist Ché Noir. While she's closing one chapter, her journey is far from over. "Music is everything for me. It's my escape, my therapy, my platform."

When asked to sum up her journey in one word, she chose impactful as "Every moment of it, not just the music," has taught her something about herself. And the most impactful lesson she's learned so far is "realizing the reality of who people are in this industry and in life."

In a time where artists are often boxed in by trends or expectations, 7xve stands out for her fearless introspection, her commitment to truth, and her refusal to compromise. Her music isn't just a vibe—it's a mirror, a journal, and for many, a lifeline.

For young Black women especially, she leaves this message through Self 7xve 3: "You don't have to be okay with everything happening in the world—but you do have to be whole, be settled, and make your move. Be full."