Anycia ft. Monaleo – “285” [VIDEO]

Anycia releases visuals for “285” with Monaleo

Anycia is winning big—and with her latest video for “285” featuring Monaleo, she’s making it roar. Released after the drop of her Grady Baby mixtape, the video is more than just a visual—it’s a moment. A confirmation. A full-circle collaboration that speaks to where Anycia is now and where she’s headed.

This track marks the second link-up between the two artists. Anycia was previously featured on Monaleo’s “Don Who Leo” remix in early 2024. That appearance introduced fans to their undeniable chemistry, which is now fully explored on “285.” Here, they go bar-for-bar with style and sharpness, each holding their own while uplifting the other.

Grady Baby: Atlanta’s New Legacy Piece

The Grady Baby mixtape dropped last month, hosted by DJ Drama. That co-sign alone makes it historic: Anycia is the first Atlanta-born female rapper to headline a Gangsta Grillz mixtape. That matters. DJ Drama’s series is a pillar of Southern hip-hop culture, and Anycia’s presence signals a passing of the torch—or better yet, a new flame entirely.

The title is a tribute to her origins. Anycia was born at Grady Memorial Hospital in downtown Atlanta, and she grew up on the city’s Southside. Every lyric, sample, and visual on Grady Baby carries Atlanta’s cultural DNA. But this isn’t nostalgia for the sake of clout. It’s about lineage and ownership. About blending old-school flavor with new-school authority.

The mixtape cover echoes that balance, referencing a famous Lil Kim photoshoot but flipping it with Southern flair. It’s not mimicry—it’s reclamation.

Why “285” Hits Different

The song “285” is one of the standouts on the mixtape, thanks in part to Monaleo’s verse, but also because of how well the two artists work together. Anycia delivers her lines with a deadpan confidence that’s quickly becoming her signature. It’s not lazy—it’s calculated. Her voice stays calm, but the lyrics land like they’re underlined in red ink.

Monaleo brings a high-energy contrast. Her verse is funny, sharp, and filled with quotables. Lines like “Body like a Coke, bitches built like a question” are punchy and memorable. The chemistry is real. There’s no competition—just collaboration between two women who know exactly who they are.

The beat is stripped down and eerie, built on sharp strings and crisp snares. It’s an ode to the early 2000s Southern sound but produced through a modern lens. Think Ciara, Field Mob, and Cherish, but less dancefloor and more driveway flexing.

The video adds even more depth. Set against Atlanta’s cityscape, it shows both artists fully in their element. It’s clean, stylish, and bold—just like the song itself. There’s no over-the-top narrative or forced choreography. It’s pure presence, elevated by simple but strong visual direction.

The Bigger Picture: Grady Baby’s Key Tracks

The full Grady Baby mixtape features 12 tracks that showcase Anycia’s range. From brash anthems to R&B-laced slow burners, it’s a complete portrait of where she is artistically. It also doesn’t waste time on filler.

The tape opens with “ATW,” which samples Young Jeezy’s “And Then What.” It’s a powerful start—hard-hitting, full of bravado, and steeped in Southern hip-hop history. It immediately sets the tone: Anycia’s not here to play nice, she’s here to win.

“Never Need,” the first official single, features GloRilla and Karrahbooo. It’s all attitude—tight verses over an explosive beat, with a hook that’s bound to stick in your head. It’s a breakup song turned celebration. Anycia shines here, but she also lets her collaborators eat.

Another standout is “So Fine” featuring Tink. This track softens the edges a bit, introducing a more melodic, sensual vibe. But don’t get it twisted—Anycia is still in control. Her verses remain crisp and direct, adding contrast to Tink’s smoother delivery. It’s a necessary moment of balance that shows her emotional range.

Then there’s “Put Up” featuring Quavo. It’s not a reach for a radio hit; it’s a natural pairing. Quavo delivers in his laid-back, melodic style, and Anycia matches him with a poised verse that holds its own. It’s a good example of her ability to blend with mainstream artists without losing her identity.

Crafting a Sound That Lasts

What makes Anycia’s music stand out is her refusal to bend to speed or volume. She doesn’t rap fast. She doesn’t yell. But every line feels deliberate. Her delivery is conversational but controlled. Like she’s letting you in on something—not trying to prove herself to you.

Her production choices echo this. The beats are often minimal, allowing her voice to cut through. String-heavy melodies, sparse snares, and washed-out keys dominate the tape. The vibe is nostalgic but forward-thinking. It’s Southern rap through a post-Instagram lens: stylish, self-aware, and highly curated.

Even when she leans into more traditional trap sounds, like on “Boss Moves,” she does it with a clarity that sets her apart. She isn’t trying to be louder than the beat. She’s trying to live in it.

The Power of Representation

Part of what makes Grady Baby feel significant is how deeply tied it is to place. Atlanta is not just a backdrop—it’s the main character. From the street names she mentions to the slang she uses, Anycia builds an entire world. If you’re from Atlanta, it feels like home. If you’re not, it feels like a window in.

And then there’s the cultural milestone: the first Atlanta-born woman to headline a Gangsta Grillz tape. That kind of recognition from DJ Drama doesn’t come lightly. It’s not just a co-sign—it’s a signal. That this voice, this story, and this perspective are vital to the future of hip-hop.

What Comes Next

With “285” adding more fuel to her momentum, the next logical step would be a tour or deluxe release. Her visuals are already cinematic—expect more videos to drop in the coming weeks. Songs like “Peek-A-Boo” or “Daily Freestyle” are strong candidates.

Anycia also has a chance to build something sustainable here. Not just viral moments, but a lasting brand. Her aesthetic, lyrical content, and confidence all point toward an artist who knows what she wants and how to get it.

She’s also positioning herself as a collaborator who lifts the artists around her. From Monaleo to Tink to GloRilla, she brings the best out of her features without ever stepping back from her spotlight.

“285” isn’t just another track from a buzzing mixtape. It’s a cultural checkpoint. A moment that showcases how far Anycia has come, and how much she still has to offer. Her partnership with Monaleo adds weight to the song, while the Grady Baby project continues to grow in impact.

Anycia is crafting a legacy one verse at a time. She isn’t rushing. She isn’t pandering. She’s building something that’s hers—and that makes all the difference.

From the first track to the last, Grady Baby proves that you don’t have to shout to be heard. Sometimes, all you need is a steady voice, the right beat, and the courage to tell your own story.