This week, singer/songwriter BeMyFiasco spoke with I Love Us from North Carolina about her first Grammy nomination. As part of the songwriting team behind Lalah Hathaway’s VANTABLACK, the Dallas native is celebrating her milestone achievement as a nominee for Best R&B Album of the Year.
“I was in Tokyo on a birthday trip with my mom, when I received the call about nominations,” BeMyFiasco shared. “I was hysterical! Working on that project was already a special experience, so for it to culminate into this? Crazy.”
She shared, “Honestly, it still hasn’t fully hit me yet, probably won’t until next week.”
VANTABLACK channels the neo-soul sound of the early 2000s, featuring prominent names like Common, MC Lyte, and Rapsody. BeMyFiasco contributed as a co-writer and background vocalist on the track “You Don’t Know,” alongside her labelmate and longtime collaborator, Phonte.
For fans of the genre, the song is a nostalgic yet fresh take on the era’s signature sound, weaving in elements of jazz, hip-hop, and soulful storytelling.
For BeMyFiasco, the moment was nothing short of surreal. Having dedicated years to refining her craft, she never imagined that a song she helped shape would land her a Grammy nomination.
“Surreality is the only way to describe everything,” she said. “To think that something I wrote in my room, lying in bed, has reached, and will again reach thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people is insane.”
She added, “Even further, to know my words can brighten a stranger’s day is not only inspiring, but fulfilling.”
Though many have recently discovered her talent, BeMyFiasco has been immersed in the industry for years. A seasoned performer and songwriter, BeMyFiasco has long been immersed in the soulful side of the music industry. Her collaborations with iconic artists like Robert Glasper and her time touring with Erykah Badu’s ensemble RC & the Gritz helped shape her musical journey.
“That’s family! They’re from Dallas, I’m from Dallas, so it felt like I was with my uncle and ‘nem!” Fiasco laughs. The experience, she says, was both an honor and a challenge.
She reflected on her experience, saying, “Jokes aside, that was a monumental time for my artistry. Here I was, this tiny little lady standing center stage with a 9 to 10 piece band cranking behind me.”
“They saw my potential, and challenged me to rise to their level of performance. Admittedly it was a little rough at first, but as time progressed, I did too. I became more comfortable with performing in front of large, festival-style crowds, and now I love it. I appreciate my time with them because it allowed me to really strengthen my chops.”
That growth ultimately prepared her for this moment—the Grammy nod, the industry recognition, and the confidence to create a project entirely her own.
That growth ultimately prepared her for this moment—the Grammy nod, the industry recognition, and the confidence to create a project entirely her own.
Now, with a Grammy nomination and a new project under her belt, BeMyFiasco is stepping into her own spotlight. Her latest album, Pretty Little Love, is one of her most personal works yet.
“My baby! Pretty Little Love is special because it is me, like authentically me,” she says. “When Phonte and the label approached me saying ‘it was my turn’, I was ready but also uncertain. Questioning how I wanted to present myself and what I wanted to address on wax left me creatively wandering a bit for the first year.”
“At this point, I had a list of songs recorded, but no real direction or cohesion,” she continued. “Calling around to a few colleagues for advice, I came to realize, I was listening with the ears of an audience member, as opposed to just making music as the artist. Boom, the lightbulb was on and everything from there made sense.”
“I took full advantage of the creative liberties the label offered me,” she shared. “I wrote my own songs, helped pick and produce my own beats, found the collaborations I desired, I even planned my own promotional photo shoot, and picked my favorite shot as the cover. I genuinely helped handcraft every aspect of this EP.”
She added, “It turned to a three-year process, and though I was going through it in those three years, I’m beyond proud of the quality of work produced.”
Her dedication is evident in every track, from the raw vulnerability in her lyrics to the intentionality behind the production. Fans have resonated with her honesty, further cementing her place as one of R&B’s rising voices.
Looking ahead, BeMyFiasco is eager to hit the road and connect with fans. When asked about her plans for the future, she’s excited about what’s coming next.
“While I can’t reveal much, I promise it won’t be 3 more years until the next project!! We’re on a wave right now, and plan to ride it out,” she said. “That said, I do believe a US tour is in the plans for the near future.”
“Personally, I’d like to go on an international tour, but that’d be a little further down the line,” she added. “In the meantime, there’ll definitely be more music, more visuals (cause video shoots are too fun), more collabs, and maybe even a move to a new city with new opportunities. As a performing artist, I want to be out there amongst my people. I want to see them like they want to see me. It’s one of my favorite parts of music!”
Influenced by vocal legends like Aretha Franklin and D’Angelo, BeMyFiasco brings a unique honesty and vulnerability to her R&B sound. Whether it’s the bold energy of “Don’t Want to Be Your Lover” or the haunting beauty of “Finally,” her music continues to resonate with listeners old and new.
Want More BeMyFiasco?
Follow her on socials @BeMyFiasco and visit BeMyFiasco.com. Catch her live at The Peppermint Club in Los Angeles on February 16.
Cover photo: BeMyFiasco Celebrates Grammy Nomination and New Album/ Credit: Samantha Everette
Leave a Reply