Stella Standingbear9 Images
Hip-hop turned 51 this year, and it’s not often you come across something genuinely new, but that’s exactly the feeling I got watching Oglala Lakota Nation artist Stella Standingbear’s On the Radar Radio freestyle two weeks ago. Her Native heritage is woven into every pixel of the video – from the reverbed backing vocals extending into the horizon, to her black bear headdress, and her fellow tribe members’ traditional dances in the background. It’s sort of like Drake on a peyote trip (complimentary), and I was captivated.
I clearly wasn’t the only one, either. Since breaking through with debut single “Home Run” in 2022, Stella has been met with an outpouring of support from tribal communities, speaking to a stark lack of representation for Native Americans in mainstream media. The track cleaned up at the 2023 Indigenous Hip-Hop Awards, and Stella is aware of the responsibility that comes with her newfound platform. “These opportunities are creating space not just for me, but for others as well,” she tells Dazed. “What I’m doing feels important to my Native American community and I hope it inspires respect and education for our traditions.”
With outgoing US President Joe Biden only this year apologising for the violent process of assimilation pursued by Indian boarding schools over two centuries, there’s a great deal of catching up to do in giving Native American culture the respect it deserves, but Stella seems set to make a full ‘home run’. Below, the Oglala Lakota Nation artist breaks down the influences behind her music.
You broke out with your debut single “Home Runs” a couple of years ago. What was the process leading up to that release?
Stella Standingbear: “Home Runs” is the first song I created with my current producer, Adam Banx, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The inspiration came from a TikTok interview I watched with Scooter Braun, where he talks about continuing to swing, even when we miss, knowing that eventually we’ll hit a home run. I really related to that story, and when I had the chance to be in the studio that inspiration transformed into a song.
In 2022, during a break from social media, I went back to my homelands in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, where I reconnected with my roots and heritage. I attended ceremonies, spent time with family, and my cousin shared a story about the summer I hit the championship-winning home run for our baseball team. It felt like a full-circle moment, and I knew I wanted to film the music video there.
A lot of people abroad would’ve discovered you through the On the Radar Radio performance which, aside from being a stella(r) performance, also prominently features your Native heritage. Was this a conscious choice?
Stella Standingbear: Yes, it was a conscious choice to wear my Native American heritage so proudly, especially on such a globally recognized platform like On The Radar. The industry lacks this representation, and it’s an honour to represent my people as a successful Native American female artist.
The industry rarely sees Native artists, especially Native women, on these platforms. My success is proof that there’s not just a gap, but a demand for representation.
– Stella Standingbear
Could you break down the dancing and outfits in the video?
Stella Standingbear: In my On The Radar freestyle and performance video, there are two different dance styles: jingle dress and fancy shawl. These dance styles are traditionally used in powwow or Wacipi ceremonies for prayer and healing. I had a vision of representing our culture on the OTR platform in this way – it’s never been done before. This moment is not just historical for our community but for the world, as it highlights and celebrates our traditions on a global stage. For many people worldwide, this may have been the first time they saw jingle dress or fancy shawl dancing, and I hope it inspires respect and education for our traditions.
How does your Lakota heritage influence your music?
Stella Standingbear: In my latest EP, Bear Spirit, one of the tracks features a sample from traditional singer Miracle Spotted Bear, combined with elements from the Native State of Mind sample pack by PJ Vegas x Tippie on Splice. I blend traditional singing, and instruments like flutes and hand drums with modern hip-hop production. Beyond the music, I also incorporate aspects of my culture, such as prayer, powwow, foods, kinship, and medicinal herbs like sage and sweetgrass, all presented in creative ways.
I’ve also noticed how the Native community more widely seems to have really mobilised behind you. Do you think there was a gap in representation there?
Stella Standingbear: The industry rarely sees Native artists, especially Native women, on these platforms. My success is proof that there’s not just a gap, but a demand for representation. I am beyond blessed to have my Native American community supporting and amplifying me, because without them, I wouldn’t have nearly as many opportunities as an independent artist. I believe there’s a gap in representation, and that’s why these doors are opening for me. These opportunities are creating space not just for me, but for others as well. What I’m doing feels important to my Native American community, and I’m truly honoured to represent them proudly and respectfully.
Who’s your dream collab?
Stella Standingbear: My dream collaboration is tough to narrow down because there are so many amazing artists and creatives. I would love to work with producers like OVO40, Timbaland and Missy Elliott, to name a few. As for artists, I’d love to collaborate with Drake, Trippie Redd and The Kid LAROI, among others.
What can we expect from you in the new year?
Stella Standingbear: You can expect me to reach new heights. Each year has brought steady progress, with increased exposure and more opportunities. I’m excited to continue travelling to First Nations communities, sharing my music, passion, and inspiration. I aim to perform at major festivals like Summer Smash, Rolling Loud, and more. I’m determined to push myself further than I have in the past couple of years, and I’m truly grateful for everyone who’s supporting me on this journey. Above all, I will keep spreading love and delivering my message. To everyone who’s been a part of this journey – wopila (thank you).
Stella Standingbear’s Bear Spirit EP is out now.
