Credit:
Emily Kate Warren (writer)
It’s true a British accent makes anyone sound more interesting, but that’s only part of what makes people want to listen to rapper Misfit Dior. She first got attention for starring on VH1’s White Rapper Show (she was the only contestant good enough not to have to audition), but she’s been rhyming since she was 12. “I started because I was fascinated with gangsta rap, and I loved groups like N.W.A.,” she says.
At 20, she met Proof, of D12, who gave her constructive criticism—and her name. “In the UK, if you’re cute you’re declared fit,” says Misfit. “We was kind of high when the name came up.” In honor of Proof’s memory (he was shot in 2006), Misfit had his name inked on her right forearm. “It’s the same tattoo he had and it’s my most meaningful. That’s my heart right there.” On her left forearm, she has the word Dior. “My mum’s a dress-maker and my grandmother was in fashion too, so it’s a big part of me. I’m a Dior fanatic,” says Misfit of the tattoo and her self-appointed surname. She also has an L on her back that stands for her real name, Laeticia.
Among Misfit’s other tats, there’s a girl holding a shotgun on her upper arm—“I get the most attention for that one”—her name scrawled across the back of her neck, and an unfinished fairy on her left arm. “I’ll probably wind up with a sleeve,” she says. “I’d like to meet Mister Cartoon—it’d be cool if he’d work on me.”
While she waits for that to happen, she’s busy recording her album, and has recently released two singles, “My Dior,” a pop-infused hip hop track, and “Paid a Grip,” which she calls “more krunk-club-joint style.” There’s also another reality show in the works, but you might sooner be sipping a glass of the pink champagne that she’s branding.