LING HUSSLE INTERVIEW: South London native, Ling Hussle has already proven herself as a standout talent in today’s music landscape with her ability to masterfully blend classic R&B and Hip-Hop. Ling has captivated audiences and critics alike with her versatility and emotional authenticity, get familiar…

What five words define your sound?

Raw, versatile, relatable, authentic, and empowering.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

It’s only ever me and my engineer in the studio when I record. I don’t like other people in my sessions – there’s a certain intimacy and focus that comes from having just the two of us there without any outside influences or distractions. We’ve been recording like this for seven years now and it’s always allowed me to dive deep into my creativity.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Anointed’ is the song I would like people to hear first! It was released back in March and is the first song on my project. I think it’s the perfect introduction to my sound and it really sets the tone for the entire project. 

What inspired you to make that song?
Life and real situations inspire me constantly. I draw from my own experiences, as well as the stories around me and I like for my songs to be a clear representation of that. With ‘Anointed’, I wanted to capture authentic emotions and moments of transformation. It came from reflecting my journey and how I’ve had to rise above challenges and come out on top. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I’m vulnerable every time I get in the booth. I’ve got nothing to hide and I’m always ready to tell it how it is – whether it’s about love, loss, or personal growth. I believe that music is a powerful form of self-expression and I feel my openness allows me to connect with listeners and fans on a deeper level.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

My best experience was definitely hearing the fans scream my lyrics back to me; it felt surreal and gave me chills. Knowing my music resonates with people is always incredibly rewarding. My worst experience was a moment where I felt out of sync with the audience. I could have been battling nerves or just wasn’t connecting with the energy in the room but even those moments teach you a lot about resilience, and fuel me to improve as a performer. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

I’m most excited to perform my new songs from my project, ‘Where I Belong‘. Each one holds a piece of my journey, and sharing them live adds another layer of magic that I can’t wait to experience with my fans.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

Drake’s ‘Take Care’ and Nipsey Hussle’s ‘Crenshaw’ were both monumental for me. They showed me the power of storytelling and authenticity in music and how you can create something that truly resonates with people.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Ling is a nickname my friends gave me back in college, and the “Hussle” part comes from my admiration for Nipsey Hussle. His spirit of hard work and determination inspires me, and I wanted to carry that mentality in my name and my music.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I can’t see myself not doing music, but if I had to choose, it would probably be something in the fashion space – as a creative director or something like that. I’ve always loved being creative and expressing myself artistically so creating art in that arena would still fulfil my creative spirit.

What’s success to you?

Success is about walking in God’s purpose for your life, doing what you love every day, and being able to take care of your people. It’s about fulfilment and staying true to yourself while making a positive impact, something I aim to achieve with the release of this new project.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

When I felt like I wasn’t getting enough love in my city, it forced me to travel. This experience made me believe in going where I’m celebrated, learning to embrace opportunities that expand my reach and impact. It was a pivotal moment that reshaped my perspective and ambition.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

Everyone can keep in touch with me through my website linghussle.co.uk, where they can subscribe for updates! I’m also active on TikTok and Instagram where they can come and join the Hussle community. I love connecting with my fans and keeping everyone updated with behind-the-scenes content. It’s a #LingYear and I’d love to share this journey with you all!