About Bebe Rexha
Rising as a prolific songwriter for Rihanna, Eminem, and Selena Gomez, Bebe Rexha has rocketed from the studio to the forefront on stage, racking up hit singles with David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj, and country duo Florida Georgia Line, recording chart-topping, country-pop single “Meant to Be.” in 2017.
Bebe’s career is constantly evolving, and greatness echoes throughout the four-times Grammy-nominated singer’s catalogue, including new singles “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” and “I’m The Drama,” both of which the global superstar premiered at her Coachella Main Stage set in April 2024 alongside upcoming track “Beat It Up”.
Constantly pushing her songwriting, vocals, and artistry forward, Bebe – who’s achieved a massive 20 billion total global streams and 12 million Instagram followers – is embarking on her new, dance-focused chapter, collaborating with global superstars such as Kylie Minogue and Tove Lo. She performed with both artists at a British Summer Time concert in London’s Hyde Park
Bebe has used her platform to talk about body positivity in the fashion industry and draw awareness to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Journey & Lessons Learned
Bebe Rexha told our students to follow their dreams. She was born and raised in New York and as the daughter of Albanian immigrants she had a tough start but from age four she knew she wanted to be a singer. With no contacts in the music industry, it made her fearless to achieve her dream to be a singer. Growing up she was influenced by the work of JZ and Nicki Minaj.
At 17 Bebe was selling Versace perfumes in Saks Fifth Avenue and was so ambitious that she was named top saleswoman of the year. Her prize was a subscription to Vogue, and with the money she saved, she bought speakers and recording equipment. She went on to network on MySpace and continued writing songs. She was getting closer to her dream.
She wrote The Monster for Eminem which featured Rihanna, achieving global success, and starred on USA’s Billboard Hot 100. Bebe regretted she didn’t sing on the track. However, the song’s success opened doors for her as an artist. After that she always collaborated and sang on the songs she wrote. Bebe reflected that rejection can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Advice from Bebe Rexha
Believe in yourself
Bebe’s most powerful advice to our students was to believe in yourself. She has learned that everything in the creative industries is about perception and branding, so get that right and you will succeed.
Do what you love and be happy
She explained how she works hard, but that it’s made her happy. She continued that working in an industry she loves allows her to enjoy what she does.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Mistakes are a vital part of the learning process. Every misstep is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and improve. Embrace them as a natural step toward success.
Bebe advised our students not to dwell on the negative – it can hold you back from moving forward. Instead, focus on what you can learn from the experience and how you can apply it to make progress. Shift your mindset towards solutions and growth.
Speak your truth and focus on self-care
In her talk, Bebe emphasised the importance of speaking your truth and prioritising self-care. She encouraged attendees to embrace their authentic selves, urging them not to shy away from sharing their experiences, no matter how complex. Rexha highlighted that expressing one’s truth is a powerful way to connect with others and foster genuine relationships.
Be mindful and focus on your dreams.
She urged the audience to actively focus on their dreams, no matter how distant they may seem. Bebe explained that setting clear intentions and maintaining a positive mindset can lead to significant progress. In closing, she inspired everyone to stay committed to their passions and to be intentional in their daily lives, reminding them that mindfulness is a vital tool in transforming dreams into reality.
Questions from Our Students
Our students got the opportunity to ask superstar Bebe Rexha questions and she was refreshingly authentic and honest; one student inquired about Bebe Rexha’s mentor. She revealed that her mother played a pivotal role in her career by instilling the value of prioritising her work. Another student asked what she would pursue if she weren’t a singer. Bebe responded that she would likely be a chef or a therapist, highlighting her diverse interests.
When discussing fashion, she shared her preference for clothing that embodies a rock and roll attitude, particularly favoring black outfits. That day, she wore her hairdresser’s jacket and stylish glasses she had purchased at Selfridges. Bebe’s responses reflected her authenticity and passion, inspiring students to embrace their unique paths.
The students were inspired by every moment of Bebe Rexha’s refreshingly honest and authentic talk and she made time for selfies and questions after. We were so lucky to welcome superstar Bebe, as she was going straight to rehearsals with Kylie Minogue for the BST Concert in Hyde Park taking place the following night.
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