Suzi talks about becoming a global sensation, with “Nobody’s Better” surpassing 300 million streams. In this interview, she discusses creative range, her cultural identity, independence, and growth.
You grew up immersed in music from a young age. What do you remember most about when your talent was first recognized in kindergarten, and how did that shape your path?
Oh man, thinking back to when I was young feels like yesterday. At this point we’re a lot older, so those memories are really dear to me. The one thing I hold very close to my heart is my elementary school music teacher. She was a big reason why I had so much fun in music class—singing and participating in all of the school concerts.
Your training spans classical, operatic, and contemporary styles. How do those technical foundations show up in your current pop, hip-hop, and R&B sound?
From a young age, around four or five, I was trained in classical and opera. I didn’t get into contemporary or R&B until during or after high school, and it was super different. Everything is a lot more fluid and less structural. I think that classical training definitely shines through in some of my records. I have more control and range than I would have had without it, if that makes sense.
Your single “Nobody’s Better” reached more than 300 million streams and gained traction overseas. Why do you think it connected so strongly with global audiences?
It still blows my mind. I can’t even envision what a million people would look like standing in front of me, let alone 300 or 350 million streams. It’s a mind boggle for me. But I think the record relates to people. We speak from different perspectives, and whether you’re a guy or a girl, you can find a piece of the record to connect with.
You collaborated with major artists early in your career. What did those experiences teach you about your voice and presence?
It taught me that working hard really will get you far. Even if it feels early—like you mentioned—those opportunities came early in my career, but you deserve to be there.
Your music blends lyricism with emotional delivery. How do you approach songwriting while balancing vulnerability and confidence?
Songwriting is definitely one of the most important and fun parts of the creative process. Whether I’m writing by myself or with a couple of friends who are incredible, talented writers, it’s all about conveying the message—putting it in terms where it feels good and sounds good.
As an American-Dominican artist, how do your cultural roots influence your sound, visuals, and storytelling?
Being Hispanic American, I have influence from so many different cultures, especially my Dominican background. I let it drive me wherever the music needs to go. I’m not afraid to get into bachata or merengue or even a ballad record. It’s music I grew up listening to, so it makes me proud to participate in those genres and be accepted.
You’ve shown versatility across genres. Do you see yourself in a specific lane, or do you aim to remain genre-fluid?
I like being genre-fluid. I don’t necessarily categorize myself as just a pop artist or a Latin artist because I feel like I am all of those things. I like to just refer to myself as an artist. I create what I feel, what I like, and what people can connect to. That’s what makes being an artist so special.
The industry often tries to define artists quickly. Have you faced pressure to fit a certain mold, and how have you navigated that?
I’ve definitely felt a little bit of pressure, but at the same time, being independent has allowed me to explore all of those lanes. It makes me happy knowing I was able to give everything a try.
As an independent artist, what would your ideal major label deal look like?
It would have to feel like a good and fair agreement where we help each other. I’d want creative freedom. We’d put together plans, marketing, weekly and daily check-ins, and calendars—just making sure the work gets done the right way.
You’ve said your music should be felt, not just heard. What does that philosophy look like in your creative process today?
I’m the type of artist who only needs to hear a beat for maybe 30 seconds to know if I’m going to vibe with it. If I can feel something from it—and if anyone else in the room can feel it too—we build from that emotion. We find the right melodies and words to match that feeling. That’s where music becomes a universal language. Even if you don’t speak English or Spanish, you can still feel it.
As you work on new music, what themes or directions are reflecting your growth as both an artist and a person?
Every chapter reflects what’s actually going on in my life. I can look back at a song and remember exactly what I was feeling—whether it was about a relationship, a friendship, or family. It’s like a journal or a timeline for me. There’s growth in the sonics too. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot—I’m an audio engineer, and I’ve had incredible mentors. If you go back to my earlier music, you can really hear the elevation. And the storytelling has grown along with that.
What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
We’re definitely going to be doing a lot of shows and appearances, and we’re absolutely releasing a bunch of new music.
Be’n Original
