In the vast landscape of contemporary music, one name that has been making waves with an unparalleled blend of genres and a unique artistic vision is Bree Runway. Born Brenda Wireko Mensah on November 18, 1992, this English singer, songwriter, and rapper of Ghanaian descent has not only captured hearts with her powerful voice but has also become a force of creativity, breaking boundaries and challenging genre norms.
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Image Credit: Rolling Stone UK
Early Life and Resilience:
Bree Runway’s journey begins in Hackney, where she was born and raised on November 18, 1992. Growing up in an area known for its challenges, she faced adversity early on. Raised in a neighborhood with the ominous moniker “Murder Mile” due to high crime rates, Runway’s upbringing instilled in her the values of resilience and the importance of having “thick skin.”
At the tender age of 9, Bree Runway encountered bullying and colorism, experiences that led her to bleach her skin. The negative chemical reaction to the product became a turning point, shaping her both as a person and as an artist. Despite these challenges, she credits these moments for instilling in her a fighting spirit, an attribute that would later define her as an artist.
The Journey into Music:
While her early life experiences played a significant role in shaping her character, Bree Runway found solace and expression in the world of music. Although she initially saw herself as someone interested in music rather than a musician, her journey into the industry began during her time in school.
Enrolling in a Music technology subject, Runway learned the basics of music production, sparking a passion for creating beats and freestyling. Her dedication led her to invest in a “DIY home studio” with her first paycheck, where she honed her skills in singing over self-produced beats and writing her own songs.
A pivotal moment occurred when former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, visited Runway’s school. Encouraged by Obama to pursue a musical career, Runway boldly responded, “Invite me then!” This early affirmation fueled her determination to make a mark in the music industry.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough:
Bree Runway’s solo debut took flight with the self-released EPs, “RNWY 01” and “Bouji,” in November 2015 and May 2016, respectively. Her commercially released debut single, “Butterfly,” in November 2016, set the stage for her rising career.
Signing with Virgin EMI Records in 2018 marked a significant milestone, and Runway continued to make waves with singles like “2ON” and “Big Racks.” Her major-label debut EP, “Be Runway,” released in August 2019, showcased her versatility and distinctive style.
2000and4Eva and Genre-Defying Sound:
Bree Runway’s sonic evolution reached new heights with her debut mixtape, “2000and4Eva,” released in November 2020. The mixtape, featuring singles like “Apeshit” and “Damn Daniel,” demonstrated her genre-bending approach, seamlessly blending pop, trap, dance, R&B, rock, and hyperpop.
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The single “ATM” from the mixtape, featuring the legendary Missy Elliott, garnered immense acclaim. Runway’s ability to craft innovative sounds and visuals drew comparisons to Missy Elliott, a testament to her impact on the music industry.
Recent Releases and Future Horizons:
As Bree Runway continues to push boundaries, her recent releases include “Pressure” (February 2022), “Somebody Like You,” and “That Girl” (September 2022). “Woah, What a Blur!,” her fourth EP, dropped on December 8, 2022, featuring the lead single “That Girl.”
In addition to her musical endeavors, Bree Runway ventured into the realm of live performances as the main support act for Lizzo’s The Special Tour during select European dates in February 2023.
Bree Runway Age
How old is Bree Runway? Bree Runway was born on November 18, 1992.
Bree Runway Height
How tall is Bree Runway? Bree Runway stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches.
Bree Runway Record Label
Bree Runway signed to EMI Records and EMI.
Bree Runway Songs
Bree Runway has released a variety of songs that showcase her versatility and unique style. Here are some notable songs by Bree Runway:
- Butterfly (2016) – Bree Runway’s commercially released debut single.
- What Do I Tell My Friends? (2017) – Released in September 2017, along with a music video that garnered attention for its serious message about the exploitation of young females in the fashion industry.
- 2ON (2019) – A single released in May 2019, part of her major-label debut.
- Big Racks (2019) – Released in July 2019, featuring Brooke Candy, as part of the “Be Runway” EP.
- All Night (2019) – A track from the “Be Runway” EP, released in August 2019.
- Apeshit (2020) – Released on March 5, 2020, and met with critical acclaim. It drew immediate comparisons to Missy Elliott, who later co-signed the track on Twitter.
- Damn Daniel (2020) – A collaboration with American singer and rapper Baby Tate, released on April 30, 2020.
- Gucci (2020) – Released in July 2020, featuring American rapper Maliibu Miitch.
- Little Nokia (2020) – Released in September 2020 and later ranked as the fourth-best song of 2020 by Time.
- ATM (2020) – A single from the debut mixtape “2000and4Eva,” featuring Missy Elliott.
- Hot Hot (2021) – Released on March 31, 2021, as a single.
- Space Ghost Coast to Coast (2021) – A collaboration with English band Glass Animals, released on May 20, 2021.
- Pressure (2022) – Released on February 7, 2022, as a single.
- Somebody Like You (2022) – Released in March 2022.
- That Girl (2022) – The lead single from her fourth EP, “Woah, What a Blur!,” released on September 29, 2022.


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