BROOKLYN, NY — Rising artist Tee Hills is quickly carving out her place in the music scene with a sound as bold and diverse as the city she calls home. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Tee Hills draws from a rich mix of musical influences—spanning Caribbean, dancehall, hip hop, rock, and pop—to create a sound that’s fresh, fearless, and entirely her own.
After adopting her stage name in 2022—a combination of her nickname “Tee” and the smooth, memorable “Hills”—she began pursuing music professionally. Since then, she’s released two singles and has her third slated to drop in October 2025, signaling what she calls a “new era” of her artistry. Her goal is clear: to make 2026 her breakout year.
“The story I’m telling with my music right now is simple: stop playing with me,” Tee said. “I know exactly what I bring to the table as an artist, so my main focus is proving people wrong while proving myself right—and having fun while I do it. Every track I make shows my hunger and how badly I want to succeed in this. And trust me, I will.”
Tee’s sound reflects her global ear and respect for a wide range of musical traditions. She cites Machel Montano, Burna Boy, Vybz Kartel, Nirvana, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan as core influences—artists whose energy and creativity inspire her to push boundaries.
As an independent artist, Tee Hills is also tuned in to how the industry has evolved in the streaming era. She believes platforms like TikTok and YouTube have changed the way artists build authentic relationships with fans.
“It created a personal connection between artists and their supporters,” she explained. “That intimacy is key to building a dedicated fanbase, and it allows independent artists to generate meaningful buzz without going over their budget.”
While her rise in music has been steady, Tee acknowledges that maintaining balance is essential. She’s vocal about the importance of mental health and taking breaks to recharge creatively.
“Balancing my music and personal life comes down to knowing when to go full force and when to step back,” she said. “Mental health is a priority for me, and I believe taking time to reset is essential for staying at my best—both as an artist and as myself.”
Music has also served as therapy for Tee. Reflecting on a particularly difficult period in her life—marked by job changes, family struggles, and the end of a long-term relationship—she said an unreleased track helped her heal.
“A line from the song, ‘I’m in rehab, I fall all the time,’ reflects the challenges I’ve faced and how they’ve shaped me into the person I am today,” she shared.
Beyond the studio, Tee expresses her creativity through fashion, something she’s been passionate about since her teenage years.
“Looking good makes me feel good—it boosts my mood and lets me express confidence without saying a word,” she said. “Once I started earning my own money, I made sure to always have the freedom to dress the way I wanted—a mindset I carry with me to this day.”
When asked about her dream collaboration, Tee didn’t hesitate: J. Cole.
“His wordplay is incredible, and his creativity is on another level,” she said. “He raps, he sings, and he uses his raspy vocals to convey emotion, making every word feel real. For me, he’s undeniably one of the top five rappers of today.”
Focused, determined, and unbothered by outside opinions, Tee Hills is laser-focused on her growth.
“I don’t focus too much on what people say about me or my music. I know what I bring to the table,” she said. “While I’m open to constructive criticism, I never let it dictate who I am or how I create. I have to be my own judge first.”
Looking ahead, Tee hopes her legacy will reflect both her versatility and her resilience.
“I want my name to be remembered as someone who broke barriers and embraced versatility,” she said. “I aim to create explosive, one-of-a-kind experiences—both for the ears and the eyes. More than that, I want to be seen as someone who made it out of where I came from and proved that no matter the obstacles, I could succeed at whatever I put my mind to.”
Connect with Tee Hills:
Instagram: @teehills_
TikTok: @teehills_
YouTube: @teehills
