Rozy Yan is a name that’s making waves not just in Pasadena but far beyond, as the first female Armenian rapper to break into the spotlight. On a historic night at the renowned Whiskey a Go Go, Rozy headlined her own show, sharing the stage with the legendary rap group RBL Posse. The performance marked a major milestone in her career and a moment of cultural pride for the Pasadena-raised artist.
The road to Whiskey a Go Go wasn’t without its challenges, but Rozy described the preparation as a “very fun and exciting process.” She credited DJ Mamba for connecting her to the opportunity and emphasized the importance of teamwork in making the night a success. “We had eight weeks to prepare for the show. With the help of DJ Mamba, Raffi, Money Waterz and Whiteboycellz, we did it,” she said.
Rozy shared the stage that night with RBL Posse, the West Coast rap group known for their iconic tracks like Don’t Give Me No Bammer Weed. Their presence added to the energy of the show and underscored the significance of Rozy’s rise in a genre dominated by men. Sharing the spotlight with such trailblazers seemed fitting for an artist who’s breaking barriers herself. For Rozy, performing at Whiskey a Go Go was a surreal experience. “Every moment was my favorite,” she said. “The Whiskey a Go Go stage was ‘AMAZING,’ like Jesse Peterson would say.” Her set list, crafted with input from her team, featured guest appearances by her collaborators Money Waterz and Whiteboycellz. Rozy explained her choice to include Whiteboycellz, saying, “He is very talented, and I just did a feature song with him called Pick It Up that drops in January 2025.”
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When asked about her favorite bar from the upcoming track, she didn’t hesitate. “‘Get that money baby, put it all in my hand like it’s for me baby,’” she recited with pride. “I like this bar because not only does it sound good, but it feels good saying it.” The collaboration represents growth for Rozy, who admitted, “Working with Cellz can be a challenge for me. He pushed me to develop a new sound.”
Growing up in Pasadena’s inner city, Rozy found inspiration in artists like Ice Cube, whose music reflected her own experiences. “I grew up in the hood too,” she said. This connection to her roots is a driving force behind her music, which often carries the grit and resilience of her upbringing.
As the first female Armenian rapper, Rozy embraces her role with immense pride. “Being the first female Armenian rapper is a big deal for me,” she said. “I take great pride in being Armenian. I am from Armenia, and I love my culture.” With big plans for 2025, including two new projects under her label Rich Rose Entertainment, Rozy is determined to prove her doubters wrong. “To all my doubters, 2025 we taking it to the next level. You’ll see! Action speaks louder than words.”
Founded in 2020 by Rozy and her husband, Rich Rose Raffi, Rich Rose Entertainment isn’t just a label—it’s a lifestyle. “We are from the city of roses, and every rose is rich,” Rozy explained. The label represents Pasadena and its resilience, boasting a roster that includes Rozy herself, her family member Money Waterz and the multi-talented Whiteboycellz, who is both an artist and a producer.
With her Whiskey a Go Go performance behind her and a promising future ahead, Rozy Yan is proving that she’s not just breaking barriers—she’s setting the stage for a new generation of artists to follow. From Pasadena’s streets to one of LA’s most iconic stages, her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, pride and unshakable ambition.
