Rozy Yan, the trailblazing Armenian rapper from Pasadena, made history recently when she headlined her own show at the iconic Whiskey a Go Go. Rising from a neighborhood often overshadowed by struggle, Rozy’s journey is one of grit, determination, and pride in her roots.
Securing her headlining spot at the legendary venue was a whirlwind process. “DJ Mamba introduced us to the opportunity,” Rozy shared. With just eight weeks to prepare, her team—including DJ Mamba, Raffi, Money Waterz, and Whiteboycellz—worked tirelessly to bring the show to life. “It was a very fun and exciting process,” she said, reflecting on the seamless effort that culminated in an unforgettable night.
Sharing the stage that evening was the legendary Bay Area rap group RBL Posse, known for their West Coast classics and their influence on hip-hop culture. Performing alongside such veterans was a surreal experience for Rozy, who credited them for helping set the tone for a show that combined history and innovation.
Rozy’s performance was a testament to her artistry and the support of her team. Every moment on the Whiskey a Go Go stage stood out to her. “Every moment was my favorite,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement. “The stage was ‘AMAZING,’ like Jesse Peterson would say.”
The setlist, a collaborative effort, showcased Rozy’s versatility and included appearances by her guest artists. She chose Money Waterz, a fellow Rich Rose Entertainment artist, and Whiteboycellz, her collaborator on the upcoming single Pick It Up, which drops in January 2025. “Whiteboycellz is very talented, and we just finished a feature song together,” Rozy explained.
When it comes to the bars that define her style, Rozy’s favorite line from Pick It Up encapsulates her persona: “‘Get that money baby, put it all in my hand like it’s for me baby.’ I like this bar because not only does it sound good, but it feels good saying it,” she said with a smile.
This collaboration with Whiteboycellz reflects her growth as an artist. “Working with Cellz can be a challenge for me,” Rozy admitted. “He pushed me to develop a new sound.” Inspired by West Coast legend Ice Cube, Rozy’s music is rooted in her experiences growing up in Pasadena’s inner city. “I grew up in the hood too, so I could relate to his music,” she explained.
Pride in her culture and heritage is central to Rozy’s identity as the first female Armenian rapper. “I take a lot of pride in this position that I have been blessed with,” she said. “Being the first female Armenian rapper is a big deal for me. I love my culture, and I was raised in Pasadena CA. To all my doubters, 2025 we taking it to the next level. You’ll see! Action speaks louder than words.”
Rozy’s plans for 2025 include releasing two new projects under her label, Rich Rose Entertainment. Founded in 2020 with her husband, Rich Rose Raffi, the label represents not just their music but their Pasadena roots. “We are from the city of roses, and every rose is rich,” Rozy said, explaining the brand’s name and ethos. In addition to herself, the label’s roster includes Money Waterz and Whiteboycellz, who also serves as a producer.
As Rozy Yan continues to rise, she’s not just making history for herself but for her community and culture. From the streets of Pasadena to headlining Whiskey a Go Go, Rozy’s story is proof that with hard work and pride in one’s roots, anything is possible.