The last few months on the hip-hop scene have been refreshing for every New York City rap fan. The rise of Dave East, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Young M.A has essentially brought New York City back as a major stomping ground for bubbling hip-hop talent. Young M.A, the lone female in the pack, has especially made an impact in the game with her tough bars and Brooklyn-bred street authenticity -- she's one of a kind.

M.A hasn't always had it easy and after sitting on the sidelines for quite awhile, the "OOOUUU" rapper is here to claim what's hers, regardless of how anyone feels. After taking a lot of heat for her rough image -- a former manager once told her she'd be forced to wear dresses for marketability -- along with the death of her brother due to gang violence, M.A took a few years off but feels like her time is now. She's speaking the truth.

The past few months have reaped many rewards for the Brooklyn upstart. Her single "OOOUUU" cracked the top 10 of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and has over 53 million plays on YouTube. The song has also garnered remixes from Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, French Montana and more. Beyonce even used "OOOUUU" as the soundtrack for her birthday post on Instagram. Young M.A can also be spotted in the newest Beats By Dre ad alongside Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott and Michael Phelps -- the come up is real.

XXL recently caught up with the rising star at a studio in Brooklyn to speak on her rise, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys rocking out to her record and why 2012 was a turning point in her career. -- Miranda Johnson 

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