Who is Bebe Rexha?

I. Early Life: From Brooklyn to the World Stage

Bleta “Bebe” Rexha was born on August 30, 1989, in Brooklyn, New York City, to Albanian‑immigrant parents. Her given name, Bleta, means “bee”-an apt metaphor for a person destined to be active, buzzing, and noticed. She spent her childhood in Staten Island, where she immersed herself in music from a young age, playing instruments such as trumpet, piano, and guitar and joining school choirs and musicals. Her early talents in songwriting and voice set her on a path toward music that would define her life.

As a teenager she won Best Teen Songwriter at a National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences workshop – a sign of her gifted pen and a foreshadowing of her future impact as both songwriter and performer.

II. Songwriting Roots and Career Beginnings (2010–2013)

Rexha’s career began in earnest when she joined the experimental band Black Cards in 2010, a project with Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz that exposed her to live performance and the wider music industry. After departing that band, she began crafting songs for others—an often overlooked but significant chapter of her career.

She co‑wrote high‑profile tracks like “The Monster” for Eminem and Rihanna (which won a Grammy Award) and other songs for big names such as Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas, and more—demonstrating her early impact behind the scenes.

III. Solo Emergence and Breakthrough (2014–2018)

Rexha’s transition to performing artist came with the 2014 release of her debut single “I Can’t Stop Drinking About You.” Over the next few years she released several EPs, including I Don’t Wanna Grow Up and the All Your Fault series. These projects built her reputation as an artist capable of crafting both heartfelt lyrics and catchy pop hooks.

Her breakthrough came in part via collaborations:

“Me, Myself & I” with G‑Eazy became a multi‑platinum hit.
“In the Name of Love” with Martin Garrix became a dance anthem.
“Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line became one of the most enduring crossover hits in recent years.

In 2018, Rexha’s debut studio album Expectations debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist—a milestone validating her rise from songwriter to chart‑topping performer.

IV. Sustained Success: Albums and Evolution (2019–2023)

Rexha continued building her catalog with the 2021 album Better Mistakes and the 2023 album Bebe. While these albums didn’t replicate the massive commercial dominance of her debut, they showcased her versatility as an artist—blending club pop, emotional ballads, and genre crossovers.

Her collaboration with French DJ David Guetta on “I’m Good (Blue)” became a global hit, topping charts in more than 20 countries, reaching the top 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and earning awards at major music ceremonies.

Across these years, Rexha’s voice became recognizable worldwide—not just as a feature artist but as a lead voice in contemporary pop music, with over 36 official singles and dozens of writing credits showcasing her breadth.

V. Personal Journey and Public Voice (Beyond Music)

Mental Health & Openness

Rexha has publicly shared her experiences with bipolar disorder, advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatizing conditions that many artists face but seldom discuss openly.

Her openness about struggles—ranging from body image to fertility and personal pain—has resonated deeply with fans. In 2025, she revealed that she suffered a pregnancy loss, discussing her experience with infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and urging people to be mindful before commenting on someone’s body.

VI. Transitional Era: Career, Labels, and Reinvention (2025–2026)

Parting with Warner Records

In early 2025, after more than a decade with Warner Records, Rexha’s long‑standing partnership with the label ended amid reported tensions and disagreements. The split was framed publicly as an opportunity for creative rebirth and autonomy after years of industry frustration.

Shortly thereafter, she aligned with the independent music company Empire, signaling a new phase in her career in which she aims to take full control of her artistic vision.

The Independent Era & New Beginnings

In late January 2026, reports highlighted Rexha embarking on an “independent era”, teasing new music that is anticipated to reflect her refreshed creative perspective.

She has described this phase as shedding her previous “people pleaser” identity and embracing confidence, boldness, and self‑determination. A social media post showing her goals to become “unapologetic, hotter, richer, confident, [with] an I don’t give a f*** attitude” signaled a purposeful rebirth both personally and professionally.

VII. Public Persona and Influence

Social Media & Fan Interaction

Rexha’s social media presence has been characterized by raw honesty and playful interaction with fans. In late 2025 she even humorously asked fans to help find her a “baby daddy”, a candid demonstration of her willingness to share life’s real questions—mixing entertainment with personal ambition.

Her candor—both about struggles and ambitions—has made her relatable to many fans, creating a loyal “Rexhar” community that supports her both musically and personally.

VIII. Music Legacy and Impact

Genre‑Defying Artistry

Bebe Rexha’s music spans pop, R&B, dance, electronic, and even country crossover, reflecting her versatility. From writing tracks in her teens to headlining stages worldwide, she has crafted an artistic identity as both hitmaker and storyteller.

Chart Success & Cultural Reach

Her songs have dominated streaming playlists globally, with multiple tracks surpassing the billion‑stream mark on platforms like Spotify. One analysis estimated that she had millions of monthly listeners with standout hits like “In the Name of Love,” “Meant to Be,” and “Me, Myself & I.”

Collaborations and Cross‑Genre Appeal

Rexha’s collaborations – spanning artists such as G‑Eazy, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Doja Cat, and country duo Florida Georgia Line illustrate how flexibly she moves across genres, bringing her distinct voice to diverse audiences.