Words / Desmond Sam
Photos / Wavey
About two or so years ago I got the pleasure to meet Dorian Delafuente (He/They/She), known artistically as BabiBoi on the Hudson River at Ladyfag’s Battle Hymn boat party. Their eclectic fashion sense, and kunty attitude drew me instantly which blossomed a beautiful friendship. From all of our crazy antics pumping through NYC’s nightlife I knew from Day 1, Dorian was destined for stardom. Today, the world gets a chance to see what I saw from the start as BabiBoi releases their debut album, ‘CONTROL FREAK”- a queer sonic journey blending various sounds with cut throat verses and lush lyricism. I got the chance to chat with BabiBoi and unpack their fabulous lore.
If you had to describe BabiBoi to someone who had no idea who you were, what would you say?
In just a few sentences, BabiBoi is an Austin, Texas based and San Antonio raised recording artist, DJ, and community organizer. Considered by their fans to be a Queer-music icon, BabiBoi has been pivotal in the Central Texas ballroom/vogue movement. I make music for gay people and bad bitches.
Speaking of talents, you recently opened up for Zach Fox with a sickening DJ set at Boiler Room. How did that come into fruition and what was that experience like for you?
I’ve been making original music since 2018, and in 2022, I started learning how to DJ. My reason for wanting to learn how to DJ was to survey the clubs and see how people would respond to certain types of music. “CONTROL FREAK” is special to me because I feel like I’ve married my talents into one project that extends across different genres, and that can be heard in different club environments. I’ve definitely been putting work into the Texas club scene, and it feels like my work is starting to pay off.
As far as how Boiler Room came into fruition, the BR team reached out to a local Ballroom House called “House of Lepore” that I co-founded in 2020. They asked House of Lepore to showcase club music and ballroom in Texas, and that’s how I ended up on the lineup. That moment was so proud and monumental for me, because it felt like different paths of my life all met at one beautiful intersection. I was even able to capture the attention of Tinashe with my set, and was asked to open for her on the Austin date of her “Match My Freak: World Tour.” The set actually just went live today, so if you haven’t seen it yet you should go check it out!
You truly put the multi-faceted in multifaceted artist- how do you manage balancing all your many talents and besides making music what else could you see yourself doing?
Omg! That’s a very nice compliment, thank you for that. Being an artist is all I’ve ever seen myself doing, and once I started doing it full-time, I quickly realized that you NEED to have different lanes to jump into that revolve around what you’re passionate about, just so that you can stay working and sustain yourself. I also feel like one blade sharpens the other, and it’s always good as an artist to try new skills and find ways to combine them. I really want to try my hand at producing, I think that might be the next thing I dive into.
One thing I’ve always known about you is that your LatinX and southern roots are such a big part of who you are. How do you stay true to your identity as an artist and incorporate it within your art?
I think there’s so many people trying to make a name for themselves in music, and the only real way that you can break through all the noise is to figure out what makes you unique and stay true to that. Don’t try to trick the audience because folks can sniff out authenticity. If you be who you are, (for your pride), the people that identify with you, will eventually find your work and ride for you hard.
The cover art of your new project- “CONTROL FREAK” is a core example that you make music for bad bitches! Give us a quick snippet of what we can expect from this album.
First of all, shoutout Omar Soto because she ate that cover up real bad. I decided to name the project “CONTROL FREAK” because as a Cancer with three Capricorn placements, I’m a boss bitch that’s led by a passionate heart. The album is a 15-track, 40 minute experience that walks you through the Southern soundscape. From Hip-Hop to Pop, Vogue Beats to Jersey Club, I really want to showcase the fact that I’m a versatile artist that can slide on any beat.
Which track on this project did you listen back to after you made it and said to yourself, “Damn I ate that up!”?
I have so many favorites on the project, but right now, I’m really obsessed with “PUT ‘EM UP” featuring Ripparachie. When Texas and Georgia link up on a track we carry in a way that only a couple of Southern hotties can. I feel like we brought some real bad bitch energy to the track. I knew as soon as I got the beat that Ripparachie was the only person to ask and he definitely slid.
You have some really great features, how do you decide who you should collaborate with and is there anyone you have on your radar that needs to be on the next BabiBoi album?
All of my features came through for me so hard. Everyone that I asked to be on the album are artists that inspire me and that I’ve interacted with in real life. Also every feature, except one, is from the South. I really wanted to showcase what we bring to the table and I know y’all will catch it. As far as Manny Dibiachi goes, my Philadelphia sister, she’s been popping her shit and I needed to link with her on a track so it only made sense.
Who do I want to work with next? Oof, that’s a tough one, but I think it would make sense to link up with artists like UNIIQU3, Brooke Candy, Dizzy Fae, and Cakes Da Killa. I think that would be really hot.
What’s next for BabiBoi and what should we keep an eye out for?
I wanted to put my album, “CONTROL FREAK” out before the end of the year, because once Spring / Summer 2025 comes, I plan on hitting the road. Expect visuals and a tour announcement. You can follow my Instagram (@babiboibitch). I’ll definitely be keeping y’all posted there, and stay on the lookout, because I might be in a city near you!
