Mya Mini, better known by her alias Molly Santana, is quickly carving out her lane in the underground rap scene. Born in 2004 and of Japanese-American descent, Molly has made waves with a relentless grind, a distinct look, and a sound that’s impossible to pin down. After coming off tour with Ski Mask the Slump God, her rise is happening fast, thanks to the authenticity behind her movement, which cuts through the noise of an increasingly competitive underground.
From Dead End Jobs to The Big Stage
Molly Santana was never one to chase trends or bank on viral moments. She built her presence from the ground up, starting on platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok, where her gritty, experimental sound first caught fire. Early tracks like “wreckit” and “Red Dot” drew listeners in with their raw energy, but what really hooked people was how different she felt from the usual wave of underground artists. Tracks like these captured the grind and hunger that Molly lived every day, which hit home with the angsty listeners on the other side.
Before her music took off, she wasn’t in some flashy studio; she was clocking hours at Little Caesars to keep the lights on while perfecting her craft. The hustle wasn’t just a talking point in her lyrics—it was her life. That grounded approach bleeds into everything she does, from her sound to her presence. Her fans, many of whom have followed her since her early SoundCloud days, connect with that no-nonsense vibe.
A New Era: Masonic Musik
Her latest project, Masonic Musik, is a perfect reflection of that ethos. The EP, which dropped in September 2024, balances the chaos of underground rap with a more polished, confident approach. Tracks like “Windows Up” capture Molly’s ability to flex on her past struggles while celebrating her grind. The song’s hook— “You can’t sell me no dream, I’ve been juggin’ finnesin’ since I was a teen,” —is about self-preservation, blocking out the noise while staying focused. That focus has been a constant for Molly, who’s made it clear in interviews that she’s aiming to grow beyond the underground. The pop sounds and visuals on Masonic Musik are raking in a new set of fans.
New Hair, Who Dis?
What sets Molly apart isn’t just the music but her unique expression of style and fashion, which has landed her in tight cultural spaces across the globe. Originally known as a streetwear influencer, she gained traction on social media in 2019, and her frequent hair color changes have become a part of her signature look. One minute she’s at a high-fashion event in Paris, and the next she’s back in the studio collaborating with underground icons. Her recent link-up with Lil Uzi Vert is a testament to how her hard work is paying off, but it’s also a full-circle moment—she used to translate Uzi’s lyrics for her mom before she ever imagined working alongside him.
From working dead-end jobs to now releasing a project with buzz in both underground circles and beyond, Molly’s journey is one of persistence and authenticity. Masonic Musik isn’t just another EP; it’s a milestone for an artist who’s worked tirelessly to get here. Molly Santana is far from finished, and people are listening.
