With an album (The Plan) out now and her nationwide Be Yourself tour underway, the "Lil BeBe" singer chatted with xoNecole about why it's important to do just that along with her personal style and her new album.

xoNecole: H​ow does the vibe on this upcoming album ‘The Plan’ differ from your debut EP, ‘Summer With Friends’?

DaniLeigh: I feel like Summer With Friends was [based off] the place I was in. I had just gotten signed to Def Jam and I was super happy! I think the vibe was definitely more light and colorful whereas I think The Plan is a little bit more moody. You really get to hear my story. I think I've grown as an artist, I think my pen game is better. I really tried to just show my versatility and I played around with different types of production, a little bit of darker things.

xoNecole: If you could describe yourself or your music in two words, what would they be?

DaniLeigh: Cool and unique. I say "cool" because as far as my personality goes, I like to be chill. With everything that's happened in life, I kind of handled it in a patient way. I never acted out of character. As far as "unique" goes, that comes out in my music. My tone, my voice is different, I don't really sound like anybody. The tracks that I get on are different, no one can really compare to me.

"No one can really compare to me."

xoNecole: As you can see, the women in the music industry are doing impressively well right now. Cardi B, Rihanna, and of course Queen Bey. How does that make you feel as an up-and-comer? 

DaniLeigh: It's amazing, I love it. Every female on top has a dope message to give and that's important. As women, I feel like we have to work a little harder to get respect in the game, but it feels like we're finally taking over. It's a wave for women right now and that feels good.

"It's a wave for women right now and that feels good."

xoNecole: You’re at Lady Foot Locker, so let’s talk shoe game. Where did your personal love for sneakers come from?

DaniLeigh: In high school, that's when I really started to get tuned in with sneakers. I always had my Air Maxes, my Jordans, my Nikes. My Air Force Ones back in the day, those were my favorite. Now the love has just grown to where now when I make an outfit, I think of the shoe first. I got to have a crazy shoe on to complete the outfit, you know?

xoNecole: Makes complete sense. And speaking of outfits, your personal aesthetic is on a whole different level, it's not mainstream. Not many people dress as differently as you do. Where do you draw your style inspiration from?

DaniLeigh: I was always inspired by Rihanna. There are a couple of different girls I follow on Instagram, but I like to look different. I definitely have that tomboy aesthetic to me. But I like colors and matching down to every little detail, even my nails and my socks. I have a vintage side to me as well. I like to incorporate the high-waisted jeans, oversized turtlenecks, things like that. That's my speed.

xoNecole: Last thing, what’s one important thing you want your current fans and potential fans to know?

DaniLeigh: I want them to know that it's okay to be yourself. Throughout my life, people were always trying to change me or they weren't really accepting who I was. But I feel like I kept it real and always showed who I really was from the start no matter what. And now I'm starting to get recognized and it's for just being me, my authentic self.