Staten Island’s own Cleo Trapper brought her unfiltered energy and insight to a new episode of SuperstarTVOnline, where she sat down with host Jay and co-host DJ Tisha for a wide-ranging conversation about rap, club etiquette, and building a brand that resonates beyond social media.
The 27-year-old rapper from the Park Hill projects in Staten Island has built a following that spans music, memes, and merchandise. Known online for her viral content and sharp commentary, Cleo also gained recognition for her breakout single “Rockstar,” released in January of last year, which pushed audiences to take her music more seriously.
In addition to her growing discography, she runs cleotrapper.com, where she sells branded tracksuits, crop tops, and other merchandise.
During the conversation, Cleo shared her thoughts on how artists from Staten Island are often overlooked. She attributed this partly to what she called a “small-minded” mentality within the borough and said the scene often doesn’t get the same support as other NYC boroughs.
She also joined the hosts in debating where records break best in New York—strip clubs or traditional clubs—with no clear answer but plenty of insight.
Cleo expressed interest in future international collaborations, name-dropping Nigerian pop star Ayra Starr as someone she’d love to work with.
In typical Cleo fashion, she kept it direct when asked about relationships. She criticized the idea of “bossing up” broke men, calling it a poor investment of time and energy. Her advice: be with someone who supports you and elevates you—not someone who depends on you.
She also broke down her dating preferences, highlighting the importance of hygiene, height (she prefers taller men), and financial attitude—stressing the difference between being cheap and being financially savvy. “A Groupon isn’t a red flag,” she noted.
When it comes to her own image, Cleo says her viral moments are never forced. “It’s just who I am,” she explained, emphasizing authenticity in everything from her posts to her persona.
The episode also covered some unspoken rules of nightlife. Cleo didn’t hold back:
- Don’t hog bottles in VIP if you didn’t pay for them.
- Workout clothes are not club attire.
- Proper hygiene is a must—especially in tight spaces.
Cleo named Brandy as an early influence, remembering having her albums on cassette tape. When asked to pick between iconic artists, her choices included:
- Brandy over Monica
- Foxy Brown (reluctantly) over Lil’ Kim
- Lauryn Hill over Missy Elliott
- Janet Jackson over Ciara
A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to Nicki Minaj, whose longevity and influence Cleo praised. She cited “Your Love” as Nicki’s breakout hit and described her “Monster” verse as possibly the greatest female rap feature to date. “Her voice just stood out,” Cleo said, noting how Nicki carved a unique lane in the game.
Cleo shared that being in music has had a tangible impact on her income. While her fame started on social platforms, she says music pays better than most traditional jobs—and she’s just getting started. She described “Rockstar” as being in a distinct lane from other female rap and mentioned experimenting with different tones and flows in the studio.
As for what’s next, Cleo hinted at expanding into TV and acting. Some fans have even suggested she’d be a strong candidate to portray Foxy Brown in a future biopic. She’s not rushing it, though—calling her timing “divine.”The conversation ends with Cleo expressing interest in more collaborative spaces like SuperstarTVOnline, where the vibe felt more like a barbershop than a formal interview. “I like real convos,” she said. “And I like platforms that let you be you.”
