Although it sounds cliche, music runs in Momo Boyd's blood—the New York-by-way-of-Detroit singer-songwriter couldn't imagine a life without it.
As part of Infinity Song—one of the increasingly rare “family bands” of this generation—Boyd’s smooth alto cuts through the layers of instruments when not meshing together with her siblings’ lush harmonies. Dabbling in the intersection of folky twangs, staticky indie rock and a subtle R&B bounce is one of the most memorable voices of 2026 after the 27-year-old was featured on Baby Keem’s “Good Flirts” alongside Kendrick Lamar.
It’s a story that sounds straight out of a dream, but Boyd’s years of perfecting her musical skills for almost her entire life made her the perfect choice to lace the swanky, sensual standout on Keem’s long-anticipated CA$INO with a much-needed female perspective. “Ain’t comin’ home on a Friday night / I’m all good, my hips still whine,” became an irresistible earworm that even saw Keem channel a good croon, while Lamar’s reflective, deep voice reminded the guys listening that it’s okay to get in their bag: “To be honest, n****s love love too.”
Boyd, who has already enjoyed success with Infinity Song (interestingly seeing an influx in fans after videos went viral from concertgoers on TikTok showing off how good-looking and talented they are), suddenly found herself in the spotlight, a feat hard to pull off when singing the hook on a song with both Lamar and Keem, arguably two of the most popular rappers right now. But, she took it in stride, reiterating throughout our short conversation how little time she had to process the whirlwind response to her feature, cramming in studio sessions, important meetings and even a quick romp at SXSW—a rite of passage of yesteryear for indie musicians.
But Boyd manages to find the calm in the in-between, all while assuring herself that this is what she worked for. A little over a month after CA$INO’s release, Boyd has dropped off her first solo EP, Miss Michigan, inviting fans new and old to experience her comforting vocals over folksy-twinged pop anthem like on the aptly titled “Big Country,” even settling into a charming twang on “She’s a Sweetheart,” and reimagining gospel in the expansive “American Love Song.”
Even while featuring on one of the biggest rap albums of 2026, Boyd’s shape-shifting, or rather genre-shifting ability remains rooted in her love for rock music and its Black roots.
One of the year’s biggest artists to watch sits down with Complex amid the fanfare to reflect on how the feature came to be and what’s in store for her future.
How did Momo Boyd’s feature on “Good Flirts” come to be?
Boyd tells Complex that the life-changing call arrived while she was on tour in 2024 with Infinity Song. “I happened to be really sick with a fever,” she said. “But of course, none of that matters when you get a call like this one. More than anything, I felt ready to give it my best shot and deliver as well as I could. I didn’t allow myself to really celebrate the opportunity. I just immediately got to work.”
When asked how she approached the feature while battling illness, she said it felt like “life or death,” sending several takes recorded between rehearsals and performances, all without knowing where the song would end up or who would be on it with her.
“I really approached the feature in a very quiet and focused way,” Boyd explains as the bustle of the studio rings softly through the phone. “As I was working on it, I was very tight-lipped. I didn’t want to make a big deal of the idea of it, or celebrate or get too happy until the work was done and it was a done deal. So many things in life don’t pan out, so I just tried to keep a steady head and do my best. It wasn’t until I was on the set of the music video that I finally allowed myself to be happy about it all and dream of what it might be like once the world saw it.”
How does Infinity Song differ from Boyd’s solo work?
While being in a family band comes with its own challenges and sacrifices, Boyd makes a clear distinction between the creative process and approach. “Making solo music is all about me,” she asserts. “What I want to say, how I want to say it—just pure expression with no compromise, which is pretty fun.”
But Boyd has no intention of flying far from the coop amid the release of Miss Michigan. “They’re some of my favorite artists in the music industry. That compromise is always a small price to pay for the privilege of working alongside them. I’m just happy to be able to do work I’m proud of, both alone and also with my family. It’s a privilege not a lot of people get to experience.”
Boyd credits the hard-working dynamic of her siblings to their parents. “They always encouraged us to question things, view things from all sides.”
“I’m learning not to overcomplicate things as much when it comes to creativity,” Boyd said, unraveling her songwriting process both solo and collaboratively. “I can bet very wordy and intellectual in my writing and song making, which has its own charm. But some of my favorite songs I’ve been writing lately have been more about keeping things simple and about the emotion.”
What is the story behind “Strong,” Boyd’s first solo single in a year ahead of Miss Michigan?
Boyd retraces the steps leading up to her powerful solo single “Strong,” released fresh off the heels of “Good Flirts.” “I met a producer by the name of Mikey Freedom Hart on a rainy afternoon in the middle of October last year, and this is what we made in a few hours based off what was on my mind and heart that day. It flowed very naturally, and I think the creative chemistry was very easy as well.”
How does Momo Boyd feel about being so many hip-hop fans’ first exposure to folk and indie rock?
“You know, I’ve heard and seen that so much online after this feature,” Boyd says with a touch of exasperation in her voice. “It’s been fun, and it’s a bit of a challenge at times. I’m just happy I’m able to act as a bridge for others to begin trying new genres and expanding their taste. I think it’s all necessary.”
Boyd, who is set to hit the road with Infinity Song again in 2026, expects to see some new faces in the crowd. “I think we continue to grow as we continue to learn and take in the differences that exist in this world. And that goes for myself as well, even though I love indie, rock, punk and folk, I also listen to so many different styles of music from people from all over the world. That’s the beauty of music and I feel like I’m just playing my small part in the grand scheme of human connection and understanding.”
