Kreayshawn performed to a room full of bad bitches (or so she claimed) at MTV’s Times Square studio in New York City earlier this month. With only a mic and DJ, the tatted rapper put on a live version of “Gucci Gucci,” the song that helped land her a lucrative contract with Columbia Records.

“When I was growing up, I would listen to all kinds of music,” said the Oakland artist, who recently directed a video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “My mom was like a music fiend, so she was playing everything from salsa to hardcore rap music to rebel punk music, so I got a little bit of everything.”

Kreayshawn will compete against Tyler, the Creator, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, and Foster the People for Best New Artist at next month’s MTV Video Music Awards.