Some know her as a co-captain of the Young Feminists, others as a friend or classmate, but most recognize junior Ryan P. Murphy as “that beatboxing girl.”  Since the start of her freshman year, Murphy has built herself quite a reputation for her exceptional and odd talent, beatboxing.

“I’ve always been musical, my family is very musical, but when I was in sixthh grade I started beatbox because I was always very interested in drums and rhythm,” Murphy said.

Anyone who knows Murphy well is comfortably familiar with the rhythmic sounds that she produces, but what about those who aren’t as familiar with the art of beatbox?

“In simple words, [beatbox] is making the sound of a drum kit or an actual beatbox, which is a machine, with your mouth or body. Technically speaking, it’s pushing, pulling, and interrupting air in fancy ways with your mouth or body,” Murphy said.

Within the Broughton community, Murphy made her mark on the student body at past Caps Camp sessions by displaying her talent to those who attended. She also made a surprise appearance at last years Queen of Hearts assembly by beatboxing along with the dance performers. On a regular basis though, she beatboxes and sings as a member of the aCAPella choir.

“Beatboxing is one of those things that is hit or miss. You either like it or you hate it. A lot people like it and I’m grateful for that, but every once in awhile you get a person who hates it and thinks it’s the most annoying thing ever. A lot of my family, or at least my older family, absolutely hates it and thinks it’s so stupid. That really sucks for someone to think it’s stupid. It’s fine if it’s not your thing, but I really hate it when people think it’s stupid.”

On a bigger scale, Murphy scored multiple gigs in Raleigh at the Berkeley Café alongside budding musician and alumna  Ocean DeMarco throughout 2014 and 2015 and even some overseas. These gigs led to a sponsorship by local clothing brand Nyla Elise.

“I love Raleigh. It has done a great job in supporting me in my endeavors, so has Broughton.  I’ve done things outside of the U..S [in places such as] France, Liverpool and Scotland, which has been awesome, but Raleigh has been the most supportive city by far,” said Murphy.

Outside of beatbox, Murphy plays the drums, sings and is an avid music lover in general.

“My musical influences would have to include the queens, Amy Winehouse and Nina Simone. Beatboxing and drumming wise, my influences are Tom Thumb, Tre Cool, Josh Dun, and Clyde Stubblefield and Jabo Starks, the dummer’s for James Brown,” Murphy said.

As Murphy continues to grow musically, the attention she receives grows as well.

“You know, I realized that with great power comes great responsibility. So to keep up with my fans and to make sure I stay grounded I surround myself with people I know will keep me true to myself. To make sure fame doesn’t get to me you know? Can’t let it get to my head,”  she said.