Q: How long have you been an artist? and when do you feel like you started taking your craft seriously?
A: I’ve always been an artist. I started reading & writing at 5; I didn’t live with my family & we all sent letters. I started performing poetry at 15. I studied writing & advertising in college because I wanted to learn how to market my own craft, but not depend on it to eat. I started making music in 2010, when I moved to NYC.
Q: Who are some of the other artists or people that inspire you? Whether they are your peers or otherwise?
A: My favorites are Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Lil Kim & Beyoncé. I’m a fan of passion & authenticity, but a bigger fan of business acumen.
For peers, I have amazing friends, but I am especially grateful to Lizzy Chanel, for continuing to make moves & for speaking my name in the right rooms.
God & my mother are to thank for everything else.
Q: What are your goals as an artist? How far do you want to take your craft?
A: I desire to breathe & be true to myself — hopefully people love it as much as I do. I’m willing to take it as far as my fans help me to go, but I’ll do this regardless, until I leave this earth.
Q: How often do you record? or create? Do you rap or create daily?
A: I write when inspired. I record when I’m ready. I don’t believe in putting my art on a schedule & I don’t rush for anyone.
Q: What are some obstacles you have faced on your musical journey? And do you ever feel like giving up?
A: I work in marketing & I love my job. My greatest struggle is finding the balance between my art & my work. I have no desire to make them the same thing. I don’t want to depend on my art to eat.
I believe it’s impossible to “give up” an art if you love it, unless you’re depending on it to pay a bill. I’m blessed not to have that problem. I’ll continue to create when I’m inspired, for the rest of my life, regardless of how people feel about it. My art helps me breathe; I can’t stop.
Q: Who are some of your dream collabs?
A: Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Lil Kim, Tokisha
Q: What message are you trying to send to the world through your music?
A: Live out loud. Feel how you feel. Do what you want. Do EVERYTHING you want. It’s your life; we only get one & no one can live it for you. Make your experience truthful.
Q: Do you have a project that you are working on?
A: I’m working on a visual to go along with, “Like This”, which is a single I’m moving around with. It is my first official video & I’ve sourced some amazing women to lead the project.
I’m also compiling a collection of poems which I anticipate publishing in the upcoming year.
In addition, I host a weekly open mic on Wednesdays in the Bronx; hoping to create an uplifting and honest space via my poetry platform @poetsareheroes
