I'll drop the details on influential peopLe later, but in a shell? --> I'm inspired by CONSCIOUS lyrics, written with quick wit & intelligence, weaving through HOT beats that light a FIRE 2 my SouL...sounds so good I wanna Eat IT!
Sounds Like
Nuthin you've heard before...
TO PURCHASE NiLLa's Debut Album, "From The Ground UP" click on the IndiePool, "BUY NOW" Logo - Trusted Site - NO Worries! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
TO BOOK NILLA, contact her directly: sweetnilla@gmail.com
TO PURCHASE NiLLa's Debut Album, "From The Ground UP" click on the IndiePool, "BUY NOW" Logo - Trusted Site - NO Worries! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
INTRODUCING NiLLa...
I always say that I didn’t choose HipHop, HipHop chose me - it wasn’t something that I thought about doing, it just happened and for that I am so thankful. I write all of my own lyrics, and produce most (99%) of my own instrumentals, which surprises me since I never thought I would be composing my own beats!! In fact, the first instrumental I officially produced was ‘Trip HOP’, a featured track on the ‘One Mic 5th Anniversary’ album in February 2007.
I have issue with over inflated ego’s, angry negativity, and ugly behaviour in general. I want to help people, make an impact on the world and connect humanity for change, hence being part of P.E.A.C.E. (People Everywhere Actually Co-existing Equally). This is why I make music: to feed my soul and help me escape from the downsides of life, while paving an avenue through which I can give back.
Music is my social commentary on the world from where I stand. I believe in truth, in honesty and in writing about what I know, what I see. My truth is kids on the streets without hope. What I know is inequality between races and genders; what I see is my opportunity to speak out. This is why I create fundraising events like 'CACHA Vibe' (Canada-Africa Community Health Alliance), perform at benefits for Save The Children, Doctor’s Without Boarders, and write songs like “I Want”. I hope my music will inspire positive change.
I truly love what I do, and anticipate my growth as an emerging female artist in Canada and the world as a whole. Music saved my life, and that’s the truth that I’m blessed with.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: So how did I start...?
Well, I’ve lived all over Canada, and having this opportunity has greatly contributed to who I am as an individual, and an artist. My lyrical nature and deeper understanding of language began at a very early age with my Mum (the teacher) playing word games with me. This was my start at learning how language acts as a template to create patterns of rhyme schemes that can paint stories and develop photographs of expression. Back then I never thought about becoming a musician - I always wanted to be an actor. In retrospect, I suppose I wasn’t that far off...I have a lot more freedom on this stage.
By the time I entered highschool, I was listening to many different types of music, but it was hip hop that struck a certain creative cord within me. One day (for many reasons) rhymes came spilling out of my mouth, and from that day, I never stopped. As the years passed, I kept freestyling, and writing songs as an avenue to work out all the stress in my world - but it wasn’t until I moved to Ontario and attended McMaster University, that becoming an Emcee started to take more of an official form.
One day I met a fellow named RaSoul, who was/is a sick Emcee at a regular open mic round town. We became fast friends who ended up as housemates, creating the infamous “Kingsmount Studios”, which was founded upon one mic hanging from a heating grate, coupled with random freestyles recorded over a long and enjoyable summer. "Trip Hop" tells this story beautifully.
Many collaborations came and went during these influential university years, laying even stronger foundations to build upon within the community. Being blessed to have such talented musicians all around me has been something I always respect - for as fast as people come into your life, they can leave again. Making the most of whatever opportunities are available is key to progress, no matter what area of your life is concerned.
In 2007 I began hosting a local open mic in Hamilton, which lead to working with other local talents and the creation of my band, Ell3, (“Love, Love, Love”). Our sound is composed of my lyrics/rhymes over instrumentals, a ridiculous beatboxer named MouthPEACE and brilliant violinist named G.N.Reina. Together Ell3 has performed at some of the most memorable gigs I've had the privilege to be a part of. Big thanks to Ken at Pepper Jack Cafe for believing in us and hooking us up with opening slots when people like Jus Allah, WildChild, Zaki Ibrahim, and The Alkoholikz roll through town. Other groups we’ve been blessed to meet and play on the same bills with include (but aren’t limited to) Icon The Mic King, Pugz Atoms, Awdazcate, Andrea Henry, Fishr Pryce, and Outtrip.
AHEM! So now what?
Right now my focus is on promoting my debut album, "From The Ground UP" (out now!), playing as many shows (in as many places) as I possibly can, and writing!!! Please get in touch with me if you would like to work together/collaborate, and/or book me for shows. I am always open to new ventures. Contact me directly through my email, sweetnilla(at)gmail(dot)com.
Thank you for taking the time to read about how I came to be what I am today, and for your constant support in what I will become tomorrow.
NILLA! can't wait for the weekend.. back to back styles! THe hammer just ain't used to getting hit like that.. FROM THE GROUND UP is still getting steady rotation at the homestead.. such a solid recording.. big ups.. guess I'll see ya Friday! P.E.A.C.E.
That's a whole lot of good words!
I've been kicking down vocal tracks the past week and a bit for the Subs album, but instrumentals are forming as we speak in the corner of my subconscious reserved for such things. There's a velvet rope and everything.
Thanks NiLLa...nice to share your world of music. Great clips, nice songs and kisses to your mom!!! Say hello to the group. Love those strings. Keep writing!
Enjoy K.I.S.S.I.N.G. and SUPERMAN ...new songs coming soon.
NiLLa! P.E.A.C.E.! just passing through.. diggin the nice flavour from your player.. i hope the summer of 09 is treating you well. much love from the Hammer!
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