Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyrical.
Lyrical, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I signed with MLR in 2012. We’re an independent label in Dallas. I’ve always loved music, I started rapping at age eight. It’s an outlet for me.
After we signed a distribution deal with Sony/BCD, I thought this was it! Boy, was I wrong?
After the album was distributed, I took a visit to Houston to meet some of the big players. I was excited to talk about next steps, my music, etc. but instead, I basically was told that nobody wants to hear females rap, I should lose the clothes, up the sex appeal, and become a pop singer.
This was not only a shock of reality to me as a young female artist, but I had a huge decision to make. I chose to respect myself instead of doing things their way which ultimately resulted in my album being pulled from the stores. I just kept thinking this isn’t me I can’t do that to myself. I had two kids including my daughter and I have to be that example for her.
Ultimately, I continued with artist development, learned as much as I could about the music business, started my own publishing company, and started distributing my own music worldwide. I am actually redistributing that first album, Adjective of Poetry in February.
Today, I am more established as an independent artist as I ever have been. I am still with MLR. I also own a beauty company called Shanta’ Hair Beauty Fashion named after my middle name.
I’m working on my new album called Black Curtain, and I just released a new single called Boss. At the end of the day, I have to make my own dreams come true and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s really hard, especially being a mother, working a corporate job for one of the largest technology companies in the world, and running my own businesses. Being independent, I fund myself so I have to have multiple streams of income.
Late night studio sessions, helping kids with homework and making it to their functions and events, managing my online store, and getting up to go to someone else’s job is no easy feat.
I keep at it because I know eventually, I won’t have to do so much of it. I have to keep going to make sure the sacrifices are worth it, you know.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m an artist. I create real music. I think what sets me apart is versatility. I’m not only versatile in the style of music, but in my genuine personality. I resonate with more than one time of person. I’m chill, I’m a drama queen, I’m nerdy, I’m classy, I’m street, philosophical, the list goes on.
Shanta’ Hair Beauty Fashion is my baby. Shanta’ is my middle name and has always represented that sassy diva part of who I am. I haven’t always had the money to shop or even the confidence being a plus size woman. I fell in love with myself to get past that hump and part of that process included taking care of myself, my image, not in a superficial way, in a way that mattered to me. When you look better, you feel better, you do better. I want people to be able to do so without breaking the bank. There’s no better way to do something than your way which is why the company slogan is #theshantaway
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A lot of people think success is the end point, completion. I believe success is ongoing. I don’t measure specific criteria and everyone’s measurement is different. To me, there is no success without failure and failure without success. As long as I keep striving, learning, keep living, I am successful.
Every day is a small success. I’ve found that when I don’t focus on trying to quantize or measure success, is when I’m most successful ironically.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.itslyricalbytch.com
- Phone: 2142576707
- Email: booklyrical@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/itslyricalbytch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslyricalbytch
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/itslyricalbytch
- Other: https://www.theshantaway.com
Image Credit:
Alex Hudson, 7Paragon, Team Oneal
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