Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Nicole.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a rapper/spoken word artist. I started poetry at the age of 12. In elementary and in middle school, I used to get teased a lot due to my quiet nature and the way I looked. I used rap as an outlet to give myself a voice that I really didn’t know I had at the time. I’d write in the back of the class, on the bus, at home, literally anywhere. I was always the shy quiet kid in the back of the classroom who didn’t talk much to anyone. I originally wrote poems about perseverance, romance, or anything pro-black. The poems I wrote in middle school eventually led to raps that I started taking seriously towards my senior year in high school. I remember telling my teacher specifically that “one-day, I’m going to be famous for my poems,” I wasn’t really serious at the time but now, I am. I never intended on becoming a rapper, I just knew I loved to write and see people reactions when I rapped to them. On the outside, I’ve always been quiet and never really had much to say but now, I feel like me and my pen is a force to be reckoned with. I want to give that same feeling of power to other awkward kids at the back of the class either writing or drawing that same feeling I get when I go on stage.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Putting myself out there as an artist hasn’t always been easy for me. It took a long time for me to accept myself for who I was. I had many internal conflicts with my appearance. I am a dark-skinned woman. Before social media, there weren’t any hashtags like #flexininmycomplexion or #melanin. I faced many struggles with accepting my physical features. I use to run away from any mirror I saw because I couldn’t stand to look at myself. I won’t sit here and say that I’m 100 percent confident in my appearance but, I’m in a much better headspace than what I use to be. As a female in hip-hop, I have to keep in mind that I am in a male-dominated industry despite the recent rise of female rappers. Sometimes, I might deal with sexist comments or favoritism when it comes to performing or just putting myself out there on platforms like social media. For the most part, I receive love and support, but there are moments that I deal with unnecessary comments mostly on social media.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a rapper/spoken word artist. I go to most open mic events in Dallas such as Dallas Open Mic every Tuesday at the Green Elephant. I am mostly known for my lyrical capabilities and my sound. I have an old school, 90’s boom-bap style to my music. A lot of people say I remind them of the old east coast style of rap when bad boy records were up and coming. People usually say I remind them of Biggie, Lil Kim, or even Mia X. I don’t necessarily like to compare myself to them even though I’m honored to be compared to them, they are legends and there will never be another B.I.G, Lil Kim, Mia X, etc. I think what sets me apart from other artists is my style not too many people have the old school boom-bap sound to them anymore. I realize the boom-bap style of rap is outdated but, I like the sound, it works for me, and people have told me they like what they hear. Also, I’m unpredictable. People don’t necessarily know what to expect when they have a first glance at me. I have a reserved demeanor. When I get on stage, I am the complete opposite of what people expect me to be. Although having another persona is common amongst artists, I think my stage presence is what really sets me apart from other artists.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over as an artist, I would take more time out to learn about the business side of the industry instead of just winging a lot of things. I would have learned what an effective marketing plan looks like and what steps are mandatory as a successful independent artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-girl-single/1473868918
- Phone: 4698313726
- Email: steague@student.pvamu.edu
- Instagram: snt_snt97
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sntdallas
Image Credit:
Amber Robinson Photography, Instagram: amberrobinsonphotography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
