Today we’d like to introduce you to Neffy Raps.
Neffy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born to a 15-year-old mother in Baltimore, most people didn’t think I would make it or become anything. Making my mother proud and proving those people wrong always motivated me to be the best at everything I do.
Before coming to Dallas, I had recently graduated from college. Being the first person in my generation to finish college, this was a big accomplishment for me and my family.
Even though I was always an artist, I had to finish school to make my mom proud. And my siblings were watching me. As the oldest of four, I was their example. I had to finish school even though financially making it through school was hard. I switched my major three times, I started in journalism, studied film, and then finished with an English Degree (creative writing concentration).
Making music and writing was always a hobby of mine from a child. I always wrote stories, plays, scripts & poems. I had a crazy imagination (and still do!)
I started rapping and making beats since the age of 12. My first performance was at a church in Baltimore on Route 40. I started as a gospel rapper, can you believe it?! I became popular at church from rapping. I wound up rapping in the church as a kid for a few years. Some drama happened there when I was a teenager and I stopped going.
Then in college, I started rapping again and making music with one of the neighborhood barbers. We formed a group where he sang and rapped, I added the female rap vocals to his songs. We almost made a whole album but stopped seeing eye to eye on a lot of things. The group split up and I went solo.
I went on to build a solo music career independently. My music career is what lead me to Dallas.
During a media run promoting my music, I went on a radio interview at Power 214 Radio in Dallas, TX. I shared my story and gained the attention of the station owner. He asked me if I had ever done radio or if I would be interested in having my own show. I immediately took him up on his offer and flash forward over a year later, my radio show THE VIBE SESSION is the #1 show on Power 214.
I use my platform at Power 214 Radio to give independent artists such as myself the opportunity to be seen and heard. I conduct artist interviews with artists from all across the country and in other countries as well! As an independent artist, I understand how hard it can be to garner media attention and be taken seriously for your work and your craft.
Artists I’ve interviewed will come back and say things like “That interview was so dope I will always remember this” or “I appreciate what you’re doing for us indie artists.” I’ve built so many strong connections with so many people. It’s a great feeling to help artists be seen and to play a role in connecting them with other like-minded individuals.
As an indie artist, I’ve toured with Ja Rule, had music placed on BET, charted on Digital Radio Tracker Top 150 Global Independent Artist Charts, and I’ve been in rooms with The “Who’s Who’s” of the world. But nothing is more rewarding than being able to help other artists along their journey.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to becoming an artist and influencer is not easy at all. And it doesn’t get any easier. It takes a lot of hard work and consistency. There may even be times when you want to quit but you have to keep going. People have told me “NO” more times than I can count. There were a lot of people that also didn’t understand my vision. But I read somewhere once that God does not give your vision to other people to see, he gives it to YOU to see. So you can’t be upset when other people don’t get it. It’s not meant for them to see.
Please tell us about The Vibe Session on Power 214.
I’m an artist, radio personality, host, and all-around entertainer.
I’m a radio personality of The Vibe Session on Power 214. Our niche is to provide independent artists a platform to be seen and heard.
I’ve been a local Broadcast TV Host (ABC 2 Baltimore) in 2018 for show called APTV LIVE. We highlighted independent artists from Baltimore and surrounding. We gave them a chance to perform live on TV!
My single “Wave” was placed in the show Tales (Bodak Yellow Episode) which aired on BET in 2019.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, the only thing I would do differently now is trust myself more. The more you trust your gut, the better off you will be!
Contact Info:
- Website: power214.com
- Email: neffyraps@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/neffyraps
Image Credit:
Jordan S. Woods, Imani Pegram, Keston De Coteau
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