Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Funso-Cooks.
Hi Nia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi. My name is Nia, and I’m straight out of Dallas, Texas. A woman of God who is married to a wonderful man (Jacara Cooks), and raising with him 4 lovely and dope children. (Zaire 14, Jayden 11, Kennedi 10. and Nevaeh 1). I was born at Parkland Hospital on October 3, 1986 where I was left by my mother. I was already considered an underdog. However, I was introduced to a man named Jesus that showed me a way of love that I didn’t know I could have. I was always a rapper. I started off writing poetry in elementary school to cope with some of the childhood traumas I experienced. From there, I was spittin bars from junior high school until now. Of course, I wasn’t living for God all my life. I had a past that involved stripping, men and drugs. At the time of my life lust was my hustle. I would always hear “You’ve got something Nia. You can spit,” but I never thought I would be anything more than what I was in that moment until I met a woman named Shelia Turnbo (Bishop Shelia T) of Legacy of Walking by Faith Ministries. She saw me at my lowest and considered me to be more than what I thought and loved as such. So, what do you think I did next with that type of backing? I started living for God all the way and writing Christian hip hop music. That did not mean I didn’t slip at times. I did; but I was loved past my mess ups. You see, you are hearing this from a young lady who was supposed to do 365 years in prison, because I loved a man more than seeing the value in myself. But in spite of all the ashes, as I came into God, He literally made beauty out of all of it. I started moving up musically by being invited to different events from Game Changers, a non-profit organization founded by David Ford that assists with the youth. Those invitations grew all the way up to rocking with my Head Bishop, the late and great Bishop Omar Jahwar, Founder of Urban Specialists and visionary of The Heal America Tour that is still underway. I had a lot of love and support that God sent my way so I can do this music like I do; and no matter where I go I do my music under His anointing and how He wants me to move. I tell God before I get on any stage, “If they’re looking for you, let them find you in me”. For this I am grateful. I am what change looks like and what healing can be. I am the music that I spit.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, no road is easy when doing things how God wants you to. Some of the struggles, God delivered me from, was addiction, molestation and not knowing my identity. However, through my music it helped me gain a voice. A voice that I now have to reach the nation. I am a strong believer when people have said you don’t go through just for you, but to help someone else.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am known for my music. I am also a Minster of the gospel. The album transition is out on all musical platforms. My single Drip is running on YouTube at 11k views and counting. To GOD BE THE GLORY!!!! What sets me apart from other is my heart. Everybody has a heart, and every heart beats. However, no heart beats the same. Mine is on a different rhythm.
Any big plans?
I am looking forward to completing the mission to Heal America, with the Heal America tour. I am planning my own tour and getting connected with some other people who are like minded. Most of all I am planning to change the lives of everyone I come in contact with, and represent Christ to the lost and found.
Contact Info:
- Email: gospelhiphopbynia@gmail.com
- Instagram: niacooks_newheart
- Facebook: NIA FUNSO Female artist
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/HEPB1Mqxf90
- Other: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1563149722?ls=1&app=itunes
