Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToria W.
LaToria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been a lover of music and culture. I can remember I first fell in love when I saw Queen Latifah killing it on Yo MTV Raps! I was a little girl then but felt like I connected with my purpose while watching her. Fast forward to college years. I met a producer through a friend of mine who was pursuing singing. He didn’t know me from Adam and randomly asked me, “Hey, do you rap?” The crazy thing is, I did! (in my own personal time) So this producer took me under his wing and showed me everything he knew about the art of performing hip hop and songwriting. That was over ten years ago.
Since that time, I’ve dedicated my life to being an inspirational Hip Hop & Spoken Word artist as well as speaker and media personality. I make real-life music that people can relate to from the perspective of a woman of faith that’s just being honest about the human experience. Today, I’ve traveled nationally as well as internationally, been in movies, shared stages with some amazing artists and it’s all been a wild ride full of ups and downs being an indie artist. I’ve been blessed to connect with all types of audiences and perform in all types of environments (suburban, urban, mature, youth, conferences, festivals, churches, detention centers, clubs etc) My goal is to be a positive inspiration and representation for women (especially black women) in the culture at large and in the Christian faith. I aim to be a type of inspiration to the next generation that Queen Latifah was to me.
Great, 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?
It has not been a smooth road. Having been an artist for ten plus years, I’ve had my share of challenges with learning how to navigate different elements of the industry, learning who I am as a person and an artist and making a choice to remain true to that.
I’ve also, unfortunately, had to deal with dishonest people, challenging personalities and some folks that are just flat out JERKS. But, all in all, the impact I make with my music makes it all worth it!
As an indie artist, there are lots of hats you have to wear and sacrifices you have to make, but if it’s your passion, then it’s worth it!
What else should we know about your work and career so far?
I am an inspirational Hip Hop & Spoken Word artist. I also do some media hosting and speaking. I want to add to the dynamic voices of women, both current and from the past to offer a vast representation of women in Hip Hop. I feel the need to make music that has a conscience, where real life and my faith collide so that naturally it will connect with the listeners and most times offer hope as well as a vibe and a dope beat.
What I’m most proud of is the opportunity to be representation for peers as well as the next generation of young women coming up behind me.
What sets me apart is my music is truly all about impacting and empowering the listener. It’s a combination of soul, turn up, new school and classic hip hop.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Having integrity, being loving and engaging. At the end of the day, how you treat people and the fruit you bear is what matters most.
Pricing:
- “Chasin Freedom” T-shirts $20
- “Natural Beauty” T-shirts $20
Contact Info:
- Website: LATORIAMUSIC.COM
- Phone: 8174386212
- Email: info@latoriamusic.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/latoriamusic/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LATORIAMUSIC
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/latoriamusic
Image Credit:
Lachelle Robothom
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
