God’s Princess: Redefining Contemporary Gospel Music with an Inspiring Blend of Soul, Rap, and Dance

1. What first got you into music?

I first got into music as a young girl around the age of three. I loved to sing and make sounds. I used to sing Double Dutch Bus by Frankie Smith all the time, so much so it got me in trouble because I knew all the words to the song, but not all of the alphabets, ha!. I started writing R & B songs in the eighth grade. Me and some friends of mine and at the time started a female group called S.L.C (we came up with that before the group TLC came out). We came up with S.L.C because those were first initials of our names (Stephanie, LaToya and Catina) and, an acroynm for Sweet Llike Candy. I continued to write songs even after high school. When I moved to Atlanta after college, I had a manager who was trying to get me singing gigs. I would mostly sing hooks for rappers up there. He tried to put a young lady and me together for a group, but it didn’t work out because she moved and that dissolved the relationship with the manager as well.

2. Who inspired you to make music?

Whitney Houston, I used to lsing ‘Greatest Love of All,’all the time. TLC, SWV, Xscape, Canton Jones, Erica Cumbo, Fred Hammond and more.

3. How would you describe the music that you typically create?

The music I create is Contemporary Gospel. I create music that is relatable, inspires, encourages, makes you wanna think and dance. I call it contemporary gospel because I sing and rap. Plus,  the instrumentation of the beats does not give my music the traditional Gospel sound.  

4.What is your creative process like?

My creative process is very spontaneous. Let me explain, there are times when I’m talking and a phrase may ping my ear and I can hear a melody to it, other times I’m sitting and talking with God or thinking and I get a download of words to a melody. I give God my voice and He adds words as I keep singing. Then, I pull out my phone to record it. Next, I pray and ask God, “Lord, if it’s meant to be a song, finish it,” and He does. There are times when I don’t get full songs, but awesome hooks. I call myself ‘The Hook Queen” ‘cause man Tay, I can shoal ‘nuff write a hook! 

5.Who would you most like to collaborate with?

What a great question and my answer may amaze you, ha! I would love to collaborate with DaBaby! I know we don’t do the same type of music, however, I would love to hear another side of him. I know it’s in there and I wanna help pull it out, so yea, I’d like to collaborate with him for music AND videography because he’s a dope director and I am too. It would be amazing to colloborate with Jonathan Lyndale Kirk on a song and music video. 

6. If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

Oh, shoooot! I have to think, liiiiikkkee… who’s lines up with my music more? First person who comes to mind is Pastor Mike Jr., next, Koryn Hawthorne, Tye Tribbet and Kirk Franklin.

7.What is one message you would give to your fans?

I would tell my fans to keep going, pursue their dreams and trust the process by walking by faith and not by sight. That’s the key to it all, faith. Being determined, dedicated, foucsed, consistent and intentional will help them manifest as well. One more thing, they must be able to drown out naysayers, haters and low vibrational people, do what God told you to do. 

8.Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

At first when I answered this question I said yes, then when it asked what songs, I got stuck. lololol… I used to sing in the shower all the time Tay, however, now it’s my thinking space and my alone time with God, which I have all the time, it’s just nothing like in the shower. It’s refreshing and  I come out with clarity. I said that to say, I rarely sing in the shower anymore, ha!

9.Where have you performed?

Do you have any upcoming shows?

I have performed at the BET Xperience last year in Atlanta. That was my first time performing in forever because I don’t perform much. That was my chance to step out of my comfort zone. It was a three day event and I hit the stage twice. My first time, I was a little nervous. I prayed before I went up there and left the rest to God and did really well. The next time was even better, although I couldn’t hear myself, I did what I had to do and it was fun, plus I looked cute. I was the only Contemporary Gospel artist there the whole weekend. I felt a little out-of-pocket, however, I also knew I was on assignment from God, so it was cool. Last October I performed at the Southwest GA Regional Fair in Albany, GA. Practice makes perfect, so I hit the stage at VocalFlo’s Open Mic Night in Valdosta, GA this summer and  I will be in Valdosta again soon,  for the 10th Annual Community Wide Family Reunion in Valdosta, GA.

10. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

Whew chyle, great question. The internet has impacted the music industry in a positive and negative way. In my opinion, the postive attribute is, it’s right at your finger tips, the negative attribute is, everyone doesn’t stream music. 

11. What is your favorite song to perform?

To be honest, I don’t know if I have a favorite song to perform because they all bring out a different vibe of my personality, so it’s hard to pick because they’re all me. Crucify My Flesh is near to my heart because it’s a ballad to God. I am telling the listener about how I have struggled to let things go, yet God hasn’t given up on me.

12.What’s next for you?

Well honey, I’m trying to figure that out myself, ha! I resigned as an educator of 21 years to pursue my dreams in music, acting, tv & film. I am eally on a faith walk. I took a leap of faith to go on this journey of self discovery and starting a new era in my life, in arts & entertainment. Speaking of acting, I am in the play ‘For Colored Girls,’ The United Way is using the play for to bring awareness for Suicide Prevention Month.