Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Jayy.
Hi Nikki, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Music is my first love. When I was a little girl, I always knew music was going to be my life. My mom once said, “You came out of the womb singing,” and I believe her because as far as I can remember, I’ve always loved music. I began my official journey as a singer/songwriter during my freshman year at Howard U. That same year, I flew to LA to sing, model, and act in a showcase in front of hundreds of people. This was by far my biggest performance to date. Then, in March of 2020, I dropped my first single, “Soul Cries,” in memory of my father. Once that dropped, I was invited to be interviewed by Howard’s radio station and give everyone some insight to how it all started and what “Soul Cries” meant to me. Honestly, I never took singing too seriously until people started telling me that I had a beautiful voice as a little girl. I started by only singing to my best friend’s in elementary school, then I performed at some talent shows in middle school and in high school, I joined “Gospel for Teens” in Harlem, NY. These all gave me a reason to break out of my shell as an artist. After posting a snippet of me rapping a freestyle I wrote on Instagram, I was pushed to make it a full song.
A months or so later, I dropped “Act Different” and my first music video to it. I’m not a rapper, but I am an artist. So, as an artist, I don’t subject myself to one genre of music because I am so versatile. It’s really important to me that everyone knows this. I pride myself on being versatile in all aspects, meaning I can write and sing r&b, gospel, pop, hip hop, rap, etc. I just have fun with it. Songwriting for me started because of my love for poetry. I often use spoken word to express how I feel and then one day I started turning my spoken word into actual songs. My latest single, “Beg For It” dropped this year of 2021 and my supporters have been eating it up! Now, I’m constantly recording and perfecting my craft so I can figure out who Nikki Jayy is as an artist and how I want to shake the industry. I’m currently working on my first project and new collabs (including my “sis star” Kai Azana and many other talented artists, producers, and engineers). So far, this musical journey has been full of genuine love, support and so many blessings. If it were not for the support from my close friends, Howard students, and internet supporters, I might not have taken such a big leap. I’m just ready to take the music industry by storm. I’m ready to show everyone why I’m here and that I can do it all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In no way has this musical journey been smooth. But that’s okay! I believe that everything happens for a reason and although I wish I never had to go through so many hardships, they are constantly shaping me into the young woman I am meant to be. That’s why I don’t worry too much. The biggest hardship I ever faced was losing my dad as a little girl. He was my everything. It was only right for my first song to be dedicated to him. Any time I feel doubtful or worried, I think of him. My dad and my mom are the reasons why I push myself so hard. They always made sure I had everything I wanted in this world and I’m going to do the same for them. I have to. I am my biggest critique. And it’s weird because I am confident in almost everything I do, but sometimes I get in the way of my own success but being too hard on myself. Music creating wise, I hit bumpy roads every day. I think my biggest challenges so far have been breaking out of my shell and trying to balance college while chasing my dreams at the same time. Some days I just want to create, but school is a full-time job. I’d like to say that when it comes to balancing college with my career, I am doing really well. I absolutely DID NOT start out this way, but now I am getting the hang of it. The road is a little less bumpy. Although, there are some days where all I want to do is make music, and I can’t. Those are the days when I ask God for patience and guidance throughout this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist, singer, and songwriter. I specialize in telling beautiful stories through my music. I do it all. My favorite genre of music is definitely r&b, but I have written raps, pop, hip hop, and gospel songs. I am most proud of allowing myself to enjoy every second of this journey of becoming Nikki Jayy. I’m also proud of how far I’ve come. I envision the most beautiful and successful life for myself. A life full of magical creations, one where I can share a part of my soul with the world. What sets me apart from others is that I am always 100% Nikki Jayy. There is no other lane I’d rather be in because I know that this path was made specifically for me. I wake up every day, whether I have the motivation or not, and I thank God for blessing me with the talents that I have and for another 24 hours to share my gifts. The music lane is no joke. But I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge or let anything or anybody deters me from my goals. I am determined and humble.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My only advice would be to connect with as many people as possible. But, you need to make sure that you both are capable of bringing something to the table. I was not always the best at networking, but the mentors I sought out for guidance, did exactly that. Use your voice! Be yourself! The worst someone could tell you is no. So, when it comes to finding a mentor, just ask. I was blessed to be surrounded by so many talented individuals at Howard U. I have a plethora of people I know I can go to for musical advice or general life guidance. If I did not conversate and build a bond with these mentors, I wouldn’t know as much as I do now. It’s more than mentorship. It should also be a friendship. Also, networking works both ways and people will reach out to you too! Your personality, aura, and talent should be more than enough for people to want to connect with you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/thenikkijayy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkijayymusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/thenikkijayy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUTe0wF7MKRgrHrzmwjavrw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thenikkijayy
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thenikkijayy
Image Credits
Jonathan Logan
