Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaniya (Niya) Toney(Michelle). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kaniya (Niya), thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
From a young age, I was surrounded by musical greatness thanks to my grandfather and mother. It was clear to me early on that I was going for a career in music. I recorded my first song, “Don’t Ask for Nothing”, and performed it. Watching the crowd sing along to my lyrics was a crazy moment for me. I knew right then and there that I’m really Him. But ok a serious note, that moment sparked the fire for real.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey everyone! I’m Niya Michelle and I am thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. I’m 22 years old, born in Pasadena, but Inglewood is where my heart truly belongs as that’s where I grew up. I’ve been rapping since I was 15, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to take it seriously.
Music runs in my blood – with a talented mother and my grandfather [Dr.Dre] being a legend in the industry, there was no escaping it! For me, music is my escape, my outlet to express myself freely and unapologetically. It has helped me navigate through mental health struggles and find my voice. I am determined to make my mark on my own terms. It hasn’t been easy, but with the support of my family and the guidance of my producer Jahvon Williams[Koru$], I am constantly evolving as an artist. I believe what truly sets me apart from other artists is my genuine passion for creating music. Unlike many in my generation who are driven by fame and money, I am really just focused on the artistry and expression that music allows me. My unique style and sound have surprised many people who initially had preconceived notions about my music.
Currently, I am excited to announce my partnership with the Girls on the Scene Tour, founded by Ryah Stacy. This brand is dedicated to women empowerment, financial success, and helping others achieve their dreams. I am confident that this collaboration will lead to incredible opportunities and I cannot wait for you all to witness what we have in store. I also am working on a big body of work and visuals and I can’t wait for it to come to fruition.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
There are a couple of goals driving my creative journey. First and foremost, I am determined to prove to myself that I have what it takes to bring my visions to life. I often doubt myself, but seeing a project through to completion gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivates me to keep pushing forward. Secondly, I have a dream of collaborating with my grandfather one day. I want to work with him not just as a lyricist, but also as an audio engineer. I have been putting in the effort to become a “one-man show” in music production, so that I can have full creative control and knowledge of my craft. I believe that working with my grandfather on this level would not only be an incredible experience, but also a chance to strengthen our bond. Despite past family issues, I am optimistic about the potential for us to connect on a deeper level through our shared passion for music.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being an artist is truly a rewarding experience in so many ways. One of the most fulfilling aspects is the ability to reflect on your life through your art. Every song I create tells a story of where I’ve been and what I’ve experienced. It’s like a timeline of my journey, filled with both happy and sad memories. Looking back on my work, I can see the growth and progress I’ve made along the way, which is incredibly rewarding.
Another aspect that brings me joy as an artist is the feedback and recognition from others. Creating music can be a vulnerable process, and receiving positive feedback is so uplifting. It’s a reminder that your work is appreciated and valued by others. As artists, we can be our own harshest critics, so hearing praise from outside sources is truly gratifying. It’s a feeling that motivates and inspires me to keep creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theniyamichelle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niyamichellemusic?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaniYaToney24?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@niyamichellemuisic?si=YxvtZcHC-jqzMRSb
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theniyamichelle?_t=8keQi177Aza&_r=1 Email niyamichellemusic@gmail.com
Image Credits
Jahvon Williams New Ending Productions AXSNAPS