We were lucky to catch up with Trayosha Decker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Trayosha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Growing up in the inner city of Denver, I learned early on that people often let stereotypes define a person’s character. As a young black woman with a passion for music, I was no stranger to these preconceived notions. My neighborhood, rich in culture yet fraught with challenges, shaped my identity and influenced my art. However, it also meant that people often saw me through a narrow lens, dictated by the stereotypes they believed.
Music was my escape, my sanctuary. From the moment I picked up my first pen and wrote my first lyrics, I knew this was my calling. But diving into my music career was anything but easy. As soon as I started making waves, people tried to place me in a box based on how I looked.
“You’re a black woman from the inner city. You must be a rapper,” they would say, pushing me towards a genre and style they believed I should fit into. The pressure to conform to a certain female rap standard was relentless. They wanted me to don flashy outfits, rap about topics that didn’t resonate with my truth, and adopt an image that felt foreign to who I was.
I felt misunderstood, by the expectations and the limitations others tried to impose on me. My music was more than just rap. It was a fusion of the many sounds that inspired me—jazz, soul, R&B, and even classical. My lyrics were a reflection of my diverse experiences and perspectives, not just the gritty tales they wanted to hear.
I learned that being misunderstood was not a barrier, but a stepping stone. It pushed me to be more resilient, more creative, and more determined to succeed on my own terms. My journey is far from over, but I walk it with my head held high, knowing that I am more than the stereotypes.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am **OSHA Renee** an emerging artist born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I began taking my craft seriously two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic forced me into isolation. During this time, I discovered a new hobby that quickly became my first love: music.
My dedication and talent has led me to several notable accomplishments. I’ve opened for well-known artists such as CeeLo Green, Rotimi, Vedo, and performed at the prestigious SXSW festival.
Throughout my life, I have often felt overlooked, but I still firmly believed that my gift would bring change and hope to my community. My faith has been a guiding force, continuously bringing me closer to my dreams.
With my unwavering belief in my talent and my commitment to my craft, I have poised to become a beacon of inspiration for many.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
In the beginning, when I first started doing music I accepted offers and collaborations without thoroughly checking.
I had to unlearn my initial naivety and develop a more discerning eye. I learned the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the music industry, scrutinizing offers, and seeking advice from trusted mentors. This shift in mindset allowed me to navigate my career more strategically, ensuring that each opportunity i pursued genuinely aligned with my goals and values.
By learning to balance my enthusiasm with caution, I became not only a talented artist but also a savvy professional, better equipped to protect my interests and make decisions that would truly advance my career.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, like many others, I found myself isolated. During this time of solitude, I discovered that music was more than just a hobby; it was my first love and true calling. I began to pour my heart and soul into my craft, I was determined to make my voice heard.
Despite my talent and dedication, the path to success was anything but smooth. Early in my career, I often placed in a box, with people trying to make me conform to a certain female rap standard based on my appearance. This stereotyping was disheartening, but it fueled my desire to prove them wrong.
My resilience shone through as I adapted to these challenges. I began to meticulously research and vet every opportunity, seeking guidance from trusted mentors. My persistence paid off, leading me notable achievements, such as opening for celebrated artists like CeeLo Green, Rotimi, and Vedo, and performing at the renowned SXSW festival.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @OSHARENEE_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@osharenee5803
Image Credits
@vicuals
@aye dee