Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shay Lyriq. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shay , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I have worked on is my EP “ILLA CITY SUMMERS” coming out July 14th. This project displays the life of a young star moving through the summertime in Kansas City Missouri as a new mother. I display how I am able to balance both parts of myself as an artist and a mom to become the more well rounded woman I am today.
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?
Shay Lyriq Versatile female rapper from Kansas City Mo. Best known for her wordplay and complex lyrics with unique sound. She is also a college graduate who started her rap career amid graduating from Northwest Missouri State University with her Bachelors degree for Mass Media Broadcast Production in 2019. Upon her emergence amongst rappers from Kansas City, she has made her mark and self proclaims herself as the “ILLA CITY ANGEL ”, who wants to change the narrative of Kansas City rap culture and female rap in general. Shay Lyriq started writing at the end of her years as a high school student. She first broadcasted her talents during her run as a contestant for the “Miss Black and Gold” beauty pageant at Northwest Missouri State University. She then recorded her very first record “The Warning”, a remix to the classic originally performed by The Notorious B.I.G.. The remix tells a tale about a run in with her father. Even with minimal work out, Shay Lyriq is noted as one of the most explosive artists to come out of the city since her debut.The young artist has been heard on one of the best radio stations in kansas city, Hot 103 JAMZ (KPRS) for her feature on the single “Iz U Dum Remix” by LadyKilla Tellz and Tonyae. Shay Lyriq names 2Pac, Ice Cube, Ludacris, Kendrick Lamar, Lil’ Kim, J. Cole and Michael Jackson as her main influences in music. She also states that her father is the reason she wanted to pursue music due to him introducing her to such artists she looks up to. The rapper is also a finalist nominated for 2021 “Best Female Rapper” category at the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards. Shay Lyriq is also featured on The Yadda Yadda Podcasts’ new single “No Huss” and is noted (by Hot 103 JAMZ’s Joe Cornejo) to have one of the best verses to come out in the year of 2021. I then came out with my first EP “THE ILLA CITY ANGEL” in March of 2022 and my single “OUT SOUTH” featuring SouthSide Dame. The Single was also played on the #1 hip hop radio station in Kansas City “Hot 103 Jamz”. Now I will be releasing my second EP “ILLA CITY SUMMERS” July 14th of 2023.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is being able to express myself in ways regular words can’t describe. I also find joy in providing a voice for those who relate to me and support me. I feel like the caterpillar that grew to become a beautiful butterfly. My music helped me find myself.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Yes, life comes at us fast and for us creatives it can feel a little more catastrophic. Every artist wish they can drop music and content whenever they please, but reality doesn’t work that way. We want to give the people what they want consistently but for independent artists, that’s 100x more difficult. Please keep us in mind as we take breaks from music, a lot of times the breaks are not by choice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shaylyriq.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shaylyriq?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044743406714&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: @shaylyriq
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shaylyriq532
Image Credits
@lexiloathesyou @artisticdomain @kennydidthat