Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ladii Girl. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ladii, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a famous singer, as a young girl I wrote, sang in the church choir, the school choir, and ultimately the all state choir. Although life was a hard road as a teen and young adult being that I left home at the age of 15, I always found a way to write music. I think had I had the proper guidance and supports I would have been a child star. At the age of 19 I found myself pregnant and struggling with homelessness, I suffered the loss of that child, and then again at 20 I gave birth to my now 24 year old son. My son was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease type SS at birth and yet again my dreams of singing were put on hold. My son’s health and survival depended on me and that was were all my time, energy, and attention was placed. Until he turned 16, then I was able to teach him how to advocate for himself in the medical world. My son turning 16 was a turning point for the both of us, he gained his independence and I kind of gained my freedom to start pursuing my dream. He is now 25 and thriving and the momentum in my music career is in full swing.

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 came into the music business in 2012 releasing my first songs in 2014, I have sung on many stages throughout the United States and look forward to crossing many more. My first song ever released was entitled “Shorty Rock” a friend of mine had a Lantix record label and shot my video for the song for free. I was excited for the opportunity but had no idea about any of it. I was winging it. Since then I have written at least 400 songs and collaborated with many other independent artists on their projects. I have many soulful artists that inspire me dating back to as early as the 1920’s but if I had to choose and artist of today I would choose Billie Ellish. It may seem like a odd choice for an R&B Soul singer but it is the back story. I started creating music with my older brother, in a bedroom, it’s just the atmosphere and the connection of family that is so inspiring. Knowing it doesn’t take a million dollars to make a hit record is dope. My focus is to continue to keep turning out great music that is not only relatable but inspiring. My mission is to reach as many ears as possible, getting my sound and my messages spread across the world.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As an artist, especially an independent artist, you invest in you until someone comes along and says “Hey I believe in you.” That means, your time, money, blood, sweat, and tears is going into everything you are doing. So a share of your video, a stream or spin of your track, a social media post, goes a long way. A great way to see someone win would be to do those things. Come out to a showcase and show support, most times the are inexpensive or free to attend, it’s mainly just artists trying to be seen or heard hoping someone likes their music and the can build up a fan base. Most times the artist is doing all of this and trying to get by like everyone else. The end results look like a good time but there is so much of ones self that is poured into their craft.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There have been many times that I have been booked and under contract that my son has been hospitalized due to his Sickle Cell Disease and I have to make a choice to stick by his bed side or be on a stage. Every time he says, “Mom, go kill it”. Times where I had to make a choice on whether to pay rent or pay the studio. I know it seems like a crazy thought but when you believe so strongly in yourself and your talents those are the hard truths. I had music flop, I had music thrive, I had people say some mean, and nasty things to me, but at the end of the day, I had and have a lot more positive people and followers in my life. I tell people all the time, “It is your job to make them believe”.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiigirl_508/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladiigirl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LadiiGirl

Image Credits
photo shot by Paul Rochette