PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILYNN ROSE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/STYLING ROBIAT BALOGUN
MAKEUP BY ARCHANGELA CHELSEA FOR CELESTINE AGENCY
HAIR BY J MICHAEL FOR CELESTINE AGENCY
LOCATION AT ROSE STUDIO LA
RETOUCHER BY NICOLETTE MONROE
STORY BY MIN A. LEE
From dancing to directing and creating music as an artist, what were some of the best moments from each of these career facets for you?
Honestly, the best moment in all three of the fields is the actual creating part. People see the final product and think that’s the best part, but to me, creating something from scratch and then seeing it blossom is the greatest part of dancing, direction, and music-making.
As you were transitioning to a recording artist, what was one of the most difficult challenges you had to overcome?
I had to gain confidence as an artist. I had to understand the responsibility that came with being the lead over background. I love dance, but I had to become a dancer and singer, which requires discipline and confidence.
After directing Prince’s video for “Breakfast Can Wait” and having him as a mentor, what words from him do you carry with you always?
Words I will always carry from Prince are, “Be yourself and create what you feel when making music. Don’t ever settle, go after everything you’ve envisioned for yourself.”
What artists did you listen to growing up, and how do you feel they’ve influenced you and your music?
I grew up listening to Drake, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Missy. They’ve influenced me creatively, as far as truly growing into my own as an artist.
You’ve been working hard on a new album set to drop sometime this year. Can you give us a peek into the music on it?
I have some incredible collabs on this album coming up. You can expect to hear Ty Dolla $ign, Yella Beezy and a few more artists I really respect in the game. This album will touch on some current and past circumstances I have dealt with when it comes to relationships.
As you continue to grow confidently in the music industry, collaborate with artists such as G-Eazy, Lil Baby, Chris Brown (to name a few!) and garner respect and admiration, what advice would you give to those just starting or those with aspirations for becoming a recording artist?
I think every artist should really use the power of manifestation. These collabs I have gotten are all things I would just say I want to happen, and I put strong momentum behind these things, and they all came to pass. You have to have confidence in your vision and then see it through.
As our first beauty cover of 2020, can you share with our readers your top go-to’s for makeup and skincare products?
My top go-to is Kiehls for makeup and skincare products.
