In my time scrolling through the internet to find where the hottest talent lives, I stumbled upon, “LaLah”. The Miami native, with killer looks and matching ability, grabbed my attention via Instgram immediately. With a dynamic sense of style and self, she has a strong following and is destined to take the music game over, starting right in her home state.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What was your childhood like?
Hmmm…Who is LaLah? I could honestly say that I am not one to have the average, “I grew up doing music since a child” story, unfortunately. But, I did grow up IN music. I was the only child of a very talented, R&B Singer named, “Mesha” who was actually well known in the South Florida region back in the early 2000’s. I was the only child so I was always at her hip, quietly taking in each and everything from studio sessions, meetings, performance, rehearsals, and etc. The good and the uneasy. Even though I had no intensions at a young age to become a vocalist, I still learned an exceptional amount of do’s and dont’s and the hustle that was mandatory to become every bit of successful or at least geared towards it. I began out as a dancer at a young age, training in ballet, modern and hip hop techniques; studying each back to their early history all the way through being in the Dance Magnet program in high school. Once 2008 came around, I reached my Junior year in high school, which is when I discovered what I was blessed with, in the most humble tone. From then on, it grew legs and took a direction of it’s own and I began trying to figure out “Who is LaLah” the artist, perfecting my craft and now I am able to give you all my story.
So, is it safe to say that your mother has been the biggest influence on your life personally and professionally?
Yes, she has been my rock, my backbone, the sugar in my sweet tea! Lol. She was the first ever to witness me write and rap my first 16 at age 16 and from that very day to my current age of 24, she has been right beside me and never have steered away, motivating me day in and day out. She’s been in it and lived it, so I have the best of both worlds that several artist can’t talk to their parents about because they just can’t connect.
How many of the songs on your album “Prettier On The Other Side The EP” have a personal connection?
All of them, but I would say “Forever In Love” would be the one with the most personal connection because I wrote it in the midst of interacting with the person who the song is basically about, which I usually don’t do (making a record about a specific person). I’m not the type of artist that will record records just because I am an artist and there is easy access to a recording studio. I take time to make sure that I always have truthful things to say that reflect myself as a young woman and music recording artist and not just a “Female Rapper”. I have to be to myself and in my zone to even write records, without any distractions other than my thoughts. I make music with a message that makes sense, but will still make you move.
Where/who did your impeccable since of style come from?
Thank you! 🙂 It’s not all me. I have to thank my most high for this. Everything. I grew up on the Snoop Dogg, Tupac, D’Angelo, Outkast, Celine Dion, Erykah Badu and so many more. This was all in the midst of just being a listener. But, mentally I may have been soaking everything in, from the flows, vocal arrangements and so much more.
Who would you like to do a song with?
Aw man… The list is tough. Hands down, Outkast! I most definitely like to work with Missy Elliott, Katy Perry, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, Ciara, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar, and so many others. Just to create some amazing music. Even to be mentored by these artist would be pure greatness.
What has been the biggest obstacle for you so far in your career?
I would say my biggest obstacle in my career has had to be the stability of staying true to who I am as an artist. Not looking to others to assist in my dream. All artist know that in this now circulation of the industry, everyone wants that next big thing without taking the risk of being the innovator of the next BIG THING. So, in the midst of everyone who likes to cue their opinion, it gets a bit overwhelming to keep down your path on what they think you should do, but once a team is built and a following is made, it’s that much more appealing to do so and go for it.
What motivates you?
Myself, my family, and the true feeling of success that I know that is accessible.
Outside of being an artist, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy the beach on the weirdest days at the hours when the least amount of people are there. I love water and serenity, so that gives me both in one. I live in my head, so enjoy my “me” time when I can catch it, but I also still like being around genuine people.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m such a goof. I still have that inner child in me and I really like letter her out, often. I also have an obsession with sweet tea
What’s next for LaLah?
There’s several different avenues that we are gearing towards and I never like to spoil, so I can say that we are working towards some changing things that I, myself am quite appalled at myself about, in a great way. But I will say that branding is everything now and always for us. Also, working on singles and relocating.
Lastly, throw us your contact info.
You can contact me via my website at www.wewantlalah.com or via Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, Instagram, or Youtube.
