How did you get your name?

Well, my real name is Gardenia, like the flower, I was never really fond of that name until i started digging more into myself as a person, which directly affected my artistry. I wanted to be as authentic and in my truth as possible. When I made the decision to fully embrace my name as an artist, I saw that there were a lot of “Gardenia’s”. I needed a way to separate myself from the rest. All I did was change up the spelling, same pronunciation but a different vibe. I feel it gives it that soulful vibe.

How did you get into creating?: I was also creating something, from a child I was always writing or doing something with paper. The first song I wrote when I was like 8, then poetry writing came from me wanting to spice things up in school lol.

I got into hip hop at age 12, and have been rapping since then, so all of my talents really just combined under one umbrella.

How has creating changed your life?

It’s given me a voice and a responsibility. As an artist, I have a responsibility, to tell the truth, my truth, in a way that is authentic to me. It’s made me open up to people in a way I probably would never have. It’s literally a lifelong commitment and it’s showing me endurance and lessons. Lessons on staying the course and how god will align people in your life to complete certain assignments. It has shown me that I am not alone, there is always someone out there who will relate to your story, and that I am needed so that someone else can be inspired to live in their truths.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Far Rockaway, (Queens) NY, and have now been on Staten Island for about 3 years.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

It definitely gave me a certain skin and tolerance. NYC is quick and hard, especially when you come from the projects. It teaches you a speedy language. I always had to move accordingly to the sounds of my footsteps.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

I remember trying to go to audio engineering school a few times but it was always a money issue. I studied all these music industry books trying to learn about the industry, even researching how hip hop actually began. I’m still learning ways to advance my skills and constantly gaining knowledge every day. I believe the first thing is to have knowledge of self, then everything else falls into place as long as you are submissive to the teachings.

What does your current setup look like?

Right now I have a mic, “a sound thingie” and Izotope Spire studio

Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?

Black women inspire me. Strength, beauty, and power.

 
The streets inspire me, graffiti and things that speak from poverty. The areas that are abandoned and unseen. It inspires me to make light and honor the art in these things. The passion to make something out of what is ignored and overlooked.

What is your goal when you create? 

My goal is to execute my emotions in a way that is first pleasing to me. Mind, Body, Spirit, and Soul. Precise in cadence and flow. I wanna feel me because it heals me. Then I allow it to be heard, I set it free, because now it has a job all on its own once it’s in the hands of the people.

Why do you create? 

I create to live and survive so that one day we can thrive. To create change and make space for myself. To be heard, understood, respected, and truly seen. I create because that is how I fight. I create because I am needed. It wakes me up, gives me strength, it elevates me. It keeps me connected with God, my higher me.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

My go-to song to listen to or perform?…the music rolodex in my head is insane.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

My dream as an artist is to consistently create and be able to live off of my creations. Changing the world for the better part of “changing the game” is a dream far too overwhelming and frustrating for me so i just take it one day at a time. Taking care of me first, and letting everything else follow.

What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?

Hold on to it and create your own universe.

Tell us about your most recent release

My most recent release has to be a song called “Killer Queenz”. It was produced by Agent Blurr of Staten Island. We went to Jamaica, Queens, and shot the video in the blazin’ heat. It’s such a soulful take on punch lines and bars and I’m really proud of its vibe and simplicity.

Check it out https://youtu.be/ei_WJxakYGk

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