ASPIRING CHI TOWN EMCEE ON THE RISE
Intelligenz, an emcee born and raised in Chicago Illinois is a Recording Hip-Hop Artist, elevating her career in the bright lights of Sin City. Choosing a name that would force her to be accountable for her lyrics, Intelligenz takes pride in being an example for women.
Surviving the death of her mom at 16 and foster care for 12 years on the South side of Chicago, she enlisted in the military at 18. Serving honorably for 6.5 years as a police officer in the Air Force, she went on to complete her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and after 2 years of being out the military got the courage to pursue her music. Writing since she was about 10 years, old she used music as a way to deal with her troubled childhood.
Hidden to most, she kept her talent to herself, rarely revealing it until she began to rap around 16. Very intimidated by the industry and battling stage fright, Intelligenz was scared to pursue music despite her love for it. She always wondered if she was good enough because of those she looked up to in the industry. But in Vegas, with support from family, she began her path to enter a journey traveled by many female Emcees.
No matter how many competitions, open mics, festivals or venues she performed on the strip, it seemed she would struggle to catch a break as a female who chose to highlight her bars versus her “assets.
After four years of closed doors, Intelligenz finally got her break. Now recognized as the OFFICIAL winner of MC Lyte’s “Next top Female MC” competition she holds no doubt and owns her talent.
Intelligenz drove from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to compete & battle against Femcees from all over the country, entering a live cypher on stage in front of concert goers who came out to see MC Lyte herself,
Yo Yo, Lady or Rage, Lil’ Mama, MC Smooth and of course Monie Love. Hosted by DJ D-Wrek from Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out, it was a night to remember and a huge beginning for this “Next Top Female MC”. You can now see Intelligenz on stage opening for MC Lyte and performing across the country.
Today you can hear Intelligenz’s current single and first ever released via iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby titled “I’m A Movement”. She pays homage to Nas as one of her biggest influences in becoming a lyricist and her husband who has been her number one fan, supporter and encouragement when she would doubt herself.
I’m A Movement speaks on the current state of Hip-Hop, the lack of the female voice and touches on why she should be considered as one of XXL’s Freshman Class members. You can hear “I’m A Movement” in rotation on Vegas’ own, KCEP Power 88. And you can also check out her video on http://www.cantstophiphopworldwide.com/
Master Griot Radio/NBBT Radio also saw her talent and submitted her in the Coast2Coast Mixtape 226 competition, hosted by Chrisette Michele where her song “Running”, Track 15, was selected for release on the mixtape project. Speaking on her experience of entering foster care and the emotion she felt being taken to complete strangers, Intelligenz pours her entire experience into this song so that others who endured this can relate and know that they aren’t alone.
What’s next for Intelligenz? Fans can expect her debut album, “Everything I Am” to be filled with conscious context, unexpected lyricism and word play that combine innovation and the authenticity of Hip-Hop. The album touches on her commitment to music, her story of overcoming tribulations while leaving room for a few surprises for those who try and box her in! Lyrically and “floetically”, it wouldn’t be wise to put Intelligenz in a box!
Her roots are in battle rapping and though she prefers to be more well rounded she isn’t afraid to reach back in the bag if needed! Taking pride and responsibility in the craft of writing her own lyrics, she aims to follow in the footsteps of all the great Femcees who have paved the way before her including MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Da Brat, Jean Grae, Mia X, Rah Digga, Missy Elliot, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown and SO many more.
Today her focus passion is always music, helping veterans, foster kids and encouraging the youth to know anything is possible with education & faith.
Social networking sites:
1. Website: www.WhoIsIntelligenz.com
2. YouTube: www.Youtube.com/IAmIntelligenz
3. Instagram: www.Instagram.com/IAmIntelligenz
4. Music Site: www.Reverbnation.com/IAmIntelligenz
5. Facebook: www.Facebook.com/IAmIntelligenz
6. Twitter: www.Twitter.com/IAmIntelligenz.com
Get your next project distributed at @Raphenom.
Comments