True Hip-Hop: Rising up from the ASHES!!!

Rising up from the ASHES!!!

Who’s to say that persistence, hard work, and determination doesn’t work!!! Born to musical parents, T*Melle Rawlings has stapled passion with a new meaning when it comes to the overall package of a musical icon. This Philadelphia native is blessed with a talent unlike many of the aspiring artists of today. Her inspirations include Barbara Streisand, Lena Horne and later Mary J Blige. Although this is an odd combination for an adolescent city girl, singing at the early age of 2, her father (a music teacher) gave her these resources as a foundation to build upon an all-encompassing music career. She has the cultural vocal prowess of Barbara, the sensuality of Lena and the street edge of Mary J.

T*Melle’s talents started to take form when she was discovered and placed in a local talented group that caught the eye of Lisa Lopez (member of TLC,). During this time, Lisa and other industry notables started to coin T*Melle as the “standout member of the group”. This time in T*Melle’s life was both a blessing and tragedy it all seem to come to a halt when a car accident in Honduras caused the untimely death of her mentor Left-Eye. This not only shocked the world, but put T*Melle’s career on hold for 2 years as she was also seriously wounded in the accident. Faced with the reality that she may never walk again after countless surgeries to her left leg and hip, she was confined to a wheel chair with rods and screws. T*Melle trusted and willed herself through 1 ½ years of therapy and gained the strength in her leg she needed to restart her career.

As I look into the eyes of the phoenix that last seen the icon Left Eye alive I’m interested in what she has to say but my mind drifts into the artist that she is now and doesn’t allow me to ask questions about what had to be the darkest time in her bright life so I move forward. T’Melle has been to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, I can relate to the singers pain and I can see the fire that burns inside her that will allow nothing but success to enter into her life. With the support of family and friends infrared entertainment and the new era talent agency the next step for T’Melle is the top. I had a moment to sit down with the talented singer and here’s what she had to say in our brief interview.

1. Who are you inspirations?

My inspirations since I was little were Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, and Mary J Bilge! People would find it odd that I would like Barbra, but growing up she was mainly all I listened to. Her voice is AMAZING!

2. Where do you see your career going in the next 5 years?

I really see myself Headlining and selling out concerts and just making history! I want to be amongst the greats doing what I love to do which is performing!

3. What made you want to become an artist?

My dad is a music teacher. I’ve been around music all my life, it is my life and that’s what I do. I knew it was something I could do and he helped shaped me at a young age, and now here I am as an actual artist.

4. If you weren't singing what other career choice would you have made?

I would be in the Forensic Science field. I LOVE TRU TV!

5. What makes you unique from the other artist?

What I represent. Determination, empowerment and most importantly survival. I let the audience know WHO I am while showing my scars and all. I also talk about real life situations; we’re in a recession so why not sing about it? I am that artist that everyone can relate to!

6. Where did you get your style?

In the Streets of Philly with the edge of Atlanta.

7. Who are some of the Artist that you have worked with in the past?

The late Lisa Left Eye Lopes, Fantasia, Usher, Mario just to name a few. I loved working with each and every one of them.

8. What current projects are you working on?

I am really focused on creating my Album and giving the people something new that they can vibe to.

9. When can we expect your project to drop?

At the top of 2012! Be looking for the video and the single “Go To War” Ft. Waka Flocka to drop in the early part of the year! I am so excited to let people get familiar with ME!!