Published on October 20th, 2015 | by Dr. Jerry Doby

Who Is: Pasadena’s Golden Child, NEVAEH?

Nevaeh, who’s birth name is Ashley Rae Cruz (born September 11, 1990), is an American recording artist, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born in Pasadena, California her first vocal performance was in front of her family at 3. After memorizing Vanessa Williams’ “Save the Best for Last”, a song her mother sang during karaoke, she amazed everyone by singing every word of the song. Soon after, she went on to begin her career at the tender age of 4 with modeling, singing, participating in pageants and performing in talent shows.

This young California beauty naturally developed a love for all aspects of entertainment. She began piano lessons and eventually went on to play the guitar. Her uncle seeing a star being born, bought her a guitar of her own so she could continue practicing and singing at home. Her uncle, like everyone else, saw the shining star in her.

One of her first concerts was Britney Spears’, “Oops I Did It Again”. Attending this concert at 9 was such an inspiration to say the least. Seeing Britney, who is a consummate performer, further solidified what it was Nevaeh wanted to do, which was become a star! And she knew she had what it took.

In her quest for stardom Nevaeh has studied dance at the San Marino dance academy, Millennium dance complex and Ida. Her styles range from ballet, tap and jazz to hip hop. She feels it’s very important to be a well versed entertainer. Through the years, she went on to perform with Broadway kids, play Annie in a musical with the Colsac Academy, perform at the Rose Bowl and at the Anaheim Convention Center just to name a few.

She likes to take notes from some of her biggest inspirations such as Michael Jackson, Celine Deion, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston and many more. These artists’ are/were professionals who were truly gifted, as well as, own the invaluable trait of hard work. But they also live their lives to the fullest as well and these are things Nevaeh models her career after.

Today, the Los Angeles singer has teamed up with the Chicago native and super producer Killa B. Killa has worked with countless mega stars in the industry and is an astounding musical genius. The two are now creating musical magic and working on her untitled EP. They are also seeing success with the recent release of her first single “Cut Off”, which by the way is tearing up the airways! This release is just the first step of many that says… Nevaeh is here to stay!

NEVAEH is simply put one of those special voices. Rich tones, amazing melodic sounds pouring forth from only God knows where! Steve Aoki must have thought so too as NEVAEH got a crazy tweet about him playing one of her songs at a party. Her newest single, “Cut Off” further exhibits why we need you to meet NEVAEH, get ready for some amazing music coming from her as yet untitled EP…big music.

Tell us about NEVAEH and how you perceive yourself as an entertainer.

I am a multi-talented artist that is influenced by numerous genres of music. I perceived myself as an uplifting, energetic, positive, creative, original, inspiring, and influential entertainer.

With your background as an elite dancer, what brings you to music?

I actually started singing first at a very young age and dance followed shortly after, but music has always been my first love. To entertain has always been something I wanted to do so I feel like music and dancing went hand in hand.

What do you want people get from your music?

I want to leave people feeling something whether it’s relating to some of the experiences that I’ve had or inspiring them through my music, especially my young females out there. I want to be the voice that reminds them that their self worth is the most important thing that they can hold onto. It’s important to me that my music remains relatable and I want people to be able to feel like they can get to know me through my music.

Tell us about your current project and your first single “Cut Off”.

I have a couple of projects I’m working on this year that I’m really excited about. I’m a part of a new YouTube channel called “The Triple Threat Project” coming out in the fall that has 10 actors, 10 dancers, and 10 singers. I’m also working on an untitled EP with my producer Killa B who is responsible for my new single “Cut Off”. I want to say my single “Cut Off” is an anthem for anyone who’s been in a relationship with someone who made you feel unappreciated and just needed to be cut off. It was something I went through and I’m sure several people can relate to. Killa and I with the help of our friend remedy decided to do this song based off of what I was going through at the time which turned out to be my first single.

For new listeners, what song of yours would you pick as an introduction to you?

They don’t know my other songs

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” moment…

I have an EDM song I did with a couple of my DJ friends over at Dimmak records DJ Skeeter & Wax Motif called “Next to Me“. I got a message on my Twitter of a video of Steve Aoki playing the song at a pool party in Vegas and anyone who knows me knows that I love Steve Aoki. The crowd was going crazy over the record and all I could say was where they do that at?!

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Tags: #WhoIs, Britney Spears, Dance, Electronic dance music, NEVAEH, Steve Aoki, The Hype Magazine, Tiësto

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.