Who Is Rising Songstress Inayah?
Back Story – Rather than traffic in an existing highway, Inayah boldly chose to pave a new lane as a singer, songwriter, mother, businesswoman, and boss. As a result, the songstress ventures outside of the box and envisions a genre of her own represented by the title of her forthcoming debut EP, S.O.L.A.R.—an acronym for ‘Storytelling Over Lyrics and Rhymes.’ Born and raised in Houston, TX, Inayah fell in love with music as a young child, inspired by the likes of Anita Baker, Johnnie Taylor, Aretha Franklin, and The Clark Sisters. Following an ill-fated deal at the age of fourteen, she made a name for herself by performing at countless competitions and talent shows throughout the Houston area.
In 2014, she took a job writing songs for a jingle company in between posting videos of covers on her social media. 2018 saw all of this quiet dedication pay off in a big way when Inayah took to Instagram for her take on Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up.” It didn’t just go viral; it exploded. Her followers mushroomed from a little over 3,000 to 1.4 million-plus as her impassioned audience grew to include the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Jamie Foxx, Maxwell, and many more.
Flooded with major label offers as her star rose, Inayah once again retained control of her destiny. Staying independent, she opted to partner with EMPIRE and set the stage for her album S.O.L.A.R. with the debut single “Fairy Tale” and her latest single “N.A.S. (N*ggas A’int Sh*t).”
The Hype Magazine got Inayah to weigh in on a few things
Introduce us to the artist Inayah?
Crazy, sexy, cool!
What made you step into the music arena?
Purpose. I’ve been singing since I was two and writing since I was ten. My gift brought me here.
What does music do for you personally?
It’s my escape, my outer body experience, my highest element. It’s the greatest part of me that I have to share.
Tell us about your current album S.O.L.A.R. and how your style sets you apart from the artists we’ve been hearing.
S.O.L.A.R. began as an EP, but with all of the amazing producers I’ve worked with since being signed, I’ve converted it into a full album. I couldn’t help it! My ‘Inayahlators’ love me for my unique ability to share relatable topics and that’s what they’ll get with this album. Some identify me as a rapper, some identify me as a singer. However they choose to view me, one thing is for sure, I haven’t heard my delivery out there yet. My execution is unique and I take much pride in that.
You have a signature style; what’s the inspiration behind your music?
Real life is my inspiration. Any time anything impacts my life, I write it down and make a song out of it.
Tell us a bit about your work and passions outside of music.
Well my real job is being a mommy! I have an 8 year old, and he keeps me busier than the music does. (laughs)
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know, what’s your craziest “Where they do that at?!” aka WTF?! moment?
One time at a school talent show I got on stage and completely forgot the words to the song I was performing so I just freestyled my way through it. And it was BOMB!! Everyone loved it (laughs)
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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.
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