Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Nicole.
Sheila, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a rapper/spoken word from Dallas, Oakcliff, TX to be exact. I started writing poetry at the age of 12. In middle school, I use to get teased a lot due to my quiet nature and appearance. I used poetry as a way to escape any ridicule from my peers. I never imagined myself as a rapper. I was too afraid to say my name at one point let alone get on a stage! I didn’t take my rapping seriously until my senior year in high school. I remember telling my teacher “one day I’m going to be famous for my poems.” I wasn’t serious back then, now I am. Now I go to every open mic I get an opportunity to go to. It’s still kind of hard to imagine that this shy little girl is still getting up on stage rapping!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a teenager and even sometimes now, introducing myself/ putting myself out there was difficult. I am a dark-skinned woman as an adolescent I faced a lot of issues with colorism. Because of my low self-esteem, I would hide from mirrors, people, or anything that made me speak up. Also being a female in a male-dominated industry I have came across favoritism when coming time to perform. The rap industry is definitely a “boys club” that only lets their friends in. Knowing that I am female in the rap industry I have to go ten times as harder just to stand out. For the most part, I receive love but, that is something I always keep in the back of my mind.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a rapper/spoken word artist. I have a recent single I just dropped called It Girl streaming on all major platforms. I think what sets me apart from other artists is my stage presence. When people initially see me they don’t know what to expect. People think I’m either a neo-soul or R&B singer. When I get on stage and start rapping, people are completely shocked. I haven’t quiet demeanor which I think helps me to stay unpredictable especially when it comes to performing. Though having a different persona for the artist is usual, the energy I bring to each set I think helps me stand out from other artists. Also, I have an old school, boom-bap sound to me. There aren’t too many artists who have an old school sound to them, there are a few but not many especially in the mainstream scene.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is about being content with who and where you are. You don’t need a million dollars or a fancy house to be successful. Success is also loving yourself. Self-love is nothing you can buy! As a matter of fact, even though it sounds cliche, I think self- love is the first step to success! If you don’t value yourself that will reflect in everything you do from relationships, finances, family, etc. I personally always want to strive to do more. I’m never fully content with where I am in life but, I am proud of how far I have come. I also believe in myself for the future strides I will take.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sheila-nicole/1473715390
- Phone: 4698313726
- Email: sheilateague19@yahoo.com
- Instagram: snt_snt97
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sntdallas
Image Credit:
Amber Robinson Instagram: Amberrobinsonphotography
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
