Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Battle.
Hi Carissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Miami and grew up in Tallahassee, Florida. I started rapping in middle school, most heavily influenced by Nas’ Illmatic and continued to work on my craft throughout college and during my professional life. I attended Florida A&M University where I majored in chemical engineering and moved to Houston in 2014 to work for a Fortune 10 Oil & Gas Corporation.
After almost 4 years in Corporate America, I decided to leave to pursue medical school in 2018. I’m currently a fourth-year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch and interviewing for urology residency programs throughout the country. I have released various projects over the years and performed throughout Houston alongside many dope artists and initiatives. Some of these include Sofar Houston, Chris Dave & The Drumhedz, and Reading With A Rapper.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! There has always been a question of whether I’m making the right choice by pursuing education and music with equal passion and dedication. There are the internal struggles of self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. It’s hard not to compare yourself to other people who have experienced their own version of success. I find peace in knowing that my path is unique to me, and just because people haven’t seen someone else do it my way, does not mean it can’t be done.
I’m a rapper and songwriter. I like being an example of using “both sides” of my brain, being a super nerd as a medical professional, but also a super creative as an artist. I’m known for being a lyricist and most recently for my weekly #WhiteCoatWednesday posts on Instagram. #WhiteCoatWednesday allowed me to connect with the legendary Chris Dave and perform at the monthly residency shows he’s been hosting in Houston. He also gave me the opportunity to feature on The City of Everly – Pt 2 SuperEarth with Lindsay Niccs.
In February 2022, I released a 6-song EP entitled HEIR (Having Everything Inside Revealed), which was exclusively produced by The Roux. The Roux is a Houston-based trio made up of Kay, King Mason, and Jermaine Williams. The EP features Jack Freeman, Vanessa Hill, Tiara Jewel, 4-IZE, and Mariah Meshae. Two songs from this EP were recently featured on the #GetInTheGame segment on Sway in the Morning and very well-received!
I am also featured on the FIELD DAY mixtape executive produced by Bun B, Stoppa, and Educational Entertainment which released on May 20, 2022.
I’m looking forward to releasing new music soon. Stay tuned for my new project with Tony Dark!
Contact Info:
- Email: cred@wereddy.com
- Website: wereddy.com
- Instagram: cred_13
- Facebook: facebook.com/credmusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/cred_13
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/cred_13
Image Credits
Jafet Soto
Jonathan Proctor
Rashid Tillis
Joseph McKinney
