Chicago artists

Author and artist Nikeya Young on work-life balance and her book “Virtue Chic”

Published

6 years ago

May 2, 2018

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When you consider your gifts, talents and purpose, you may wonder what do you need to focus on primarily and when? How do you know if this is what God is calling you to do? And the all too familiar question: how can you balance it all?

We asked Chicago based artist, speaker, certified life-coach and author, Nikeya Young about her own journey in career and purpose. She takes on many roles with style and godly grace in music, writing, speaking and acting. We wanted to get to know the woman behind all of these accomplishments to get the inspiration behind her music, book, and her passion to inspire others.

ArtSoul Radio: How would you describe your journey through music, acting, modeling to where you are now with writing, speaking and more?

Nikeya Young: Though I have been singing and dancing at church and school for pretty much my whole life, I didn’t officially launch my career in entertainment until January of 2008. I would pretty much describe my journey as a gift diving journey! For the past decade I have been exploring all of the gifts that God has given me, and Father is slowly but surely showing me how they all work together to bring Him glory. Now, as an author, master life coach, and speaker, my goal is to help others discover and pursue their purpose as well!

ASR: What specifically inspired you the most to write this book for women?

NY: I was most inspired to write this book by my own journey to womanhood as a young, twenty-something virtuous woman. I didn’t have my mother here to guide me (she passed away when I was 14), so I was really just getting to know God on a deeper level and the process was rough at times. From navigating the dating scene, finding clothes that were fashionable, yet holy, to deciphering which friends to keep in my circle and which ones to let go.

I remember thinking “It would sure be nice if there were some sort of handbook to help me out here”! Well, “Virtue Chic: Classy Takes Center Stage” serves as that handbook for Christian Millennial women. I really want to help my fellow Virtue Chic Divas find their purpose, love themselves, and live their best life!

ASR: What would you advise someone who is multi-talented but not sure what to focus on to pursue as a career?

NY: First things first, what do you love to do? What things are people always asking you for advice about? Those are good places to start gift diving! Next, prayer is key! Definitely seek wisdom from God with regards to what you should pursue, and when to pursue it! Also, know that you may not be able to do everything at once! To gain traction, at some point you’re going to have to narrow your focus.

Sometimes the thing that you think is going to be the main thing, just isn’t…but it serves as fuel to push you towards the next piece of the puzzle. When modeling stalled, I simply shifted into what was working and it paid off. Then I released an album called Victorious One (2013) and promoted that for a while. Then I got pregnant with my son in the fall of 2015. But instead of moping around and lamenting the fact that there just weren’t a lot of roles for pregnant women, I decided to write my first book throughout my pregnancy. You have to be willing to adjust as the seasons in your life change, and trust that God is always working all things together for your good!

ASR: How do you personally balance your career endeavors and your role as a wife and mother?

NY: For me, family is definitely of utmost importance after my relationship with God! I still consider myself an entertainer, but making sure that I am giving my family what they need is key. Shout out to my amazing husband Rodney Young Jr. and our son Rodney Young III (“R3”)! My son just turned two years old and he needs a lot of attention! I do have friends and my dad who help me out from time to time by watching my son while I zip off to auditions.

It’s not always easy to find a sitter at the last minute; and the industry is good for posting last minute castings and expecting talent to drop everything on a dime and hop to! My agents know that I’m not about that life, so they give me as much notice as they can when possible. They have been sending me tons of voice over auditions because we have the equipment to record from the comfort of our own home if needed. God gives me the grace to balance it all. Right now, I am promoting my book and blog “Virtue Chic,” teaching fitness classes part-time, and focusing on life coaching and speaking because these are all things that I can set my own hours or work at my own pace to a certain extent while caring for my toddler.

ASR: What are some upcoming projects or events that you’ll be a part of to put on our radar?

NY: I have a Virtue Chic Chat, Shop, and Chew event coming up on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Wired: The Design Boutique in Hazel Crest, Illinois! I’m super excited about this event! I will be sharing nuggets of wisdom from my book and doing a book signing. There will also be light refreshments, raffle prizes, a mini fashion show and more!

You can purchase copy of Nikeya Young’s “Virtue Chic: Classy Takes Center Stage,” which is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes & Noble.

Subscribe to her blog at VirtueChic.net and follow her social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

To connect with Nikeya for life coaching, or speaking at your event, please visit nikeyayoung.com.

Listen to Nikeya Young’s Victorious One album Here

Chicago artists

ArtSoul Radio Reviews CW Allen’s The Dream Baby Part II

Published

5 years ago

August 7, 2019

Al-Yejo Asoboyejo

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The Cleveland, Ohio native that has relocated to Chicago, Illinois has put out a new EP that is a continuation of “The Dream Baby” series. In the first Dream Baby EP, we had a chance to learn about CW’s perspective of the Christian HipHop Community, his love for God, and also his continued abundant love for his wife. CW has never shied away from giving his fans a taste of his personal life and inner thoughts. This is exactly what he delivers once again in “The Dream Baby Part II.

Listening to the new EP you will automatically be consumed by beats that will hit you right in the soul, lyrics that are honest, and an overall message that shares the heartbeat of CW Allen and his current life.

Recently CW and his wife got news that they were having a baby girl and just like any other great artist CW, decided to cherish the moment with a song called Everything. This is a song that you will enjoy because CW gets very intimate with us on his thoughts of having a baby girl and not a baby boy.

Another heavy hitting song on CW’s latest EP is Bad Dreams. In Bad Dreams we get an opportunity to walk with CW as he navigates dealing with the loss of a close family member. The music video illustrates what took place and how his younger cousin passed away so suddenly.

Watch Bad Dreams Music Video Here :

Need More Dream Baby Part II?

You can stream and listen to the complete project on all major digital music platforms. If this review has inspired you to take a listen to CW’s latest work leave us a comment below so we can hear about your experience.

Highlighted Lyrics :

So much death in my view I don’t know where to start. I just take it all in but really it tars me apart.

Stay updated on CW Allen here :

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Chicago artists

Aasha Marie drops new song “Punch”

Published

5 years ago

July 26, 2019

Al-Yejo Asoboyejo

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The sweet sounds that ooze out of this summer time hit is incredible! From the bouncing subtle bassline to the free flowing piano keys. This song possesses so much beauty it’s unbelievable. Aasha Marie, the Chicago born rapper, songwriter, musician, and producer really took charge when adding another classic to her blossoming collection.

The premise of her song “Punch,” is to illustrate the frustrations she battles at her full time day job. Being an independent artist can be very tasking. Having to be your own manager, creative director, booking agent, investor, and sometimes even promoter can definitely pile up on one artist. Most independent artists like Aasha Marie, have to work a day job to pay not only personal bills, but for studio time, beats, recording sessions, photoshoots, music videos, and artwork for each musical project.

Even though it is a lot of work in the beginning stages, the artists who make it big are the ones who remain consistent and keep pumping out quality music. Pretty soon we will be saying the same thing about Aasha, as she continues to chase her dream of being a full time artist.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” -Dr.Martin Luther King , Jr.

What matters to Aasha is her music and how people are impacted by it. She wants to point her audience to Jesus and also share her testimonies with the world. Lately she has been at venues like SoFar Sounds Chicago, Legacy Conference, The Woodlawn , 3:16 City Youth Church, and Wheaton College.

Watch Aasha Marie Perform Punch Live

If you are looking to get this song on your playlist for a nice vacation with loved ones or to play on your commute to work. You can stream and download “Punch,” on all major digital music platforms.

Highlighted Lyrics :

“Punch the clock, get off, get the bag, get in the lab, push pen to the pad, after I, Punch. “

Connect with Aasha Marie Here :

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Chicago artists

Justin Martyr Speaks Out On White Man’s Religion

Published

5 years ago

June 16, 2019

Al-Yejo Asoboyejo

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The assumptions and stereotypes of thinking about the “White Man’s Religion” can vary depending on who you speak to. Now when you have the creativity and boldness to speak truth into this topic you start to see those assumptions and stereotypes die out. This is what Chicago based Christian Hip Hop Artist Justin Martyr, has executed in his latest song titled White Man’s Religion. This is the 2nd song he has released leading up into his upcoming project called, NNSM (New Name Same Mission).

In his upcoming project NNSM, you should be expecting a unique blend of genres from boom bap, reggae, and gospel. The first song that was released to kick off this project was Rain Down. The Rain Down music video has hit over 20 thousand views on youtube; while the White Man’s Religion music video is sitting at a nice 11 thousand views currently.

The love and appreciation of Justin Martyrs’ work is not just for show, he truly embodies a man that is running after God’s heart. A quote from his mentor The Ambassador, really helped shape his ministry as a young artist to the seasoned veteran we all are privileged to see today.

The Ambassadors’ Quote : “You want to point people to the one who really is incredible.”

One of many reasons Justin Martyr, stepped into the Christian Hip Hop Community was because of the explicit Christian content he heard from The Ambassador, DA Truth, Flame, Cross Movement, and Lecrae. Hearing the music from these guys inspired him to do the same thing. You can see this is definitely the case while you listen to White Man’s Religion.