Life & Work with Nani Layilaa of Charlotte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nani Layilaa.

Hi Nani, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Nani Layilaa. I’m a lyricist, singer and songwriter from Long Island, NY. I picked up writing at a very early age, starting with poetry at the age of 9. Coming from a home with a single mom and 3 other siblings, I had to find an outlet for my many moods. My mother suggested I write everything down, happy or sad. After exploring simple spoken word for some time, I began to crave more space to create. I started to ask for things like CD players and specific CDs on birthdays, I wanted to rap. I just knew I wanted to for some reason. Being inspired by the videos I’d see on VH1 and BET. I was so moved by the talents of The Fugees, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Mya, Missy, Eminem and so much more. By 16, I had already participated in daily high school cyphers and simply rapping with friends, but I wanted to take that next step. I had an older cousin who was closely connected with a music and engineer at a local studio where I finally got my shot to record for the very first time. We cut about 2 records that were never released, and because I was very young and irresponsible, I lost the opportunity. Nevertheless I continued to grow, moving around and networking with local creators. I stumbled upon good friends with their own recording equipment and talents, where I’d go on to cut some of my earliest work like “Dropping Gems” and short EP on SoundCloud. Through these mutual friends I ended up performing through TeamBackPack now know as World Emcee, traveling to LA to participate in “Bar Fight” at apple battle on beats. I also had the chance to do a live show at the YouTube Space in Brooklyn, as well as opening for Azalea Banks and Dave East. Eventually, I moved to North Carolina to get away from the escalating real estate costs of NY and found my current producer/engineer Proven Prodigy. Together we’ve cut multiple projects like the lastest Rooted II- a modern soulful classic with an authentic hip hop feel. Collaborating with Proven Prodigy, I’ve received our first significant placement with the incredible major label Strange Music, by Tech N9NE. I’m continuing my journey as an independent creator in hopes to have more people drawn to my skills, perhaps sign to a label offer a fair deal, and sit amongst some of my childhood idols. I want the world to vibe with me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t believe anyone’s road is smooth. I came from a family that endured much domestic violence – the reason my mother told me to write was to express my thoughts and feelings. It was finding a gift within a curse. I endured an abusive relationship, dealing with a person who would try to sabotage every opportunity I made for myself. I spent 7 years struggling to keep recording because I had a partner who was jealous of my skill and how I would attract good fortune with such ease that I bared a child in 2012, having to take him to the studio sometimes and feeding and soothing him while I was recording him. I’ve endured homelessness, an arrest, and stalking by deranged exes. All while trying to create a name or, at the very least, a buzz for myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’m a lyricist. My proudest moment was curating, writing, and recording my latest project, Rooted II. As well as coming up with the concepts for the music videos that followed.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Always bet on you. The odds are against us all, so by no means let obstacles get in your way. Flip the obstacle on its head and turn it into something progressive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Nanilayilaa?fbclid=PAAaYD61C2jMSEPD0asHSL69dAjco6dmZU07bQ_jeF7hWKtAMhOph_T7IjRaM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheNanilayilaa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenanilayilaa
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TheNanilayilaa
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@NaniLayilaa
• SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Ud9NEwKJhs9hgGZN8 

Image Credits
Broly the Artist