What has your hometown done for you as a person and your career?
It actually humbled me because it’s a lot harder to get recognized. It took me a long time getting my name out there. I actually had to be in another city to get over stage fright, which I did at an event in Philly with 4,000 people. That was my first time in front of a big crowd, once I started singing it was a piece of cake.

What let you know singing was for you?
I always knew, I just was super shy. My whole family plays an instrument or sing. My whole family wanted me to sing and I was like no I’ll run track or I’ll stay over here. Then my dad bought me this video camera and I made music videos like it was nobody’s business. I always knew I wanted to perform so it was just overcoming my fear.

When it came to picking your name how did you know to stick to your given name?
It’s unique and I knew it would be an eye-opener. People would ask what it means, and while it doesn’t mean anything I knew it was different. I’m sure people reacted the same when they heard Beyonce so I decided to stick with my own name.

Who are some of your influences?
Definitely Alicia Keys, she is the reason why I ever started. I had this daily affirmation on Twitter that I would be the next Alicia Keys and my mom saw it and put me in the studio. I would also say Missy Elliott when I was coming up and using Twitter a lot she always had some kind and nice words to say. She would encourage me to keep going. Even her Missy addicts, her fans, started taking me in. Also, Pharrell because we have the same birthday and that’s all that I would listen to growing up.

Do you have any dream collaborations in mind?
She’s going to be the first one. I don’t care if she 80, 85, I’m going to have a song with Missy Elliott.