Westleaf Staff
What's up Leafers? Welcome to the latest edition of On the Rise where we interview upcoming hip hop talent. Today's guest is rap artist, TahnikaKeshay. Tahnika is straight out of Columbus, Ohio. Tahnika always had a passion for music as a child. Her great aunt placed her in talent shows, pagents, and the church choir. Her goal in the entertainment industry and college was to become Americas Next Top Model. Fast-forward years later and Tahnika's been making waves in her city so we had to tap in. Check out the interview below.
Westleaf Staff: What's up, Tahnika? Your sound is dope. When did you start making music?
Tahnika: I started making music when I was in 3rd grade but I always desired to be a singer but soon realized my real calling is rapping! So I started writing actual raps in highschool and I started taking it serious in 2019.
Westleaf Staff: That's dope! Seems like music came naturally to you! What city do you represent?
Tahnika: I respect my home town Columbus, ohio (614). I lived in a less fortunate area called river side Bradley. It was out west and also I was always on the Northside (Joyce Ave and Cleveland Ave). I also have to show love to Zanesville I actually lived there from middle school to highschool.
Westleaf Staff: Shout out to Columbus! Y'all have some crazy talent up there! So how did you create your stage name?
Tahnika: I created my stage name because I wanted to be my authentic self! TahnikaKeyshay is my first name and middle name combined. I actually prefer to be called Keyshay for short. It’s funny because my dad actually wanted Keyshay to be my first name.
Westleaf Staff: Nice. That's a fly name and it's cool that it came naturally. So how did your early life shape your interest in music?
Tahnika: My early life shaped my interest in music because the 90s had some of the best music! The 90s was the era for HipHop and R&B. Plus my mom collected cds and cassette tapes. I use to sit in my room and just learn lyrics to my favorite songs. Plus it was hard for me not to love music my aunt kept me in church choirs and talents shows. I always knew I wanted to be a super star.
Westleaf Staff: Thats's dope to hear that you've always wanted to do music and now you're living your dreams! So who is your biggest Musical influence?
Tahnika: My biggest music influence would be Nicki Minaj. She’s just so raw and un apologetic! It’s hard for woman to deny her influence in the Hip Hop culture all together. You can’t deny Nicki is an icon! Outside of rap if we’re talking R&B Ashanti & Nivea has always been the "it girls" for me!
Westleaf Staff: Nicki is a legend! Next question! What's been the defining moment in your music career thus far?
Tahnika: The defining moment in my career would be when I’m out and supporters want my autograph or to take pictures with me. Of course hearing other people rap my song bar for bar is amazing.
Westleaf Staff: Wow! That's dope. Congrats on that!
What makes you a unique artist?
Tahnika: What makes me a unique artist is my ability to create stories and illusions with my music! I feel like communicating through my music rather it be good or bad definitely makes me stand out because a lot of artist these days don’t push their pen. No shade I’m not against ghost writing but I do take pride in being able to write. Also I feel like me being natural really makes me unique because these days the music business (for females) is all about a BBL and fake boobs! I want to show females you can make it as an artist with a natural body.
Westleaf Staff: I love that answer. So what does art mean to you?
Tahnika: Art to me means expressing one’s feelings, rather it be through their pain, happiness, success, or fantasy! Art really can pretty much be what any one wants it to be. For me I never could really draw (unfortunately, I always wanted to know how) but it just wasn’t a God given talented (lol) so he blessed with being able to write music! I know music is part of my calling I guess you can say it’s my Art.
Westleaf Staff: True! That's deep! Where do you see your music career going over the next few years?
Tahnika: I see my music going mainstream (world wide) in the next few years! I feel like more mainstream radio stations will be playing my music! My biggest goal is to chart on the billboards and get a #1 (album or song). At that point I should be selling out shows internationally and GOD willing earn a Grammy.
Westleaf Staff: Dope! I wish you much success! Before we go, describe music in three words.
Tahnika: Strong, gentle, and magical.
More from Tahnika:
Instagram: @iamtahnikakeyshay
Facebook: Tahnika Keyshay
Twitter: @TahnikaKeyshay
