Lakithia Jones: Interviewing the L.A. Based MC with Something to Say

There's no secret that the Hip Hop industry is male-dominated and females are commonly seen as eye candy shaking what their momma gave them. Occasionally, real talents slip through the cracks and Lakithia Jones is one of those cases.

Lakithia Jones, a Milwaukee native, was introduced to music at an early age when she began singing solos in church.

Inspired by Hip Hop legends Tupac, the Notorious BIG, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z and Scarface, she decided to make the transition from gospel music to rap in order to cope with harsh realities.

But, this young lady's lyrics are not the raunchy type but her songs consist of flowing poetry about hope over hot beats. After working with a local producer, in 2000, she released her first album, Lakithia Jones aka Miss Angel on MP3.com and her second album, which she self-titled the following year. Both releases made her a local celebrity and an upcoming talent to look out for.

Not only does she rock the mic but she works it out in front of the camera, having made appearances in the shows, Girlfriends, Eve, Gilmore Girls and ER.

I had the opportunity to find out more about the multifaceted MC and to see if there was more behind the girl with the unique name and the pretty face.

Myrick: You started out singing gospel music and you made the transition from singing to rapping. Why didn't you stick with singing?

Lakithia: I started singing as a little girl initially. I was influenced by Michael Jackson at the tender age of two. Growing up I was raised in church and secular music wasn't permitted in my household. I began rapping other artists' music as a young girl for fun. I just had a love for music and all types of music. Then my environment changed and I started writing rhymes and rapping based on my experience. I still sing also. Rap just allowed me to express another side to myself in ways singing wouldn't. But singing is still with me and I will showcase my singing in the near future.

Myrick: How do you feel your background in gospel music influences your music today?