#NIASIMONE

[niasimone]

Is it bad that I want to make this caption “I’m his favorite type of chick: boujee, bad, and thick?” Probably so...probably so.

[qotnc]

#WHM2K18 WK: 1 Nia Simone (Ub3rgrl)

City: Richmond, VA/Bowie, MD

Nia Simone (Ub3rgrl) is an indie singer/songwriter who's music is honest, warm, and reminiscent of nostalgic soul. Named after the iconic Nina Simone, there's a natural lyrical element to the work. Her latest song “Warmest Color” is an ode for women, who love women.  The video is a monochromatic layer of romance, strength, and passion.  Finding freedom in sound, this artist speaks from a place of transparency.

1. Who is Ub3rgrl?

Üb3rgrl is who I am when I perform. Usually I’m shy and a little awkward but being ub3rgrl is teaching me to channel my confidence. I’ve actually decided to change my stage name to Nia Simone my First and middle name. I’m constantly changing trying to find myself as an artist. No two songs will ever sound the same with me. I just want to show the world how diverse I am.

2. Who are your top 5 women in music? Why?

Beyoncé. Destiny’s Child dropped Writings on the Wall in‘98. I was born in‘97. Her career basically started the same time my life did. For every Beyonce album I can remember where I was, how old I was and what I was thinking. She’s an artist I’ve grown with and her influence has honestly shaped me as a woman. 

Lana Del Rey. I discovered her when I was 15 through my mother. Lana is my inspiration for songwriting and presentation. She brings a really heavy and dramatic element and I want my own version of that for my music. It’s like she makes visual music. 

Fiona Apple, another great songwriter. Her first album Tidal is one of my favorites and it was written by her alone when she was only 18. As an artist I really look up to someone who just knows who they are and can make timeless music. 

Donna Summer. Disco is one of my favorite genres! Donna Summers was the Queen “Love to Love you baby“ was a revolutionary track and she definitely helped pave the way for women to be openly sexual. 

Kali Uchis. It’s partially because we’re from the same area and I really admire how she built her own career while doing her own thing. She makes music that’s true to her spirit. Seeing an alternative WOC come from my home is really inspiring.

3. How important is feminine identity? How has it empowered you?

It’s everything to me. It’s my mindset, my sexuality, my morals. I’m trying to become more in tune with my sexuality. I want to practice living outside of the patriarchal norm and that’s how I’m becoming more empowered. Being a woman, especially a Black woman comes with a lot of expectations and stereotypes so I try to make sure I claim my power as much as possible.

4. What are 3 records/films/artworks that narrate your political/spiritual beliefs?

She’s Gotta Have It by Spike Lee it’s all about a woman who’s confident in herself despite what the world as to say about her. The movie always reminds me that I define who I am, not peoples comments. A Seat at the Table by Solange was a really personal album for me it tackles racism, sexism, mental health for Black women it was like hearing advice from a wise older sister. Electronic Superhighway by Nam June Paik is basically this giant sculpture of the US and in the place of each state their are tv screens showing a clip that best represents that state. It relates to my spirituality in a way that I believe death is not the end of us we have a legacy and each screen proves that for me. I hope one day if someone had a tv screen to represent Maryland I’d be on there for making a difference.

5. What is your connection to MD (DC Metro Area), and its influence on your musical palette?

I’ve lived in the DMV pretty much all my life it’s my home. At first I wasn’t really influenced by the sounds of the area. My parents are from New York. They didn’t move to Maryland until they were adults. So, they didn’t really connect with Go-Go or the culture around us. I didn’t really know much of Go-Go until I went away to college. I can honestly say now I have a way larger appreciation for the sound I’m not sure if I can see myself making a Go-Go influenced song but I’ll try anything once! Now that I’m becoming more aware of the artist of the area, they’re definitely inspiring me to try new things.

Follow Nia Simone on social @ub3rgrl

Listen to Nina Simone & more on #WHM2K18 WK:1 https://soundcloud.com/qotnc/sets/whm2k18-wk-1/s-oLD1Y

36+ Wk 1 Artists: Jett Kwong & Bobbi Rohs.

All things #WHMWK18 Follow @QOTNC & @_thirtysixplus  on Twitter!

[alexismaurice83]

Spending #ChristmasEve with my nieces and nephews. They’re a handful, but iLove them all ❤️❤️❤️#KadariusLee #SanaaNicole #MalikKeon #RickyRicardo #NiaSimone #TeamDyckes #UncleMaurice #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays (at Columbia , South Carolina)

[bignoseblackbeauty]

Pretty is what you are. Beauty is what you do with it

@niasimone my braids were past due

[blackgrlsaremagic]

ig & twitter: loveniasimone youtube: niasimone

follow me loves

[winefinedarkchicks]

ig: loveniasimone @niasimone 🌙🌙🌙

[preciousgemsblog]

Tweeted

I had pineapple 🍍 on a pizza before I didn't like it. But pizza dipped in milk 🤢😷a stomach ache is soon to come.

— NiaSimone (@JaNia42783214) March 5, 2017

[melaboveall]

for @ niasimone

[niasimone]

I have stages that I go through in my life, and this is one I haven’t figured out the name of yet

[iampatricehale]

#HappyBirthday #NiaSimone I love you so much better and I'm so excited for the beautiful, smart, gifted, young lady you are growing into #thisdayandthenext (at Lithonia, Georgia)

[alexismaurice83]

Guess who turned 15 today?! My niece #NiaSimone. Time is really flying by. iRemember when this chic was born. Uncle Maurice LOVES you baby girl!!! #HappyBirthdayNia #TeamDyckes #June3

[bignoseblackbeauty]

🌙 @niasimone 🌙

[niasimoneblog-blog]

First FridayMunchies post up now! --->  niasimoneblog.blogspot.com

insta: nianiabobia

[2hypenostallin-blog]

Dedication over Talent

Good fucking news! Leak got a job....Let the crowd say “Amen!”

Mike pays for all his studio time, which is a hassle, considering how often he’s in the studio. FINALLLLLY he can contribute, which means the turn up is about to be real. When the money right and the talent nice, what can stop you?

Lesson #1: INVEST IN YOUR DREAM! If you get $10, it would be wise to put at least $3 away to finance your dream...or at least, that is what someone TRULY dedicated would do.

Nobody cares about your dreams coming true as much as you do. The only way to ENSURE that your dreams become reality is to put your own money into it. And make SMART investments to watch it grow like your watering a plant.

For example, Fame Reek was a dumb ass investment. The talent is there, obviously. The talent was never lacking. But one important lesson he taught the #nostallingang is our new value, which is “Dedication over Talent.”  Not only was he never dedicated to his craft but he also lacks respect for his team (CLEARLY).

Lesson #2: In life, you will come across people with SKILL. It’s important to know that dedication overpowers skill though.

- Talent ain’t enough. It’s so many talented people who will never get discovered or simply doesn’t have what it takes because they lack hunger. Any person on your team who lacks dedication is toxic to your vision.

Lesson #3:  Be able to identify whose just talking success and whose really bout that action.

- Mike is about that action. He waits for nothing. FameReek bammed out (I saw that coming a mile away) and got replaced the next day #NOSTALLIN . Leak is better with preparation than Mike but also HIGHLY dedicated too. He spends late nights in the basement writing new songs every day. NiaSimone has been working..I am a firm believer in preparation..I make her practice way more than leak ever needs to do.. but we’re facing minor setbacks. We just found out BOTH beats we wrote songs to have been removed from Youtube. But still, she’s hitting me up like “What’s next? Let’s not focus on that, let’s move on.” #dedication

Lesson #4: Setbacks happen. Do not dwell on them. Waste of time and time is of the essence. Remember: Your team can make or break you. But a good team will make setbacks seem like nothing more than a “HOW BAD YOU WANT IT?” moment.

OVERALL, If you have someone who is really fucking good but always comes late to work and half-ass all the important things, how much value do they truly bring? not much...temporary value and possible future problems.

If you have someone who is DEDICATED (lives, breathes, and dies the dream) but they’re not as skilled, don’t give up on them....practice makes perfect...that dedication will turn into revenue one day. #nostallin #365

- @Imaniadrea #sincerelywoman

[lmphouseofglam-blog-blog]

My daughters #LittleMissPrettySleepover #LittleMissPrettyParty #LittleMissPretty #NiaSimone #LMPHG

[krystlekastlez]

Damn! #bloodontheleaves #niasimone (at Gagosian Gallery 21)