Draped in an assortment of seemingly exploding colors, local "afro-tronic" rapper Ify has become an impressive force in the Memphis hip-hop community, recently performing at the reputable South by Southwest festival based in Austin, Texas.
Ify, who prefers to go by her stage name, came to the U.S. from Nigeria when she was 7-years-old and began taking her rapping career seriously after fracturing both of her hips six years ago. While in physical therapy, the young artist met someone who would change her life, Memphis legend Isaac Hayes, who had just suffered a stroke.
"I went to physical therapy since I had to relearn how to walk, but I was blessed enough to have it with Isaac Hayes who was always surrounded by producers and musicians," Ify, a senior fashion marketing major at the University of Memphis, said.
After hearing her sing, the now-deceased music mogul encouraged her to continue to progress her musical career.
"One time he said to me, 'Baby girl, what's your story?" I told him I sang and draw; I love fashion, all that stuff. Then he told, 'Sing for me.' I was shy back then, so I would only do it when the therapists weren't around, but he was like, 'You got something, I don't know why you're wasting time, but when you get back on your feet do what you can to make it happen," Ify said about her time spent with the soul music icon.
Before his death, Hayes introduced Ify to producers and musicians who helped her get her music recorded and into clubs around the city. Now, the singer-turned-rapper has over 50 songs and has plans on releasing her first official studio album "Candy Canes and Crutches" sometime in the near future.
In the meantime, the colorful and thematic musician is currently in the process of putting together a three-song mix tape titled "I beg your pardon," which is made up of Dolly Parton samples, one of Ify's biggest influences. The mix tape is set to release in late spring.
"Dolly Parton is amazing. She not only paved the way for many country artists, but for female musicians as well," Ify said.
However, she notes that music isn't her only inspiration within the artistic expression.
"I'm influenced by a lot; visually, artistically, growth. You have to take everything in," she said.
Over the course of her career, she has opened for notable acts such as 8Ball & MJG, Bobby Rush, Fantasia and, most recently, Snoop Lion, aka Snoop Dogg.
Ify's music, which is fully equipped with heart-shuttering bass, distortion-driven guitar licks and trap beats, reflects hints of Memphis' signature hip-hop style.
"I salute all of the big Memphis artists that are my predecessors. The way Three 6 Mafia moved throughout the '90s is really influential in my book, but Memphis history in period is very important to me, musically and politically," Ify said.
One of Ify's greatest achievements was being featured on the compilation CD for the new Memphis music documentary 'Take me to the River," which also feature many of Memphis' most notable musicians: Yo Gotti, North Mississippi Allstars, Al Kapone, Otis Clay and many more.
Ify performed a cover of the classic Al Green love song, 'Tired of Being Alone" at the live premiere at South by Southwest, where she was accompanied by Big Baby.
The unique and unconventional styling of the young rapper's roars with catchy pop-infused hooks is emitted through raw energy and youthful angst.
"The music is feel-good, you can move to it. I also try to make it relatable and I try to keep it funky," Ify said.
The rapper is set to graduate in December of 2014. Following graduation, the artist plans on traveling the world, possibly even going back to Nigeria.
With her degree she hopes to start a clothing line. However, she also hopes to set up tennis camps, which she was very passionate about before fracturing her hips, for under-privileged kids in her hometown of Lagos, Nigeria.
Students can listen to Ify's music on www.reverbnation.com/ifymusic.
