Meet Queen Yaa | Rapper | Singer | Dancer | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Queen Yaa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Queen, what do you want your legacy to be?
Leaving a legacy of unconditional love is the ultimate success in my book. I want when people think of me, to think of Love, personified. Boundless, exponential, and compassionate love for people, all people, especially those in short supply. I have been blessed to experience and be loved completely in so many different facets, whether through marriage, family, or friendships, I want people to share in that same sacred space. I want to make sure that my artistry will always begin and end with LOVE.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a multi-hyphenate creative. Rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, band director and bad ass queen, born and reared in Los Angeles, more specifically, Long Beach, Ca. Music has always been intricately woven into the fabric of my life story, draped in elaborate tapestries of gospel, blues, rock, jazz, RnB and soul. Growing up in the 90s, hip hop was culture king. These influences have made me the Queen of Soul Trap music, a genre that encompasses so many musical styles to create an atmosphere like no other. Music that makes you feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Music that makes you wanna shout and twerk at the same time, while provoking your thoughts and challenging you to be your best self. Singing was always my second nature, (I’ve been called a human jukebox by many) but rapping gave me license to be unapologetically me. I started dancing from early elementary, throughout college, starting my own dance company, teaching dance in schools for LAUSD and more, making performing live an absolute must. Before this, I worked in the corporate sector. Banking and marketing were paying my bills, while simultaneously draining my soul. I had the unfortunate challenge of waiting so long to pursue my artistic dreams, that I let my 20’s escape me and had the daunting task of trying to get someone to believe in an over 30 entertainer, who was virtually unknown. My biggest challenge was overcoming my own self-doubt and fears. I kept making excuses for myself on why it would never work, instead of just loving what I do and doing it anyway. The more I began to love myself and be thankful for my gifts and talents, I stopped worrying about “making it” and focusing on the love I have for the stage. My artistry began to flourish. Bookings and residencies came, money and opportunities, and amazing collaborations. When I stopped pining over success, success came. When I stopped whining over how my success compared to others, more opportunities arose. Love is the driving force behind everything I do now. If love isn’t present and flowing, I want no parts. When I’m on stage, that’s my chance to love on my audience, and shower them with love, abundantly. I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time. I found my reason for being on this floating rock through space, and I will continue to be a vessel for positivity, love and light, come hell or high water!! Love will always win as long as we continue to fight for Her!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oooh come with me bestie! A time shall be had!! First on Monday, I will take you to Six Flags, a great day to visit. Hardly any lines or waiting, the best rollercoaster rides in the country, and more food and delectables than you can imagine! Tuesday we will see a discounted movie at the Cinemark at the Pike in Long Beach, followed by delicious barbacoa tacos and cocktails at Padres on Atlantic and Broadway. Wednesday we are going to Golf N Stuff in Norwalk for a festive time and then enjoy the best Korean BBQ for dinner in Cerritos at Gen House. Thursday I have to take them to get some In N’ Out and go eat our lunch at the top of Signal Hill park and overlook the entire city. Then we can explore and go vinyl records shopping at Fingerprints and meet and greet some awesome musicians. Have dinner at The Bucket Crabs n Crawfish in Norwalk to end that day. Friday, we are going deep in LA. First a vegan lunch at Stuff I Eat in Inglewood, followed by a West African drum circle in Leimert Park. Shopping and early dinner at the Westfield Mall for cute outfits followed by an amazing show at the Pantages. When we come back to Long Beach late that night we will eat the best birria tacos and consomé ever from Bryan’s Birrieria food truck on Ocean and Pine Ave for tha win!!! Saturday will be a pampering day. Breakfast acai bowls from Movita Juice Bar on Broadway and Magnolia, followed by skating/scootering or bike riding at the beach and on the bluff. Pedicure and foot massages on 2nd St. Lobster bisque with puff pastry and buttery, angelic, beer battered Cod at Belmont Brewing Co for lunch. Laugh Factory for a comedy show, dinner and drinks. Lastly Sunday, we start with brunch at the Breakfast bar, endless mimosas. We take a boat trip in the canal and finish with live music and a sunset view of the marina at Tantalum. Kobe beef sliders, duck fat fries, Tahitian moon cocktails and the best music and atmosphere you can wish for in a restaurant! Tell yo husband to top that, sweetie!! Lol 😜

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A special s/o and thank you, first to my mother Tracy and sister Kellye, for being my rocks. To my husband, Patrick, for being a king, holding me up and supporting my dreams. S/o to my incredibly talented band, The High Court, full of insanely dope musicians who make playing live music a truly divine experience. S/o to Xclusiv Movement Foundation, Justin Edmonson, Ricka Kelsh and Dance & Dialogue for my dance family. Lastly, s/o Syhaya Aviel, the beautiful soul who told me I MUST share my gifts with the world, believing in me when I could not. I love you all deeply and endlessly.

Website: solo.to/queenyaamusic

Instagram: @queenyaamusic @qyandthehighcourt

Youtube: Queen Yaa Music

Other: queenyaamusic@gmail.com

Image Credits
Drigo Visuals