Today we’d like to introduce you to Lordess Clarke.
Lordess, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Lordess. I am a young artist from South Los Angeles. I grew up right outside of Inglewood on 108th and Van Ness and then moved with my mom by USC college at the age of ten. I’ve dealt with all types of traumatic situations throughout my life that has helped me tremendously with my artistry. Traumas such as going to a “celebration” occasion with my father and seeing multiple people get murdered at around the age of nine or so. My mother was also recently diagnosed with Bipolar/Schizophrenia, so that has been an emotional yet relieving point in my life because it allowed me to understand myself a lot more, and appreciate my creativity to the fullest.
Singing has always had a special place in my heart since I was a young girl. I remember my Pawpaw bought me a karaoke machine with all the hot new music that was out at the time, which was when I was in the 3rd grade, and in my head that was when my career began. My mother sings also and she used to play and sing “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album by Lauryn Hill while I was in my development stages in her belly. I can totally understand how that shaped my taste in the music that I like to listen to and create today. I love RnB, soul, pop, oldies, gospel, rock, country, blues and ESPECIALLY reggae. I even listen to classical music when I go to sleep sometimes like my mother used to play for me when I was a baby. My dad is a SUPER fan of Tupac, and music from people who came from a physical struggle in life. I know for a fact that’s where I get my special love for rap and hip hop.
I am 20 years old and I am an artist, who also loves all things related to it such as poetry, paintings, and all things pleasant to your senses. I have core beliefs that make up the person I am today that was shaped by my great-grandfather who was from Hillsboro Texas, William Charles Green, who raised me and taught me basic home training and proper etiquette. It was also shaped by my late grandfather, my father’s dad, born Robert Kendrick who later converted to the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Shareef Abdullah, who also happened to be a black panther. My mother Fatima Clarke, who loves to read, write, sing, and just is an amazing inspiration by being her authentic self has truly nourished my ability to have courage and confidence with my art and the things I love.
My father, Randy Kendrick, aka BG Bop, who has taught me to always keep my head up and to never be afraid to be my authentic self. Lastly, my granny, Linda Green who is and always has been a phenomenal woman to me. All these people helped me to become the artist I am today. The birth of my little brother and sister who are twins, Kyle and Kyla – now seven, really motivated me to show them that whatever happens in life always rise above it , and you can follow your dreams because dreams do come true. I am a living testimony of that. I respect the path I have went through and I am embracing the new journey that awaits me. I’d love to personally thank Voyage LA and Glow for allowing me to tell my story and everyone else as well. It will forever be appreciated.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a tough journey. I have dealt with disappointment, hopelessness, and abandonment. However, I am grateful for my experiences with that because it taught me how to depend on myself. Through practicing that, I gained a new perspective on life and now I don’t see obstacles – only opportunities for getting better on all levels.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I always try to see through the lenses and walk the path of love and understanding. I believe that’s what sets me apart yet connects me so deeply to others. That’s one of the things I am most proud of about myself and my work.
What were you like growing up?
I was definitely in my own dream world growing up. I had imaginary friends and I loved to play in wigs and with wands pretending I was some fairy godmother or a princess that had the power to do beautiful things. I was interested in music, dancing, and all things that made you feel good. I loved my family and friends, and the feeling of laughing with them and creating nice memories.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jusslordess
Image Credit:
Jason Case
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