Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyric Michelle.
My name is Lyric Michelle, and I think my story is best told through the story of my name’s conception.
See, Lyric came from when I began to perform my poetry before I really committed to music. I had always wrote poetry and short stories my entire life, but Lyric became a way out of a tough time. She gave me the audacity to believe I was special. She reminded me to dream. She taught me I was worthy well before “Michelle” agreed.
My given name is Michelle. The name my Nigerian father gave me as to fit in an America that couldn’t see passed their biases against “ethnic” sounding names. See, hidden in the middle, my father gave me Orgadimma. A fitting middle name at a time when we were sharing 6 to a one bedroom apartment. Orgadimma means “it will all be well.”
A mantra I would whisper to myself through my entire life. Well, God more than me. Shit, I barely believed it at times. I started to use “Lyric Michelle” when I started really recording music. It was an interesting shift from my poetry. I started to really become introspective in my writing, yet more and more brave.
So there goes the merge between Lyric and Michelle. Someone using her pain to conjure strength. iAmLyric
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, I wouldn’t call this ride smooth lol. The first hurdles came from personal struggles.
My parents never did enjoy the idea of me pursuing the music. They preferred a doctor, so I met them in the middle and became a Nurse. But I struggled through school splitting my time from school, work to pay for that school and open mics and cyphers. I used music to as a distraction and then eventually as a savior during abusive relationships and working multiple jobs. Music gave me a voice and purpose. God speaks to me through music.
Now I’m in LA from my hometown Houston looking for one of those big breaks I keep hearing about. But honestly the people I have met along the way, the artists, the homies, all of the men in my life have made it a point to reach out during dark days to remind me I’m not alone so for that, I am forever grateful. I’m still figuring this life thing out.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Lyric Michelle is a rapper from Houston Texas who’s last project garnered her the #1 Houston Album title from the Houston Chronicle and Lyricist of the year. Lyric has done cypher underground rap battles, and has performed in stadiums and opened for legends.
Lyric has also acted in independent films, one of which she is currently writing but for Lyric, music has always been the focus. “Music saved my life, hip hop saved.”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to give credit to my friends and family at home. I have some awesome people who really believe in me
Contact Info:
- Website: LyricMichelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlyric/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Avo John, Armon The Photographer
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
