Pick up VaNatta's HOT new release
Labor & Delivery
ON SALE NOW!!
$8.00!!
Few contemporary artists will ever be equipped to carry the torch of soulful songstress and master MC with the same sense of authenticity as Rockford, Illinois' own VaNatta.To watch her rhyme is to be enthralled, to hear her sing is to be in awe, and to listen to her preach (yes, preach) is to be overcome by the eloquence of the event. A quiet acknowledgement is all that is necessary as you witness the rise of an icon to be yet, as she oozes Hollywood charisma, the self- described tomboy in stilettos is all about love and life.A child of Hip Hop, VaNatta began singing and writing songs at a young age, effortlessly blending the genres of soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop. From Rockford, Illinois and later on to Maryland, and with God and music in her heart, VaNatta accepted her calling to ministry, attending the Howard University School of Divinity and was ordained as Rev. VaNatta Shantae Ford in April 2005.A natural connector, VaNatta comes with real appreciation for the art of hip-hop and a genuine respect for her listeners. Inspired and motivated by hip-hop and gospel to jazz, R&B, and soul, her early musical motivators included everything from Donnie Hathaway, The Crusaders to The Isley Brothers and Carmen McRae to Aretha Franklin and anything in between. "I can remember being a young girl listening to all kinds of music with my dad, my brother and little sister in the basement" she speaks. When asked on current influences, she quickly cites artists such as Kim Burrell, Anthony Hamilton, Beyonce, Kanye West, Common, Jay-Z, and Lisa McClendon as a handful that have been great inspirations for her. For as much as her skills conjure up comparisons to Kanye, Jay-Z and Nas, her melodious vocals are reminiscent of Amel Larrieux, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. Seamlessly connecting Hip Hop and Soul artistry, VaNatta's style and delivery is incredulously groundbreaking. VaNatta looks to break new ground by successfully integrating rap, soul, reggae, and R&B into her own sound while ministering what the world will connect to. "I write about Hip-Hop and spirituality, my insecurities, hopes, philosophies, the community as well as the state of the world - I talk about things that will make you laugh and cry."Now, with a lethal mixture of wisdom, flavor and soul, VaNatta writes, arranges, and produces much of her own music. Her songs, both musically and lyrically are "honest, personal, and intense," the same way she lives her life. Humble enough to count the smallest blessings; she is respectful of the fact that she will be one of the few performers in the industry who will be able to put together an eclectic album steeped in unadulterated creativity while establishing commercial success! Be prepared to see the rise of a unique talent as she climbs the iconic ladder of success.