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Kherish Johnson was born in Harlem and raised in Brooklyn. Like many young women growing up in urban America she encountered a great deal of adversity and obstacles. By the age of 16 she was sentenced to six years at a maximum security women's penitentiary. Upon gaining her freedom, Kherish knew she had to change the direction of her life and so she chose to use her experience to make a difference with young women.Today, Kherish is a motivational speaker/activist, as well as a singer/songwriter. She spends a signficant amount of time speaking at correctional facilities, detention centers and non-proft organizations geared towards assisting troubled youth, in the hope of inspiring them to make a difference. Kherish says that reaching out and assisting youth "is one of the most important aspects of my life" and it's why she shares her experiences. Kherish confesses that "I was one of those troubled children and I know what they are up against so if I can help them, in any way, I will".The issues Kherish addresses are those concerning equal rights, oppression, human rights, social justice, poverty and raising HIV/AIDS awareness.After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Law Kherish got involved with a number of organizations, such as The Lorge school, The friends of the Island Academy, Rikers Island GED program for adolescents, The Brooklyn Residential Center for Girls and, most recently, Living Beyond Belief, a charity that educates and empowers NYC youth on HIV/AIDS awareness issues. Kherish is committed to continue her fight to make a difference.xoAn Independent artist, Kherish embraces Hip-Hop and what it initially stands for life on beats.Harlem/Brooklyn, NYC (2008) - Not many young women from urban environments, with both teenage parents addicted to heroin is determined to beat the odds. Not many women possess the ability to dream and believe wholeheartedly; there is a possibility dreaming can become reality. Even fewer possess a true writing talent and the ability to take that talent to another level. Meet Kherish, an independent artist/writer, determined to share her story and music with the world. With her new Debut LP, When dreams become reality, set for release in 2006, Kherishs message is positive and will inspire many worldwide. Life is a process is the first track on the album, a story of a young female growing up in the projects, both parents addicted to drugs, as a result she is placed in the foster care system, has encounters with the justice system and turns to the streets where she finds a way to cope with the daily realities of life in an urban environment.It has been a long time since an artist has so personally expressed how the ills of society can truly be a burden mentally and emotionally. Her music coveys the truths, hurts and harsh realities of what life is really like when you are the child of an addict with few alternatives and no guidance. Yet it inspires, empowers young women to be positive, hold a deep confidence that says all you have to do is look within and know you can achieve anything you want in this world. Kherish isnt trying to emulate anyone nor is she glorifying the streets, I write about what I was up against; my experiences, what I saw impacted me in a way that was almost unimaginable other young women should know there is life after the hood change is ok.The urgencies in hip-hop arent being addressed; I want to address those urgencies, implores Kherish, It is one of the reasons I speak to women that are incarcerated; young women in general dealing with issues that plague the new generation. There are too many youth incarcerated and placed in mental institutions that are overlooked and misdirected and for those two reasons may never see the streets again. Ms. Wilson (LCSW-R) a Director at Rikers Island says, Kherishs music is therapeutic in that it takes the crazy out of ones head and places it in our pathological society. We thank her for illuminating truth, as the truth will set us free. Life is truly a process and we welcome her back anytime. Marionette Humes, Senior Director/ Family Court Systems clarifies, The streets are walking with her; yet they wont dictate who she is. Danny Simmons, renowned artist, poet, author and older brother to Russell Simmons states, "Kherish's story can help in the fight to save our children". Kherish continues to do motivational speaking at correctional facilities and non-profit organizations such as Rikers Island, The Friends of the Island Academy and Living Beyond Belief (a charity geared towards helping high school students with HIV/AIDS awareness) to continue with her mission to assist in making a change. Her writing partner/S.M.A.S.H who she collaborated with on her hit single "A DIFFERENCE", and A Rider, explains, Shes going to be bigger than just a rapper, she really writes and her projection demands you to listen. And all those around her seem to agree as DJ Redd Rock states, When the right people hear herits a wrap, her passion is undeniable. I love working with her, watching her create and intertwine with the track; working with her is a breeze. Eboog a music producer from Brooklyn reveals. Taiwo Lawrence of Creed Records declares, Kherish is a breathe of fresh air for female rappers, her style, delivery, and lyrics are way ahead of her peers.A truly talented artist, Kherish holds the hunger needed to succeed in the music business. Her writing is clearly on point; dealing with issues that demand action is rarely addressed in the hip-hop world. Kherish possesses maturity beyond her years and has a vision that will take her far beyond anything she has ever imagined. Its no surprise she is on a mission to get her story and music to the masses to aspire others to take action may just make a change the world needs.FOR MORE INFO ON KHERISH and to hear some of her music, please visit: www.myspace.com/kherishadb