Music
Press
Editor's review
"Sometimes an artist really is born with it, and we can't imagine this young Connecticut rhymer's skills being taught. In a perfect emcee storm, Kairee blends a preternatural confidence with captivating vocal tone and sharp lyricism. With Thelonious Monk Jr. on her team, she's getting it all right. "
- Cnet.com
Discography
Time to Get ON
Photos
Bio
Respect Me, Respect Yourself, And Well Get Along Fine
Her idols are Kanye, her mother and God. Not in that order.
Charismatic rapper Imani, 18, is still on curfew, but she doesnt mind. Shes thrilled to be alive, and doing what she loves; performing. She has the heart of an old soul; warm and worldly. Shes excited to be able to vote, and wants to encourage other young people to exercise that precious gift. Her social conscience, eagerness to help steer the destiny of her America, and personal modesty set Imani apart from the more flirty-dirty, eager-to-please girl rappers.
Her name translates to faith, and she wears it well.
For me, rap over R&B is what came easy and stuck to me. It doesnt get boring. When I hear a beat I start thinking what hook I can come up with, Ill have rap songs with R&B hooks. Im still doing age-related stuff, about crushes; my song Ready to Party is funny stuff about what teenagers go through. Im not trying to be a role model, but sometimes it comes off that way.
Women are always queens to me. You dont have to show your body to be sexy. I want them to say that Imani is sexy and classy at the same time. Showing your body, youll get the wrong kind of attention.
Imani sees herself in service to others. In five years I see myself helping people; In my song, Dream Big, I thank God for getting me this far. I say Dream past the clouds, for the stars, the moon. Thats what really touches me In Get it Poppin Im just saying that Im here Im a new, fresh young talent not every song is a message song.
An only child raised by a single mom, Imani benefited from a solid upbringing: My mother is my role model, shes backed me up through this whole process.
Kanye West was also an important role model for Imani: I just love his work. Hes clever with words.
But was growing up in Connecticut a sheltered existence? Where does she get her material? Imani cautions: Dont make the mistake of thinking that nothing happens here! Bad things happen in good neighborhoods! Still her message is about being good. I feel good about doing more healing through music. I use absolutely no profanity in my lyrics; it makes me a better songwriter to be able to find other words to express things, I dont need it as filler; I make up my own words.
A self-described young lady, Imani is concerned about more than just boys, clothes and parties, although for sure, you will find these mentioned in her rapid fire delivery. Her interest in Darfur, presidential and local politics, education and healing through her music define her as a rapper with depth and the potential to develop along the lines of a Kanye, whose political perspectives are well documented through his lyrics. Imanis mantra is to Dream Big, good advice for a young unknown who was blessed to be taken under the benevolent wing of Thelonious Monk, Jr.; son of the jazz great.
Thelonious is incredible; every time I talk to him, he just smiles and you know its gonna be good. He called me and said; youre doing great! For someone thats been in the biz this long, to take a chance on me I thank God for putting this amazing person in my path.
Imani understands the precarious world of survival in the music business. She appreciates education as an essential. I graduated, but my biggest frustration was school. Teachers nowadays are not so helpful. A lot of kids need a lot of motivation, and when teachers are upbeat and want kids to graduate, it makes a big difference. I did graduate and Im so grateful. Im going to go to fashion design school in New York, and take some courses. I like fashion and style; Im always looking for ways to make something unique; make it my own. Imani also loves to cook. I experiment! Im not saying that everything comes out great!
Importantly, she isnt bling-blind: When Im making money, first I want to invest, then put money back into the world. Id like to do something to help single parents
its challenging! My mom did it. With no brothers or sisters, is Imani lonely? She smiles, hugs her mom. No, I get all the love
Links