Lay-D Shelz

At first glance she appears to be a high maintenance woman rocking stilettos' so high she would make Michael Jordan feel like a midget. Her very presence commands attention and after this 23 year old urban music melting pot steps off the stage everyone wants to know who she is. Many call her "The truth" and after winning the show stoppers competition in 2008 put on by Ronny Entertainment, all the judges concluded that she would become "The voice of Ottawa." To really understand The “Lay-D” a.k.a Lay-D Shelz one must listen intently. Behind the metaphors and similes, the word play and the poetry, there lies raw human emotion; anger, pain, love, hate, optimism and fear. She is a cross breed of hip hop, reggae, blues, jazz, soul and R&B. She represents a generation sick of all the propaganda and who understands that music is a reflection of self.

Lay-D Shelz is currently residing in Canada’s capital city. She has been making her name in Ottawa and the surrounding area’s by performing in a variety of shows cultivating scores of different crowds. She has opened for African Super star Eldee, one of Canada’s female hip hop icons Eternia, Bizarre from D12 and International Reggae sensation Beenie Man. One of her largest shows to date was the second annual Ottawa reggae festival. Her powerful performance on opening night (Friday August 21st 2009) confirmed that Ottawa truly does have amazing talent. She also had the opportunity to jam on the final night of the 3 day festival with Loud Love a reputable Canadian reggae rock band prior to the arrival of Pressure and Shaggy.

“Highlights were provided by local artists kept too long in the shadows…Lay-D Shelz, who’s professional, engaging set proved to be Fridays highlight, complete with a full band …background singers and dancers.”

–Allen Wigney (Ottawa Citizen) August 2009

Lay-D Shelz has been performing, writing and engineering her own music since the age of 16. It came as no surprise when she entered the Independent Music Production Program at Seneca College graduating with a musical engineering certificate. She then became an intern at YBM studio’s until its untimely closure. Recently Lay-D Shelz has released her new single “Two Step All Night” which was featured on the Battle of the Beats on hot 89.9FM. She went head to head with some of the industries most talented artists. Because of the support she received from her fans she was able to win 5 nights in a row. October 26th 2009 she was entered into BOTB hall of fame and has now earned steady rotation on a commercial radio station.

At present Lay-D Shelz will be releasing her first mix tape entitled “4 Elements of a Lay-D” and she has completed her first music video entitled “Heaven’s Door”. She will also be doing a few collaborative projects; a single with the legendary Alton Willis which will be released in Jamaica. And a mix tape with 9_4 that will be available for free downloaded on hip hop Canada.com

“Many say I’m a feminist because I have extremely strong lyrics and I often put women on a pedestal. I think it’s about time that women regained control of their destiny. ” Lay-d Shelz reflects “ I hope to bring back the days when female MC's like Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill and many more ruled the scene with their strong sense of empowerment, entertainment and yes even their dancing skills.”

- Lay-D Shelz

The stage has been set for success and as she embarks on the next phase of her career she will continue to gain momentum. In order to achieve longevity in the music industry one must have unwavering will power and a hunger for self discovery through the arts, Lay-D Shelz has these things and more. Along with her growing team she plans to leap over every obstacle. And no matter how many doors may slam in her face she will put on her stilettos and kick them all down!