ASCAP Urban Presents: On the Come Up Showcase

A musical trailblazer and a viral sensation, multifaceted singer-songwriter Inayah is not one to fall under pressure. Writing smash hits and pushing forward positive female narratives through her music, the EMPIRE partner is making a name for herself with  “Best Thing” and "Suga Daddy” off of her debut album S.O.L.A.R. The R&B singer first earned recognition through her viral rendition of Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up,” which established the artist’s massive following and brought multiple record label offers. After writing songs for a jingle company and becoming a social media sensation, Inayah once again blessed the masses with distinctive lyrics and sound with her 2021 opening single "Fallin'." The singer followed that in May 2021 with the single “What Are We.”

With a background in gospel music, the Houston native began her musical career at a very young age, while performing in multiple competitions and talent shows throughout her hometown. Inspired by the likes of Anita Baker, Johnnie Taylor, Aretha Franklin and The Clark Sisters, it didn’t take long before the singer discovered her love for performing and efforts to earn her rightful spot in the industry.

While producing jingles, Inayah found the time to post covers and witty musical posts channeling her alter ego Lamis, never knowing that one post would pave the way to her musical success. Now, with a successful album in her pocket and a few new singles, Inayah continues to create and brings her unrivaled sound to the soulful genre.

TW: @inayahlamis // IG: @inayah

How would you describe your music?

Relatable AF lol, I’m an open book with my music and my InayahLators know that they can always expect real life s**t from me.

Who influences your sound?

I grew up listening to some of the most iconic musicians! Gospel is at my root, then I was introduced to blues and R&B. The Clark Sisters, John P. Kee, Johnnie Taylor, Barry White, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder… just to name a few inspirations. 

What/who is your greatest inspiration?

My grandfather was my biggest inspiration. He was deeply family oriented, hard working and extremely dedicated to every goal he set for himself! I strive to the best of my ability to make him proud; I want to be at least half of the impeccable human that he was.

If you won the lottery today for $10 million, what would you do?

Family is everything, so I'd share it with my mama and my sisters.

What projects are you working on?

After recently dropping Side A I’m moving right along with Side B. I’m excited to get back in the studio after giving birth!

What's in the pipeline?

More videos and touring, being OUTSIDE!

Given the current climate, what's been a positive outcome or skill you've picked up when creating music?

I finally have an in-home studio and stage! Creating and performing is so much more convenient now, I’m in my craft right in the comfort and the peace of my own home.

In the next five years, what are three things that you're looking forward to?

Chart-topping albums, a trip to Maldives & NO MORE KIDS 😂

City Rominiecki has had no shortage of catchy hooks and noteworthy collaborations with artists such as Lil Wayne, Usher, Ty Dolla $ign, Sevyn Streeter and Kodie Shane, including featuring on IDK's record "Keto" produced by The Neptunes. A talented underground rapper, singer and songwriter, Rominiecki hails from uptown Philadelphia, where he grew up to the sounds of Frankie Beverly & Maze, Lauryn Hill and T-Pain. This influenced his unique sound and helped shape his storytelling abilities. City’s melodic voice, original flow and caption-worthy hooks blend with his verses, giving each and every song an undeniable replay value.

cityrominiecki.com // TW: @CityRominiecki // IG: @cityrominiecki

Ashoka is a hip-hop/R&B artist from Rockland County, New York. A rapper, singer and songwriter, Ashoka is a triple threat when it comes to crafting deliberate melodies, lyrics and stories that convey the most precise nuances of the human experience. The leader of the Kingdom collective, Ashoka lives by the motto is “this is your kingdom” which stands as a reminder that regardless of the situation you can conquer and be king of anything that comes your way. His single “No Stress” was featured as Ebro’s Song of the Week on his Apple Music Beats 1 Radio show, and was featured in publications like BET, HotNewHipHop, Lyrical Lemonade, Rap Nation, DJ Booth, MTV News, ELEVATOR, Hip Hop DX and many more. “No Stress” also garnered the attention of multi-platinum producer Mustard who signed Ashoka to his 10 Summers record label in the summer of 2017. He was signed to a development deal up until the beginning of 2019 when they parted ways. Ashoka is now gearing up to release new music over the coming months.

TW: @ashoka_kdm // IG: @ashoka.kdm

How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as conversational, relatable and energetic. I'm big on relatable subject matter as most of my lyric content comes from everyday experiences. Even on more fun and bouncy records, I still like to think through the message I want to get across. 

Who influences your sound?

First and foremost the people I encounter on a daily basis influence my sound. My daily experiences determine what kind of song I want to make and how I want the song to come across through sound, tone, voice inflection, all of it. After that, there are various artists that I look up to that have influenced my sound such as Kanye West, J. Cole, Drake and Michael Jackson to name a few.

What/who is your greatest inspiration?

My family and friends are my greatest inspiration because as much as I enjoy doing music for the love of music, I also see it as a means to help take care of my family and help make all of their dreams come true too.

If you won the lottery today for $10 million, what would you do?

First I would take my momma to Saks Fifth Avenue and buy her all the designer things that she desires lol. Next I would set up some investments and put money in places that would set me up financially for years to come. And lastly I would invest in solidifying my own record label and use the money and resources to push my career further and help other artists along the way. 

What projects are you working on? What's in the pipeline?

Right now I am finishing up my new project. I just came from Atlanta where I found the sound and feel I am going for this go around. It's a lot of evolution, expansion and deep digging on this project. I can't wait to share it with the world. I've also been working on a lot of new collaborations so look forward to seeing me paired up with some amazing artists very soon.

Given the current climate, what's been a positive outcome or skill you've picked up when creating music?

I have learned how to dig deeper in order to find inspiration for songs. Due to the "everyday life" nature of the music I make, being cooped up in quarantine affected me as it did a lot of creatives. Once I realized that I just had to tap into my thoughts and memories on a deeper level, the creativity started flowing all over again. I'm glad I was able to add this newfound technique to my arsenal of creative tools.

In the next five years, what are three things that you're looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to looking back at multiple released projects that I am extremely proud of. I am looking forward to having built a successful brand, community and record label with my brand and team Kingdom Is Yours. Lastly, I am looking forward to being able to repay my friends and family for all of their love and support using the fruits of my labor.