Lil' Mama

Lil' Mama is a multi-faceted artist who boasts the ability to sing, rap and write her own material. The 18-year old phenomenon's first commercial hit "Lip Gloss" is fast becoming a celebratory anthem for girls of all ages and has recently been nominated for a MTV Video Music Award and a Teen Choice Award. Born Niatia Kirkland, she was raised in both Brooklyn and Harlem with seven siblings. She was forced to overcome both personal and financial struggles at an early age and found solace in writing poetry as well as dance choreography. In 2006, Mama teamed up with Ali Samii (former DMX's manager) of Xtra Mile Production and headed to Atlanta where she got the chance to record with Nappy Roots' producer James "Groove" Chambers. Together they recorded seven songs, including the "Lip Gloss" single. New York's flagship hip-hop/R&B station Hot 97 began playing the record, which soon caught the attention of Jive Records who signed her to the label in January 2007. With a major label deal to her credit, Lil' Mama has been in and out of various recording studios in New York, Atlanta and Miami and has worked with famed producers like Swizz Beatz and Scott Storch. Her debut album, Voice of The Young People, features a wide range of musical and topical issues and explores the mindset of a young woman who is truly wise beyond her years.