Erika Nuri

The path to a career in songwriting can take many forms. Writers pound the keys, and sharpen their pencils on their way to becoming accomplished writers with their songs performed by the world's best artists. Some make it and some give up and try their hand at other talents. Few recover from giving up, get back on their feet and parent a successful writing career. That is the story of Erika Nuri.

Erika Nuri, daughter of music executive Erik Nuri, began her career in music in her teens, writing a poem that she later adapted into her first published song. After moving to Los Angeles later in her career, her musical career was sparked by fellow songwriter Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. With Edmonds's help, Erika was able to grow as a lyricist and songwriter.

Careers in music often lead to other great opportunities. Erika's writing landed her songs in TV shows such as the The Sopranos, and the Steve Martin movie Bringing Down the House, in which she also appeared as a singer. The lineup of artists who have collaborated or have performed Erika's songs include K-Ci & JoJo, Babyface, 3LW, B2K and Xscape.

Her most notable role came as a part of the extremely popular American Idol. Erika wrote Fantasia's eight-week #1 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop song "When I See You." This song was later nominated for two Grammy Awards; Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song.

Where some songwriters enjoy writing songs at a piano or in a studio filled with instruments, Erika enjoys writing in her car. She says that writing there eliminates the distractions of a phone or computer, an interesting take on technology in today's world.

In her early days she would write to any music she could find. She also has said that the best thing you can do as an aspiring songwriter is to listen to music. Find those songs that you really love and listen to them and especially, read the lyrics. She calls reading lyrics the best way to "study and do research," for a career in the business.

Following this unique strategy, Erika has written over 200 songs. "When you have 200 songs and then you have that one that makes it big," she says, "that is a perfect time to show people your older songs. After you make a name for yourself, people will listen to what you have to say and not just brush you aside."

Erika has just finished writing with J Que for J. Holiday's new album. She helped write the song "Fatal," on the album Back of My Lac, which was rereleased on February 5th by Capitol Records. In addition, she has written a song with J. Valentine titled "Trapped," which is available now.

The road can always be different, and for Erika Nuri, it came complete with both starts and stops, with her music speaking for itself.