We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cherae Leri’ a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cherae , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Honestly, I think it’s embedded in my DNA I come from a long line of strong hardworking women in my family and even on days or situations where I don’t want to be or think I can’t be, somehow in some way I still show up for me & everybody else counting on me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an American singer, songwriter, model, and entrepreneur born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Houston, TX. I moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2015 following my viral single “Mirage” which streamed internationally and within the states. My career was launched in the entertainment industry at the tender age of three by modeling and acting, I boast a little over two decades of experience. Cascading from model and actress to singer and songwriter, I have honed my creative art over extensive time with persistence, resilience, and the aid of some industry-heavy hitters. I’ve been influenced by artists like Patti Labelle, Leela James, and Erykah Badu, whom I met with my mother, a traveling DJ, while attending the Tom Joyner Morning Show at the age of 12. Badu mentors me, gifting me industry gems and timeless advice. I have also worked with the likes of Young Buck, Choppa Zoe, JBAR, Young Lyxx and Chino McGregor., DunDealOnthetrack, Chris Beatz, Kevin McCall, Haisha Porter, and many more.
In August of 2019, I released my debut EP Conscience with my assembled team of musical powerhouses including features from Chino McGregor and Choppa Zoe, engineering from Randy Lanphear and Ashilee Roberts, and production from The Giants, Mellow The producer, and Chriz Beats. This premier introduced the world to my collective sound, my love for soul music and my sultry tendencies fittingly paired with my distinct airy vocals.
In June of 2020, I released my debut album The Pain That Sex Brings that charted number 4 on iTunes and number 1 on Amazon R&B / Soul Genre, a featureless offering that incorporates nostalgic, sultry RnB, grown and sexy tendencies, and intrepid inclinations amid a medley of soul, hip-hop and alternative genres. The album channels a 1990s Janet Jackson aura and is imbued with lessons learned, seductive vibes, and unapologetic womanhood.
In 2021 I reunited with musical genius IAMFLUX and we have recorded a plethora of music that I am super excited to introduce to the world. We currently have two released Christmas singles that are sure to be around forever. But be prepared in 2024 for many more singles and projects independently from us both and collectively.
My music has been placed in several Tyler Perry shows and I am far from finished In this industry as I have made a pivotal change in how I see this industry my experience and my growth have taught me what is most important and exactly how to attack and approach the future when it comes to new music releases. I’m excited for what I have next to release 2024 will be a very exciting year not only for my music but my brand TrapNb as well.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would focus on Consistency, Work Ethic, and the ability to have strong impactful relationships! You never know who will be in what position 6 months from you meeting them or even 12 months when you actually may need them. Be genuine in your relationships and treat everybody like somebody!
There isn’t a blueprint for this industry anymore. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do it, and in all honesty, if you aren’t doing it for the love I would advise not to! It’s hard some days and you can feel defeated. Any area of entrepreneurship or following your dreams requires long hours and taking L’s it’s how you bounce back that makes it all worth it.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Give me an extensive history of music and opened the door with support for all of my ambitious dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CheraeLeri.com
- Instagram: CheraeLeri
- Facebook: Cherae leri
- Twitter: Cherae leri
- Youtube: Cherae leri
