24hourhiphop.com got a chance to chop it up with VA ‘s Bad Girl Nikki E. We talk to Nikki E about what she has going on at the moment. She talks to us about her current and upcoming projects. Also  Nikki E tells us about her life growing up in VA along with the music scene in her area. Make sure to check out Nikki E’s interview and check out why she is 24hourhiphop’s Next In Line!

24HHH: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are?

Nikki E: I am VA’s Badgirl Nikki E. I am female Hip-hop artist, song writer, poet, choreographer and erotic story writer.

24HHH: How did you come up with your Producer/Artist name?

Nikki E: Tell us about it. Ha VA’s Badgirl is simple.. I’m a badgirl in so many ways.. not negatively.. Instead of saying bad b*tch I say BADGIRL. I’m educated, career driven, creative, authentic, strong willed, fun, and honest (realistic). Nikki E is my nickname. Nikki E stands for New Independent Knowledge Known to Inspire Each other.

24HHH: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?

Nikki E: I am from VA, but I am a military brat so we moved around a lot before settling back down in VA. My childhood = struggle.. It was rough after my mom discharged from the military. I was a young yen living in the hood in PA and VA trying to make do with what we had. Watching how much my mother struggled to keep us afloat made me not want to go back to that life. I always told myself I will make something of myself and never give up on my dreams.

24HHH: Who were you raised by? Tell us your family situation. Got any brothers, sisters, or any siblings? Tell us about your childhood, and how it impacted your music?

Nikki E: I was raised by my mother (RIP 9-9-12), I am the youngest of 5 children. My mother was an original background dancer for James Brown. When I learned that, I knew I had a thing for performing. I used to dance for all of my mother’s company and watched star search faithfully hoping one day I’d get my chance. Being the baby, I got the opportunity to watch and learn from my sibling’s success and short comings. I always told myself I will go from nothing to something..

Check out Nikki E Ft. Jig Tha Pres & Da Big Dime “Head Gone” (Official Video)

24HHH: What age did you start making music?

Nikki E: I admire my older sister so much that I followed in her footsteps in writing poetry. I wrote my 1st poem in the 3rd grade, although I can’t remember it. I was 8. I wrote my 1st song at 21.

24HHH: What inspired you to pursue making music?

Nikki E: Throughout high school I’d play around and recite my poetry to my teammates on the way to a track meet. They loved hearing it.. I laughed it off and didn’t pursue it until I became an adult and entered a talent show where I did spoken word. Someone approached me afterwards and asked if I could rap. I told them straight up NO. The guy told me that my voice is so powerful that if I tried hard enough, I could get people to pay attention to what I was saying and become successful.. So he asked me to rap a poem over a beat and since then, I’ve been addicted!

24HHH: What artists/producers do you work with? Or rubbed shoulders with?

Nikki E: I’ve crossed Genres just to test my abilities… I was pretty successful. I plan on working with all artists and producers whom are willing to work with me. I’m not all about hating on the next artist.. but what I don’t like is music that lacks substance.. I want my music to mean something, teach a lesson.. you know? Artists I’ve worked with Shawnna (former DTP artist), Jazi, Da Big Dime, Jig Thepres, D-dazh, Mz. Und3rstood, . Producers I’ve worked with are Moe Love (Hawaii), Track baby (Hawaii), Phinesey (Seattle), and Broadcast Houston DVD Magazine, Mike Cole (Tacoma), Chuck (Albuquerque), and G4 ( Seattle) . I’m being managed by BJ Bowman from Southern Playa’s (Dickey Ride). I had the opportunity to attend MC Lyte’s “Next Top Female MC” workshop, meeting so many legends of Hip-hop such as MC Lyte, Lady of Rage, Yo-Yo, Monie Love and Lil Mama. I’ve opened up for Trina, Nicki Minaj, Jadakiss, Keak da Sneak, Andre Nikatina, Rucka Puff, and Princess from Crime Mobb.

24HHH: What else you got coming out? New Album? or Mixtape/EP?

Nikki E: Right now I’m working shooting videos for my current album “No Man’s Land” My music is simply honest! Yes one can hide behind the material things and glamour, but I am bringing back real Hip-hop! Most of the artists’ lyrics lack substance and I provide that within my music. You will be amazed by my lyrical content. As a female Hip-hop artist, I want to open doors for other female artists. I am showing them that we can play in the same playground as male artists without selling ourselves short by becoming a sex Icon. There are a variety of sexy, raw, rugged, compassionate, realest tracks throughout this album… But the main meaning behind this album is I Am Bringing Back Hip-hop!

CLICK HERE to purchase Nikki E – No Man’s Land [Album]

24HHH: Tell us about your newest single “Go”, how did you come up with that, share us the story?

Nikki E: GO, is basically a club song, I wanted to show how raw I can be and have fun at the same time. it features another female artist, my little sister Jazi from Hawaii. it shows our cockiness although we are both humble and professional in person.

Check out Nikki E – Go Ft. Jazi [Official Video]

24HHH: Any new travel plans, what you got going on?

Nikki E: I completed a promo tour with another artist Da Big Dime this winter so this summer I’m working with my manager BJ on setting up future shows and appearances. We are making moves on performing at the BET HIPHOP Awards as a break out artist.

24HHH: What is the biggest thing to happen in your career?

Nikki E: Meeting, speaking with, and performing for the female legends of Hip-hop is one of the biggest things to occur in my career. I’m honored and humbled to understand that we wouldn’t be here without them paving the way for our freedom of personality and speech. Also learning that my music affects more than just me! Having people tell me that they played my song so many times because they could relate to what I was saying and telling to never give up on my dreams because I will make it. Another good thing is connecting with so many talented artists, producers, DJ’s and managers.

24HHH: Where can people find you?
Nikki E:

www.therealtisha.com
twitter @vasbadgirl
IG @therealtisha
LinkedIn @vasbsdgirl
Facebook @darealtisha
YouTube @vasbadgirl

24HHH: Where do you see yourself going in 2014 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?

Nikki E: I see myself making a large impression on the music industry. I’m not here to fit in and create the same substance lacking music that is out today. I’m here to bring back real Hip-hop by telling stories with actual lessons. The new break out queen is here!

24HHH: Any last words or shout outs?

Nikki E: Shout out to those who did and did not believe in me, both gave me the ambition to strive for the best. I am a woman who believes to be better than the average female/male MC. My thoughts on life are expressed through my lyrics. I came from a rough past and was fortunate enough to learn from those experiences. I take my music seriously and this shows my hunger to succeed! I love performing for people. Unlike most performers, I get my high from the energy of the crowd. When life knocks me down, I am resilient and when life brings recognition I am humble!