We had the good fortune of connecting with Latoya J. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Latoya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in NYC in what many would call the ghetto. I call it the hood. I was raised by a single-teenaged parent whose life spun out of control early on. There were drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence. That part impacted the warrior in me. I strive now to thrive over surviving because of how strong my mother was. I, also grew up around gospel, r-n-b and hip hop and you will hear very soulful vocals with an urban filter in my music. I am a black woman who is taught from birth that she has to fend for herself and do it herself in order for it to be right so you will experience an alpha female when you encounter me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the definition of set- apart! Firstly, I love that verbiage because it’s the biblical definition of sanctified. I am a whole vibe that you didn’t know you even wanted. In 2010, the Lord changed my sound and my look. He told me to become the point person for the peculiar ones. When you hear Christian or gospel music, you don’t think Latoya J., although the lyrics speak for themselves. What you will get is an anointed, radical, hollering purple haired girl who loves Jesus. I’ve been in ministry since 1997 but I’ve been in the industry since 2005. It has been tough being gospel and indie. It has also been tough doing it as a female. It’s still a man’s world out there. Struggling not to sell my holiness for success has been a reoccurring theme. Integrity will take you a long way if you’re willing to take the scenic route. Staying true to who you are may not be appreciated now but it will be. Most Trail Blazers die without seeing the trail they blazed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not from Atlanta but if we are talking about New York City then we would catch a show at the Apollo, eat seafood at City Island, go to the Bronx Zoo, eat some NY pizza and walk through Central Park. We also must ride the Staten Island ferry and take a tour of the Statue of Liberty. We most certainly need a whole day to enjoy 42 bday St. We would visit Little Italy and China Town and maybe catch a show at the Barclays center and oh don’t forget Yankee Stadium!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I can be my most churchy self, I must say, “first, giving honor to God!” Ha! I’m laughing but not joking. I owe my life and purpose to him alone. I’d like to thank my husband, Mike the Chaplain, for all his support. My lovely daughters, KK, Nana, and Epi-Op looking at me as an example which makes me work harder to be something worth looking at.

Website: Iamlatoyaj.Bandcamp.com

Instagram: Iamlatoyaj

Twitter: LatoyaJ_Ian

Facebook: Latoya J.

Youtube: Iamlatoyaj

Other: My music is on all digital retailers.

Image Credits
Photography by Trevon James Make up by Billie Jean Frith Styled by Kimberly Steward

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