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Monday, November 4, 2024

The many sides of Sharice Styles

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Singer, songwriter, performer, recording artist — there are many pieces that make up Sharice Styles. They all come together on her debut album entitled “Pieces to the Puzzle.”

This album features Styles’ first single, “Pull the Plug.” With its infectious beats and her smoldering voice, “Pull the Plug” has introduced audiences to her hot new talent. But it’s only one facet – one piece – of the many sides of Sharice Styles.

She recently took some time to discuss her music, her family and her faith: three important pieces of her life.

Why did you select this title, “Pieces to the Puzzle,” and what does it mean to you?

Styles: I chose “Pieces to the Puzzle” because I’m made up of so many pieces. I’m part Jamaican, Italian and African-American, so it’s a good metaphor for my nationality, as well as my musical styles and even my clothing styles. Musically, I love to tap into different genres, and with this album I was able to do that. As a songwriter, I’m a storyteller, and this album as a whole tells the complete story of my life and brings forth who I am.

Over the years, I have become an awesome businesswoman, an entertainer, and I have learned to take my vision and creativity and turn them into a product. “Pieces to the Puzzle” has given me the opportunity to tap into my history and give me a new lane in music.

Your father, Carl Davis, has won Grammy Awards for his work with the Dixie Hummingbirds. How has he influenced you?

I’m a daddy’s girl first and a fan second. I was raised in a household with the mindset that anything is possible. My father sang for kings; he’s a musical icon. At the same time, he is so grounded that if you met him in a grocery store, you would have no clue that he has won Grammy Awards.

He always taught me to remain humble and be a good person first. I was raised in the church, and to this day my father still goes to that church we grew up in.

Which artists inspire you? Are there some key albums from your past that you still reach for today?

I’m still very much tapped into Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album. It speaks such truth, especially now. That album always spoke to my soul.

When I was a child, I had posters of Michael Jackson all over my walls. I have all of his albums, and “Off the Wall” is my favorite. It takes you on a musical journey, and that’s what I want to do with my music.

I love Trey Songz. He’s awesome. He’s done a great job of evolving in front of us as his own person and artist, and I’m excited to see what he will continue to do. I would love for Lady Gaga to produce something for me. She’s such a talent and I love her vision.

As you worked your way up the music industry ladder, you had the good fortune of being mentored by some of the biggest names, including Jam Master Jay and DMX. What were the most valuable lessons you learned from them?

DMX and I are both from Yonkers. We lived close to each other and knew each other. During the time we worked on music together, one night we were in the studio and he said, “Promise me that you’ll never sell your soul. Always remain yourself.” He was there when people in the industry were trying to shape and mold me. He told me, “Never lose sight of your vision.” Once again, it’s about those pieces.

Working with Jay was amazing. I grew up listening to Run DMC, so to work with him was such an opportunity. He taught me that this is business: when you’re in the studio, you’re there to work. It was clock-in time and Jay did not play. I learned that this is bigger than what’s in your head. Someone had to show me that this is a business, and Jay did that. You can see it in every artist he had a hand in. Look at 50 Cent – he’s such a businessman. Jay was a great teacher.

Family and faith are the most important things in your life. Part of your strong relationship with God includes feeding the hungry at your church food pantry. Can you share why this project is so important to you?

I think Russell Simmons said it best, “The road to success is in helping someone else.” You never know when you’ll fall and need help. Look around at who needs help and you will find your place in this world. Working at the food pantry reminds me that I am blessed to be able to do what I do. I try to be at the pantry as much as I can. It ties into the Word that says treat your brother like yourself. I honor that.

About Sharice Styles

n 6 feet tall

n Her goal: to reach audiences, touch their hearts and make a difference in their lives

n Born and raised in Yonkers, N.Y.

n Her father, Carl Davis, was a member of the Grammy Award-winning Dixie Hummingbirds

n Influences: Billie Holiday, Maya Angelou and Diana Ross

n Mentored by the late Jam Master Jay and rapper DMX

n Rooted in her Christian faith and is a humanitarian

About Sharice Styles

n 6 feet tall

n Her goal: to reach audiences, touch their hearts and make a difference in their lives

n Born and raised in Yonkers, N.Y.

n Her father, Carl Davis, was a member of the Grammy Award-winning Dixie Hummingbirds

n Influences: Billie Holiday, Maya Angelou and Diana Ross

n Mentored by the late Jam Master Jay and rapper DMX

n Rooted in her Christian faith and is a humanitarian

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