New Jersey is no stranger to female thoroughbreds, especially in the world of Hip- Hop. Shikiba Carr, better known by her stage name “Keishh” is no shortcoming of this testament. Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Kieshh’s journey began on September 10th, 1995. Like many of her counterparts, Keishh had what she describes as a “good” childhood, although surrounded by the typical trials and tribulations of the inner city streets that is Jersey City.
Being the only child raised in a single-mother home, Shikiba spent most of her time participating in school-related sports and activities. This included cotillions, cheerleading, and football, unlike the majority of her female peers. Although heavily impactful and supportive in her life, and in her music, Kieshh’s father spent most of her childhood incarcerated; forcing Shikiba to develop a toughness and savvy about herself. Raised by a lineage of early childhood educators (her mother and grandmother) Keishh was no stranger to higher education and pursued a nursing career before dropping out of college to pursue music full-time.
Beginning to write raps and do remixes with her friends at the age of 14, Ms. Carr didn’t begin to take music seriously until 3 years later, at the age of 17. The name “Keishh” was given to Shikiba by a former associate who saw parallels between Ms. Carr and “Keisha” from the movie “Belly” featuring the late - legend DMX, and Nas. Liking the name, Keishh decided to customize the moniker and run with it. When asked what pushed her into music in the first place, Ms. Carr makes it clear that it was her father that initially embraced the music vision; having a background in music himself.
A music career is a dream that she and her father began pursuing together upon his release from prison, making it not only her dream, but a vision that they both would share. Shikiba’s world would soon be turned upside down with the unexpected passing of her father, and what seemed to be the end of the dream that they had started together. Although taken back, Keishh decided to not let this end her, instead, she uses this tragedy to fuel her passion and strive even harder toward the goal that she and her late - father had set. “It would’ve been selfish of me to give up after my father passed, I have to keep going.”
With mind, body and spirit set to attack the goal at hand, Keishh transforms from the young aspiring nurse that likes to rap , to “Da Don”, an artist whose voice & presence is felt in a mob-like manner. With a chip on her shoulder to carry out her and her father’s dream , being a mom to her daughter is what pushes Keishh to work relentlessly in the studio; some would even call her a “workaholic”. Keishh began to really make a name for herself in 2018 with the release of her single “Periodt”. This underground banger attracted a great amount of attention from fans, other artists and independent labels within her city. The reception of Kieshh’s art is what made her realize how powerful her music is, and why she had to give her supporters more.
Aside from music, Shikiba is well versed in fashion and is setting to release a string of online boutiques moving forward. Getting it done by any means necessary, it is no surprise that Keishh “Da Don” has a promising future in both Music and Fashion, setting herself apart from any artist of her time.
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