Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Campbell a.k.a. WopShi.
Aaliyah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I was always around music. I grew up in the church, where my mom was a praise team leader & my dad was the pastor’s right-hand man. My father eventually branches off and started his own church. My love for music started then. I was in the youth choir, I led songs, choreographed mime dances. I was also apart of Spelman’s summer and dance program where I learned classical and contemporary jazz dance, African dance, ballet, and also starred in many plays we had to perform during our recitals. I was always a shy kid and I’m still very shy to this day, so growing up dance was how I expressed myself without having to use my words. But this also made my love for music grow stronger. Coming up, my mom was always heavy in the studio. She sang for Tyler Perry, she began her own music career, had sit-downs with Akon, different gospel artists, and many others. So, to see how she moved in the industry is what opened my eyes to something new and the fact that I was writing songs for her when I was younger helped develop my love for music as a creator, not just a listener. One day, I was in the studio with other upcoming artists & I just hopped up and got on the mic. Granted, if I played those songs I recorded back then today, you may look at me crazy because they sound horrible, to me. But when I opened my mouth and recited lyrics, I wrote myself in the 30 mins. I was sitting there, I was not only proud of myself, but I had just shocked everyone that was in the room with me. I always knew I had something special, it was just getting past the nerves and opinions of others. But the feedback was always positive and still is.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started doing music, the industry and the world itself was nothing like it is right now. Music and rapping, in general, is now considered the new come up. Every day, there is a new rapper, whether male or female. You can hop on a beat, say some words that rhyme, and BOOM you are now considered a rapper. This road is a difficult one. Everyone can’t be famous, everyone can’t be in the spotlight. At this point, you have to figure out what separates you from everyone else. Ask yourself if you are even different at all? Almost every day, I honestly find myself asking if I really want to pursue my artistry. Not because I doubt myself, but because I feel it’s a joke when you tell someone you do music. As a female artist, you hear all the time “sex sells, sex sells.” You’re right, it does! But I want to be that artist that just because I look good, doesn’t mean I have to be half naked or bounce up in down in the cameras. Whether if I’m in baggy clothes or a two piece, I want you to feel me either way. I struggle with how I write my songs sometimes. I ask myself do I need to dumb down my lyrics and make ABC rhymes because that would seem to grasp the attention of everyone else. Just get a catchy beat, say “aye” a thousand times and have some fire Ad-libs & boom! I’m on the radio. But if I did that, I wouldn’t be staying true to myself. I would be doing whatever to get the attention that every artist wants.
When it comes to sex appeal, I’m not saying that to say I won’t use my sex appeal, I look good and I know it, but I want it to be so much more than just another pretty girl rapping on screen.
I’ve been through so much in life from being molested, raped, in abusive relationships, suicidal attempts, & being homeless. I want young girls to look up to me and know that no matter what you go through in life, you can always pick yourself back up and come out on top, despite every day being an emotional and physical battle for you. My advice to any female, young or old is to always stay true to yourself. It’s so easy for us as women to get on social media and crave the attention we see others getting, but you can’t sell out. Remember your morals and your values, the quick attention & quick success is not the way to go. As quickly as you came across it, it can just as quickly be gone. Build a foundation for yourself & know that no matter what as long as you believe in yourself, the right people will come along and be there to support you. I have so many people try and block my blessings, kept me bound so that I couldn’t see my full potential, but you have to be strong enough to believe in yourself even if you are the only one who does.
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I am a part of a family called “Wildlyfe.” Where we are a group of talented young adults. We are artists, hairstylists, producers, videographers, designers, and more.
I am the female artist of Wildlyfe. I go by the name of “WopShi.” I have always been into music but for the past three years, I have consistently been focusing on my image and my solo project. I am most proud that with all the new artists coming out every day, I know I’m a better force to be reckoned with! I’m always going to stay true to myself and my team. No matter how long it takes, I’m never going to sell out. I don’t know how many can say that.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My past experiences are what shaped me into the woman and artist I am today.
I wouldn’t say I was dealt the worst hand, but I was dealt a hand that most wouldn’t be able to play with at all.
My past experiences set me up for success because they changed my way of thinking, my attitude towards different people and different situations.
Many past experiences forced me to make decisions for myself when I wasn’t capable of thinking on that mature of a level but still had to do it.
Contact Info:
- Email: Wopshipopshi@gmail.com
- Instagram: @WopShi_Popshi
- Other: Snapchat : @Liyahc1
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