Meet Schondra Aytch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Schondra Aytch.

Hi Schondra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a writer, blogger and organizer that focuses on Hip-Hop, Art and Culture in Buffalo, NY.

In my early years, I grew I between Buffalo’s eastside and the city’s suburbs. I was raised in a very Christian home- the oldest of five children. I think that’s what built my spirit of observation at an early age. I went to Sweet Home High School where I developed an interest in reading and English. I knew I liked writing and the creative arts but I didn’t have a set plan for college. As I got older and became more in tune with my identity, my love for Hip-Hop and what it meant for me as a black woman blossomed into an obsession for how music in many ways is activism.

At the same time, I grew confident as a writer, writing for my college Newspaper, The Record at Buffalo State College. I created my Hip-Hop blog Sneakvibing in 2014 while I was still in college and at first, it was just a personal blog for me to share my opinions and commentary on the music. In 2018, I pivoted my blog to highlight the colorful Hip-Hop talent in Buffalo and my blog has grown significantly since then.

Alright, 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?
I had a lot of struggles and insecurities about being a black woman who wanted to write about Hip-Hop. As someone who grew up in most, predominantly white spaces (Buffalo’s suburbs), I had to learn and study the culture, my culture, black culture and open my mind to possibilities. I believe I got to where I am now through phases of trying. Just trying. And as I went through trial and error with my blog, life, relationships, etc, it informed me deeper on what I could do and how my commentary could be valuable. I’m still finding my path as a blogger and digital creator in the Hip-Hop music landscape but I am more confident now. And I intend to keep building.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Though I didn’t graduate from Buff State, I attended for two years as a Journalism major. I made many great connections. That was my entrance into the wildly diverse and talented community here in Buffalo NY. It truly gave me perspective.

After my time in college, I interned for local publications like The Public Newspaper, and WNY Muslims, among many other small contributions. I happened to go to a Buffalo Bloggers event and met Kristy Mangel, this badass girl boss that ran Qween City Webzine- I really flourished on her platform and she let me do my first writing series called “Fiery Femcees” where I interviewed and wrote about Che Noir, 7xve The Genius, A.I. The Anomaly and Desiree Kee – all super dope lady lyricists that are still doing their thing. That built my confidence and work ethic as a writer. It didn’t take long for me to put more energy into Sneakvibing and re-introduce it as a Buffalo-based Hip-Hop blog.

I also have to mention, with a Hip-Hop blog run mostly by women and created by a black woman, my aspiration is to create a space for diversity of both artists and audiences. I think sometimes people forget that men are not the only demographic that are Hip-Hop heads. You know, as we enter into a new era where we challenge the status quo and the small-minded thinking that in many ways have plagued Hip-Hop culture, I am reimagining what a Hip-Hop community would look like without those societal constraints. And I am hoping as it grows, my viewers, followers and audience will be able to see that and maybe learn something new while engaging in something they’re passionate about.

Most recently, more opportunities have come my way. I currently freelance write for Buffalo Magazine, Buffalo Spree and The historic Challenger News. I just hosted Sneakvibing’s first-ever Hip-Hop show with an all-women lineup in partnership with UB Arts Collaboratory. And I am very proud about that work.

We even have a small team of creators/ writers here at Sneakvibing (S/O Marc, Falisha, Eula and Shayla!) Very excited to see what’s next for all of us.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If you’re interested in checking out Sneakvibing Blog, tap in with our Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and the Blog. We’re looking forward to engaging with more people and more artists from all different places!

Contact Info:

• Email: Aytchforum@gmail.com
• Website: Sneakvibing.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sneakvibingblog?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Twitter: Twitter.com/sneakvibingblog
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCYrUdNZbbSISj8ib_oaDzcQ
• Other: https://aytchschondra.journoportfolio.com/

Image Credits
Sara Sheidinger Money Jeffries Hubert Gitego