A Jewel is Born: Erikka j

Singer/Songwriter | Entertainer | Artist | Vocal Production | Voice Overs

DC born singer/songwriter, entertainer, artist, vocal producer and voice actress Erikka J is known for her rich powerhouse vocals, soulful tenor to soprano range, and commanding stage presence. As a writer, Erikka J is dedicated to giving her fans, or "Jewels" as she has named them, songs that not only sound pleasant, but that offer "Jewels" (alluding to her frequent reference to Proverbs 20:15) in the form of meaningful, honest, and relatable lyrics.

Currently based in Richmond, VA, a reputation for delivering quality, heartfelt, attention grabbing performances earned her the honor of opening for Grammy-winning recording artist Chrisette Michele to kick off the 2014 season of the "RVA Grooves" summer concert series. More recently, Erikka has headlined events at notable venues such as DC's historic Blues Alley Jazz Club and the Dumfries Summer Concert Series.

Like many vocalists, Erikka J started singing in church but began to seriously pursue her craft in high school, which she attended with other notable DMV area bred artists J. Holiday and Yahzarah. She was classically trained at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, but has a deep rooted love for hip-hop that is evident in her delivery. Influenced by staple R&B voices such as Mary J. Blige, Anita Baker and Sade, Erikka also became enamored with Billie Holiday's voice, resulting in her inclusion of many jazz influenced sounds in her own vocal production.

Since returning from a musical hiatus she took to earn her Master of Business Administration, Erikka has lived up to her "Natural Born Hustler" mantra. Noted accomplishments include landing video placements on BET Soul, MTV.com, VH1.com, and Russell Simmons' one million plus subscriber All Def Digital YouTube channel. After regularly appearing with corporate band "Attraction" under Sam Hill Entertainment and becoming a member of the Washington DC Chapter of the Recording Academy, Erikka stretched beyond music to lend her vocal talents to the voice acting world, with clients in banking, politics, as well as Gospel recording artist Dr Earnest Pugh and The DC Lottery.

A true business woman, Erikka started her own publishing & media company, is a licensed financial coach, and holds the internationally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Additionally, she founded "Hustle for Hats" - a program that provides winter hats to the homeless.

Her red hot single "Rewind" is available now on iTunes, Pandora and other digital music outlets.