NCognita is a definitive example of hard work and dedication paying off. The 20-year-old genius with her wide range of styles and flows has earned every bit of her success, including being signed to Issa Rae’s Raedio imprint on Atlantic Records. Balancing her music career while simultaneously attending college at Loyola University, the Los Angeles native isn’t letting anything get in her way.
Let’s start with the name, what was it about NCognita that stuck with you?
The thing about the name NCognita that stuck with me is that I have always wanted to be low-key and inconspicuous. I still wanted to get my points across and share my stories while being that way. I wanted a pseudonym that represented that for me.
How does it feel to have someone so widely respected and successful as Issa Rae in your corner and supportive of your artistry?
It feels great, to say the least. To feel supported by such a powerful Black woman has been great for me, especially considering the position I am currently in as far as life. It is a reflection of everything that I have been taught while growing up as a kid. You can hustle while uplifting your community. She has so much influence, not just in television, but within the Black community in her city (Los Angeles) which is also my city.
What was it about Issa Rae’s music imprint Raedio that attracted you as a recording home?
First of all, they are based in Los Angeles. I thought it was pretty much a full-circle kind of moment. Secondly, I met with the team before signing. Everybody is just really family-oriented. They are really focused on their roles in the business and personally invested in my success. At the end of the day, I have a team that cares, and I can always talk with them. I can share my opinion and be treated like an actual human being rather than a part of the machine. That is the vibe I felt from Raedio from the beginning. They are truly genuine, and I wanted to surround myself with those kinds of people because I try to hold myself to that standard as well.
We have just witnessed Megan Thee Stallion graduating from college. You are still working towards your degree at Loyola University in New Orleans even now as a signed act. Why is the completion of your education so important to you?
The completion of education is very important to me. My grandmother has a Ph.D. She is a doctor and she let it be known at every chance. My mother has her degrees and she’s a teacher as well. I feel like the value of education and the foundation of learning have always been instilled in me since I was a child. Also, you can never have too many paths. My parents have always taught me to make room for my talent, but you also have to be a sponge and soak up all information around you. There is a lesson in everything. I think college is very important for me and will be useful throughout my whole life.
You have released several short creative and original videos to showcase your talent independently. How did you manage to stay inspired?
That’s a great question. Honestly, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hard to be inspired since we were all stuck in the house. I personally stayed inspired by diving into old records and a wide range of music. I also surrounded myself with people who are goal-oriented and have the same work ethic as me. They helped keep me inspired during the pandemic as well. I used everything I had in the house and in close proximity to keep my mind focused on creating new pieces of art that everyone can enjoy.
Having displayed such a wide range of flows and styles, tell us some of your biggest influences.
One of my biggest influences is Andre 3000. I love the way he is able to manipulate his delivery. I love J. Cole and his storytelling ability. He’s very cinematic. It’s like I’m watching a movie. I love Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill… The list goes on, but I think those are my top five. Wait, I have to say one more. I love Ludacris. He’s another big influence on me.
What would say has been the most difficult part of your journey so far? What has been the best?
The most difficult part of my journey has been learning to allow people to help me. Honestly, I feel I have always been a person who doesn’t ask for help. I personally like to take on a lot of the responsibilities, myself. But when you merge with a team, you have to be open to listening to their ideas and perspectives. I didn’t want anyone to try to change me, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case. I quickly made the adjustment and it’s been great. The best part has been going to these camps that Issa Rae has. I have had the chance to connect with a lot of people. The thing that I thought was working against me, in the beginning, has become my biggest blessing.
Be’n Original
