“I
feel like it’s a good time for me to identify myself,” Bola says, of the development of her solo career. As one half of the female duo Xtaci, the Atlanta femcee has been making strides alongside her group-mate Sunshine since she was 15 years old. “We met Tip, Jason Geter, and the whole Grand Hustle in 2000,” she explains, recalling how Xtaci got signed to T.I. and Jason Geter’s label. “In the midst of meeting them, we were doin’ talent shows and things like that. We just clicked and became family.” Though Bola admits Xtaci wasn’t at their peak skill level at that time, Tip saw potential in the girls and put them in the studio, which back then was located in a small Atlanta apartment. Bola says T.I. became her mentor, and with his guidance Xtaci’s craft improved. Through trial and error they found their own voice and soon their music was initiated in the underground scene via DJ Drama and P$C mixtape features. A few of their songs made it to the radio, and the name Xtaci was commonly known in their hometown, but it wasn’t enough for Bola.
As the label’s roster grew, Xtaci took a backseat to artists like Young Dro, Big Kuntry, and Yung LA. Sunshine recently became a mother, and the group was put on hold temporarily. Bola explains, “People looked at us as, ‘That’s just a group on Grand Hustle’, and I couldn’t let that happen. I took it upon myself to keep grinding and keep our name strong so people don’t forget.” Branching outside of her immediate circle, Bola is currently working with her own management team, one she feels is devoted to her vision. “I wanted to show Jason that I could be more of a priority, even if I was doing my own thing,” she says proudly. Still affiliated with Grand Hustle, Bola spends a majority of her time recording with her labelmates, including Yung LA, who is featured on her current single “Everyday.” The song, which originally belonged to L.A. before Bola added her lyrics and he offered her ownership, is doing well for her. The video for “Everyday” recently hit the net, spreading throughout all the popular blog sites, and introducing Bola, a.k.a. Black Betty Boop, to the Hip Hop community. To back up her single, the first lady of Grand Hustle is covering all her bases with a new mixtape entitled Jus Gettin Started. Though she’s far from a new-comer in the rap game, Bola’s identity outside of Xtaci is just now beginning to surface. It’s a transformation she’s excited about. “It took both of our strong personalities to make up Xtaci,” she adds, “and I’m looking forward to lettin’ people see who I am.” Words by Ms. Rivercity Photo by Wiggins Studio Hair Stylist Sonya Marie
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