EQUATE Introducing: Latashá

For LA-based creative force Latashá, who she is now, is everything she’s ever wanted to be and more. Bursting into the scene with confidence, and unapologetic sex appeal, the Brooklyn-raised Latinx star is as bold and empowering as the visuals for her latest single “GoGo Wyne” – an anthem that encourages women to overcome anything in their paths and shine in the face of adversity. The track, released in the height of the political uprising due to protests against police brutality & racism in the US was described by Latashá as “an anthem for Black women,”, and blends deep carnival club sounds with Latashá’s signature smooth rap flow and is the second taste of Latashá’s career-defining new music. Latashá’s genre-bending music is often politically charged and she’s no stranger to voicing her opinions and standing for what she believes in - with a lot of her focus particularly geared towards encouraging Black women to take charge of their stories, lives and art. Speaking about “GoGo Wyne”, Latashá explained: “Being in these times, it’s been so challenging to create as a Black artist in America. So much has been taken away from Black artists, and I’m tired of it. ‘GoGo Wyne’ is not just my affirmation song but it’s the manifestation of my people’s success, despite what others might think of our worth. It’s a reminder of our magic even when they try to kill us.”

Read the interview below…

Words by Danielle Temeng

EQ: As an artist and person who is Latashá - do you ever feel like you need to separate one from the other.

L: Nah, I don’t feel like I need to separate one from the other, because the artist and the person combined form my true identity. Latashá the artist-with an accent- is an accentuation of me. She’s a lot more open and bold. Latasha, the person is mad chill and laid-back. But both sides of me are part of my total scope and the person I want to be in this world.

EQ: And who would you cite as your main inspirations?

L: Hmm..this is a tough one because my inspirations change often, but most recently I’ve been really inspired by the world we live in, seeing what people need, and wanting to give value to the world. I want to be known as the person who offers tools for healing and feeling something, so you can heal and find yourself instead of waiting for a saviour. I’ve also been drawing inspiration from artists who gave value to me, like Missy Elliot, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Bob Marley, Toni Morrison, Audrey Lorde, and even the people closest to me, my friends and family.

EQ: Being based in LA your name is one that some may find as reminiscent of the well-known case of Latasha Harlins, did you have any reservations initially when becoming an artist and using this as your stage name?

L: Well, my birth name is Latashá Alcindor, so I wanted to stay true to who I am—I’m your every day, around-the-way homegirl. When I was younger, I always thought the last name ‘Alcindor’ was interesting because I share a last name with Kareem Abdul Jabar—his family name is Alcindor too. He was an LA Laker, so I’ve always had this connection with ‘LA.’ As a Black Latinx woman, sharing a first name with Latasha Harlins is a reminder for me to continue to use art as my activism, especially when it comes to causes that are close to and affect Black women. Knowing these types of stories shows that there’s still a necessity to push for change, a necessity to go hard for the things I believe in, and a necessity to protect Black women at all costs.

EQ: You are no stranger to airing your political opinions in your art, and your music is an ultimate ode to black girl joy, why do you think this is so important especially in the current climate?

L: I think the world can see why it’s so important to promote Black girl joy, especially with everything going on. Some people are afraid of us, and instead of trying to understand or respect us, they’re killing us. Not to mention our stories aren’t being told fully, and people don’t see the value in us as human beings. I feel like it’s my mission to keep highlighting our value and our humanity in my music, so all the Black girls who feel like they can’t move or just be are reminded that they’re all-powerful.

EQ: …and where do you get your immense and infectious confidence from?

L: My confidence comes from the inner child in me who’s always wanted to be recognized and seen. Growing up, I was pretty sheltered. I was raised in Brooklyn to Caribbean Latinx parents, so I wasn’t allowed to be out and about, I was always taught to keep my mouth quiet, and I didn’t always have the space to express myself. But when I got older, I got the chance to speak my truth. The adult version of me is just my inner child finally linking up. I’m living my inner child’s dreams.

” I think the world can see why it’s so important to promote Black girl joy, especially with everything going on. Some people are afraid of us, and instead of trying to understand or respect us, they’re killing us…”

- LATASHÁ

EQ: You’ve spoken about leaving your 9-5 job to pursue music, what inspired that shift, and what advice would you give to young musicians hoping to pursue music full-time?

L: Now that I’m a little older and have transitioned into being a full-time artist, I would say, make that jump when you’re mentally, spiritually, and physically equipped to do it. I had to learn a lot of shit the hard way, and even though I was able to avoid getting stuck in painful spaces, it was very challenging. My best advice would be: plan your transition, find a small team of people who believe in you enough to invest in helping you, and when you fully believe in yourself, go for it.

EQ: ‘GoGo Wyne’ is a massive bop! What was your creative process like with the track and visuals?

L: I got the record for GoGo Wyne, because a Sync company I was working with wanted me to create a dance song. But, when they heard what I came up with, they told me it was MY song. So, I stripped down a ton of sounds and stuck with the drum and the bassline. Then, I recorded and we built around my vocal production. I love GoGo Wyne because it amplifies my Caribbean roots and dancehall queen vibes.

As far as the video, we had completely different plans for that, but COVID-19 shook things up. Although we were quarantined, I wanted the video to say something deeper. So, my LyteHaus Media team and I transformed my garage into something magical. I designed what I wanted the set to look like and together we brought my vision to life. The visuals elevate this idea of Black excellence, display my different personalities, and highlight the ideas of affirmation and manifestation. I think it’s beautiful that we ended having complete creative control over the visual production of a song that talks about stepping into your power as a Black creative. Syncroncity.

EQ: You’ve opened for some amazing peers in the industry such as Big Sean, Q-Tip, Princess Nokia. What were those experiences like for you?

L: When I first opened for Big Sean I was trippin’ because I had interviewed him a few months prior for a music journalism website I worked for. I was also using this interview for a college thesis. These experiences taught me more about the power of manifestation and confirmed my career trajectory. I know that it meant I’m going to do some amazing things in the world.

EQ:…and if you could collaborate with anybody in the industry at the moment who would this be and why?

L: I have a handful of people I would love to work with. The two artists who come to mind are Erykah Badu, Toro y Moi, Megan Thee Stallion and Missy Elliot. I love what Megan is creating and doing right now, just showing women how to embrace their power. And Missy Elliot has a creative, abstract mind that is so out of this world and inspirational. I remember reading an interview on Missy, and I learned that she doesn’t allow anyone in the booth with her while she’s writing, but I would be in awe just to watch her create. Even further than working with her on music, I would honestly love for her to be my mentor, so I can get some pointers on navigating the industry and remaining authentic throughout my career.

EQ: I’m excited for what’s to come following this release. Can you let us in on what we can expect later this year into early 2021?

L: Right now, I’m working on my new web platform, Lytewrk. Lytewrk is an exposé of my creative journey and a platform that gives my fans inner tools to navigate their own journeys. It’s for creatives who want to turn their lights on, ya know? I’ve also been hosting workshops to connect with my fans about what it means to be a “manifestor” and a creative—the next live event is on October 25. There’s so much more to come, including some new music in 2021.

YouTube/Latashá

Stream ‘GoGo Wyne’ HERE

Follow Latashá on socials

Instagram: @callmelatasha