Today we’d like to introduce you to Pinqy Ring.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Telling my story has become the crux of my artistry, but there was a time when I was unable to do that. Born and raised as a Puerto Rican Pentecostal in Chicago, I was not allowed to find my own voice or express my identity how I saw fit. You’ll imagine my parents’ horror when, even after receiving my degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, I told them I wanted to be a rapper. But, it was my calling, through trials and tribulations Hip Hop music was my therapy. And now, after many successes, I’m proud to say my parents are on board and are my biggest fans yet! Now, I continue to share my narrative – the good, bad and ugly – in order to reach youth of color and young women in Chicago because reaching their highest potential is what will help them tell their own story and create their legacy one day.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a Chicago, Puerto Rican, woman rapper. I say all of those things because each of those labels have been the intersections in which my work takes place. I praise my city in my music, I uplift and create awareness for my island, I work proudly as a feminist in my music and I represent Hip Hop culture through and through. In 2004, I was in a car accident that left me in a coma, and my story could have ended then and there. I was an angry teen, hurt by past traumas and unaware of self. Through surpassing that and finding my identity it’s important to note that my work comes from an authentic place that wants to create change in music. I hope people take away that their stories, too, are valuable and that pursuing your highest passions may be difficult but certainly not impossible.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My main piece of advice would be to not doubt yourself. This world is already set to bring us down, let’s not be another person in the way of our own success. Create consistently, but forgive yourself for periods of non-creation. Invest in yourself and find ways to give back. Make sure you are asking for help, but also using that knowledge to help others. Lastly – network network network! As the saying goes, it’s not what you know but who you know. I would venture to say it’s a combination of the two that will make you unstoppable.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can find me online at www.PINQYRING.com, on Facebook by searching Pinqy Ring, on Instagram @Pinqy_Ring and on Twitter at @PinqyRing. People can also support my work by coming to shows or spending dollars on merchandise and music. Let’s work collectively to end the narrative of the starving artist, and let’s uplift our communities voice by supporting in a multitude of ways!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PINQYRING.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pinqy_ring
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinqyring
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/pinqyring
Image Credit:
Vanessa Villa Photography (2nd & 4th Photo)
Autumn B Photography (1st & 3rd Photo)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
