Bahamadia

Bahamadia is an internationally respected lyricist known for her dedication to craft. Her goal for her music is to encourage individuals in her community to support positive social change and take an active role in achieving it.  She rose to prominence in hip-hop as an artist, lyricist, and producer. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Bahamadia started out DJing at local house parties in the early to mid-1980s, and later stepped out front to polish her skills on the mic as well. She participated in a variety of projects during the late 1990s, including those of several electronica and acid jazz artists, and collaborations with The Roots and Talib Kweli. She released her critically acclaimed debut album Kollage in 1996, featuring production by Guru and DJ Premier, her next major-label release was BB Queen in 2001, followed by Good Rap Music, released in 2006. Bahamadia has participated in several benefit projects including ReNew Orleans in Philadelphia (2005), Care 4 Africa in Oslo (2008), and Party People in Capetown (2008). Often cited as a living legend in hip-hop circles, Bahamadia’s work has inspired many to express and challenge themselves as individuals and artists and contribute to the world in positive ways. Bahamadia currently runs arts workshops at Youth Emergency Services and was recently named a Creative Ambassador for the City of Philadelphia.