“She has a voice that captures your attention the moment she starts singing,” comments super-producer Christopher Starr whose production credits are featured on her new track, “City Lights.” On “City Lights,” the first single from a compilation of music she created for her forthcoming EP on CSP Music Group, she unveils her remarkable talents as she introduces her song-writing skills on a song that elevates females with meaning. The uplifting track is a portrayal of a women’s “Queendom,” that centers on the beauty of a women that radiates within. Throughout the song, LyriQ encourages women to see themselves as “Queens” who merit high standards, only deserving of a “King” as their man. “Got the crown I am Royal/Don't do well with disloyalty/Got standards we only, making room for kings/Ain't got time to upgrade you/don't deserve no lame playas/Just know my Queendom gone shine…” “That Royal mentality running through our brains/walk with so much confidence you yearn to know our names…” In preparation for her first self-composed single and EP, smartly LyriQ sought out the assistance of Atlanta’s acclaimed CSP Music Group Founder Christopher Starr to guide her career. Starr who has churned out numerous contagious tracks, is widely recognized for song collaborations with Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, and Chris Brown. Under his direction she teamed with him and studio engineer Bishop to lay the groundwork to a series of songs that mirror her life experiences, with a purpose to boost the spirits of others. “Soulful and empowering,” is how she describes the mood on the EP. LyriQ cultured the art of music while attending McNally Smith College of Music, a premier establishment for the musical arts, where she earned a degree in Music Business. Later she attended Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) (NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Jerry Rice), where she studied classical vocal training. But she knew she had to take a leap of faith and sacrifice her college education if she wanted to pursue her dream of becoming a recording artist. She continued on her journey to cultivate her passion and mold her brand by building on her colorful education and creative force for vocal excellence, and chose Atlanta as the place to do so. There, she invested time to train with premier vocal instructors at Jan Smith (“Mama Jan”) Studios, a leading industry vocal ground that boasts an artist roster that includes Drake, Ciara, Ludacris, Justin Beiber, Trey Songz and more. She names Jonelle Monae, Lauren Hill, J Cole, Marvin Gaye, Sade and R. Kelly as some of her music influences, because of her attraction to originality and the lyrical content in their songs. LyriQ also reveals her admiration for varied genres of story-telling songs - from rap and hip hop to blues and country. LyriQ LaShay was raised by both parents in Omaha, NE, and grew up one of seven adopted children in a household with fourteen brothers and sisters. She reflects on her home life as “challenging, but fun” and recalls her adoptive mother recounting her “imitating melodies since she was a baby. Born to be a singer.” Like most adopted kids who experience abandonment on learning of their adoption, LyriQ struggled with emotions triggered by an open arrangement agreed on between her mother(s). The plan permitted her natural mother frequent visitation rights, which divided her between two homes. The split triggered her harbored emotions of confusion on being rejected and given up by her real mom at the tender age of just 2 weeks old. Dealing with these battles motivated her to begin journaling her thoughts and writing poetry. She took to penning her frustrations and desires on paper. Little did she know at that time that it would be her biological mother who would encourage her to move closer to her passion, which proved to be a wise career choice. Today, Lyriq is prepared to bless the world with her voice and wisdom. Equipped with rich vocals and songs with purpose, LyriQ is primed to sit regally among the circle of ground-breaking “New Artists to Watch.” It’s witnessed in the spirit of her music! Follow LyriQ and Hear Her Music http://facebook.com/lyriqlashay http://www.twitter.com/Lyriqlashay/ http://www.instagram.com/yriqlashay/