Don't believe me just ask Fat Joe about MISS ISSA!!!
I know for the past couple of weeks I have been showing you up and coming Latino rappers but this week I will introduce you to a Latina that is putting it down in the music world. Miss Issa Bayaua. Issa’s music is a combination of R&B and Latin music, infused with urban beats and rhythms for a sound you have not heard before! Issa’s music stays based in R&B grooves and sensual, passionate vocals, but combines sounds and images from her Latina/Filipina upbringing for a hot new sound that will sizzle and melt your mind, body and soul.
Issa’s interest in music began at an early age, her mother was a singer and her uncles have a Mariachi band, and she grew up listening to the likes of Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Temptations, Tina Turner and Donna Summers. From the time she was 5 years old, Issa’s mother would bring her to city parks and have her sing in front of everybody who was in the park. Issa sang all different sorts of songs from both male and female artists, and from many genres of music. As she got older, she listened to a wide variety of music including jazz, pop, R&B and rock, but was especially drawn to the strong, soulful voices of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Christina Aguilera, and the sassy, female-empowering rhymes of TLC.
Issa was born in San Diego and is the youngest of five siblings and was the comedian of the group. In fact her mother didn’t think she would stick to singing because every time the mic was put in front of her she would start joking around. As she hit high school she moved to Houston and got really serious about her singing. Issa eventually grew tired of the Houston scene she moved to Los Angeles. In late 2004 obtained an audition for TLC’s television show “R U the Girl” where she secured a finalist position. Pero when she got the contract she realized that it would limit her options, in fact they were asking her to give up her rights to the music, lyrics and just about anything she was going to create. So she walked away from the show because she felt if she could land a position as finalist for “R U the Girl,” she could probably find some other opportunities as well. Her confidence didn’t let her down and so far it has paid off, she was introduced to Kairi Brown, who recognized the potential she had and quickly signed her to Sound on Sound Entertainment. She has also been doing some modeling and was also featured in Fuego Magazine.
Her first single, “Stay Up”, is getting airplay in Los Angeles and other cities in California and she is getting some interest from stations in Texas, Colorado and Nevada. Not bad for a 23 year old Latina. Issa’s songs convey love to that special someone, along with some good upbeat party songs, and a song that celebrates a farewell to an ex who doesn’t appreciate what he had. Her music combines sensual R&B vocals with catchy dance grooves for a unique, sexy sound. Production credits include Big Bert (J-Lo), Dom and Blake, Del Pearson, and Marc Kinchen. Issa is very happy with the results and is excited to share her music with the world.
Issa describes her upcoming project, “There is a lot of love in my music, and I hope people feel that love when they listen to my album. I was trying to communicate love of life, love for that special someone, and appreciation of good friends and good times. Life is a gift and an adventurous experience, and I want to express that through my music.”
Issa is working on finishing her debut album, which will be released the early March don’t be surprised if you here her bumping in your car as your heading to the club or to work!
