Lyric Michelle Shares “Free Thoughts Freestyle” and Announces New Album
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Poet, emcee and lyricist Lyric Michelle has just debuted her new music video for "Free Thoughts Freestyle”. Fresh off of playing HipHopDX's official SXSW showcase earlier this month in Austin, Lyric is gearing up to release the album Free Thoughts this May. Known for fusing southern charm, a touch of poetry and a blast of ferocious lyricism, Lyric Michelle is pushing boundaries and opening doors for female emcees.
Winning Houston's Album of the Year and Best Lyricist awards from the Houston Pres with the
release of her 2016 critically acclaimed album MissDirection, Lyric is fast becoming recognized as one of the leading rising artists from the South. Praise for Lyric's provocative sound has poured in from Rolling Stone, NPR, Noisey, and BET among others. Multi-talented, Lyric is also an actress, appearing on a pilot that premiered on Issa Rae's online creative network and winning the Audience Choice Award in the most recent Pan African Film Festival.
For Lyric, it's not just about the music - it's about opening doors for a new crop of female emcees intent on proving that when it comes to lyrical skill, they can go toe to toe with any of their male peers in the game. And indeed she can, as proven after being selected as a Pop Montreal Festival Artist and repeated appearances as an official SXSW and A3C artist.
"I feel as though when people comment on a black woman's strength, they neglect to mention the pain that is needed to create such strength. People forget. I want to remind them."
More about Lyric Michelle:
Chicago bred and Houston raised, Lyric initially got her start in poetry, eventually making a smooth transition from penning prose to spitting bars. Formally bursting onto the scene in 2011 with a cover of J. Cole’s “Light Please,” Lyric easily set herself apart by providing a fresh perspective on Cole’s original theme. From there she quickly gained momentum, as well as a cult following of sorts, opening for or performing alongside artists including Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica, Travis Scott, Joe Budden, Casey Veggies, Mick Jenkins, Jean Grae and more.