I want to take the time to introduce you to a Somerset County, NJ, recording artist named Substance.

Substance is a bilingual hip hop/pop musician whose style can be compared to that of Pitbull and maybe Flo-Rida, mixed with Eminem.

She is an open lesbian whose talent has been welcomed on many platforms, such as being Somerset County’s Artist Spotlight recipient and performing at schools and universities throughout the tri-state area.

Her music is driven by one mission: to uplift, encourage, and inspire the masses.

“……This is my gift from God. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to cope.” (Substance 2008)

Hailing from Brooklyn’s Bed Stuy section of New York City, “Substance” has endured her fair share of trials and tribulations. She was highly attracted to the hip-hop culture when she heard Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh’s La Di Da Di. An actual 80’s baby, it was at the tender age of nine that Substance began rapping by rearranging song lyrics of any relevant artist of that time.

Being born into a family blessed with a variety of musical talents, there is no wonder if music runs in her blood.

Substance credits her inspiration to the hip hop legend, MC Lyte. Although she encompasses a style of her own, she doesn’t mind being compared to MC Lyte, Da Brat, and the late Left-Eye, all of whom have shared in rousing the young Substance. Having always received encouragement from her mother, she considers Mom her biggest fan. With her motivation, drive, and passion for the art, Substance is ready to usher in the return of “the real hip hop” using lyricism.

Having dealt with abuse, drugs, crime, and more, to see Substance standing, despite everything she’s endured, is nothing short of amazing.