Shelbykay is an old soul whose roots run deep. From her early childhood in the Lone Star State to being raised in the rural south, the South Carolina native admittedly knows only one way of life – Country.
Describing her music as “Fun, relatable and real,” Shelbykay grew up in a trailer with her mother and grandmother in SC. As a little girl, her family was her first audience and encouraged her to sing and dance. While they recognized her talent early on, they didn’t see a path forward for her to pursue a career in music. She never lost that passion, however, and admits “music was always my life and saving grace.”
Looking back, Shelbykay is grateful for the encouragement of her family, especially her grandmother. “Mom and nana made a life for us here in South Carolina,” said Shelbykay. “Nana had such a huge impact on who I am today. I’ve lived in a trailer my whole life — Country is the only way of life we know.”
Shelbykay credits battle rapper and hip-hop recording artist, Blind Fury, for “pointing her in the right direction” and guiding her career after hearing her rap at a local party. Impressed by her talent, he took her into the studio where they recorded several tracks. It wasn’t long after that country rapper, Lenny Cooper, got wind of the new artist and invited her to an open mic night at his club in Columbia. Blown away by her talent, Cooper offered Shelbykay a recording contract on his new record label – Dirtified Records.
Shelbykay is inspired by life. From fishing and riding four-wheelers, to shooting guns and hanging out at a bonfire, the talented singer/rapper lives the life she sings and writes about. Her vocal chops and ability to deliver as a rapper set her far apart from the current class of up-and-coming artists.
Hoping to encourage other women to chase their dreams, Shelbykay follows her own advice – “believe in yourself so much, everyone else has no choice but to believe in you too!”