Aina Brei'Yon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aina Brei’Yon.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey in the music industry started at the tender age of nine. What started as a means of communication turned into my passion and before I knew it music became my save and grace.

I learned early on that my creativity and individuality would be tested in this industry. I was originally signed to an indie label and the moment the record deal offers started coming in, it became obvious that my image was more important than my talent. My label and I parted ways and I’ve been on my own ever since.

As an award-winning Independent Artist, I have put in the work. I’ve performed all over the world; both domestically and internationally, opening for music greats such as J. Holiday, Talib Kweli, B2K, Keith Murrayand Crucial Conflict to name a few.

In 2018, the world grabbed front row tickets to what is now called The Aina Brei’Yon Experience. After a successful performance on the main stage at ONE MUSIC FEST in front of 40K Atlanta festival goers, alongside Nas, H.E.R., Miguel, Rapsody and a plethora of headliners, I set out to leave my mark on the music world.

My mission is to change the narrative that we now know as Hip Hop. I’m determined to show this male-dominated industry that you can be successful without degrading our women or selling drugs to our children.

In addition to great success in my artistry I also opened my own production company; 3K9 Productions. This is another platform that I use to lift up our women and inspire everyone to walk in their truths. I believe that love will always win so I do everything I can to be love. Simply put, I will give this world all that I have until I am no longer here. That is the only way that I can die empty. Which means living in my purpose on purpose.

Has it been a smooth road?
Being an independent artist and entrepreneur is always a struggle because you don’t always have the resources you need to reach the masses. Yet in still, I love the space that I am in mentally. I have full creative control and that makes me free.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the 3K9 Productions story. Tell us more about the business.
3K9 Productions is a full-service music production company. We offer music production, songwriting, composing and publishing services. I was really nervous when it can time to launch 3K9 Productions because the fear of the unknown is a real thing. Lucky for me, I don’t let fear take over. I knew that this next level was necessary in my journey so I went for it.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The music industry is always evolving. The masses are fickle and trends have a short life span. I honestly believe that as long as I remain genuine and true to who I am my talents will outlast any trend. In 5 years I will be a household name not because I’m better than anyone but because I’m genuine.

Contact Info:

Website: www.ainabreiyon.com
Email: info@ainabreiyon.com
Instagram: Ainabreiyon & 3k9productions
Facebook: Ainabreiyon
Twitter: Ainabreiyon - Voyage LA

Aina Brei’Yon’s purpose is loud and clear in her music. While her endeavors include everything from rapping to songwriting to producing and engineering, the rising independent artist makes it her goal to change the narrative of hip-hop, one listener at a time. Read more…

Hailing from the hood in the South Side of Chicago, Roseland to be exact, real name Marquita Brooks saw everything you’d expect in the streets, from gang violence to drug deals to fatherless homes. 4 years ago, she took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams of music and leaving an imprint on this earth.

Her mantra? There’s a beautiful life on the other side of what we’ve been through. Aina reminds us we do have control and we can heal, as long as we find our purpose and go for what we love.

For those who don’t know, who is Aina Brei’Yon?
I am a creator, an artist of life period. I do music first, that’s my first passion. I’m just me! I don’t really know how to break it down. I’m an artist.

What sets you apart from other female rappers?
I’m authentic. I really don’t follow a lot of trends, I do whatever feels right at the time and wherever I’m at in my life. That separates me from a lot of female artists. I don’t really do the wave just to get acknowledged. I do me all the time.

How does being from the hood in Chicago motivated your career?
I knew I wanted to do something different. Me at a young age, I knew something wasn’t right about everything I was surrounded by. I didn’t really see too many people stepping into their purpose and doing anything they were passionate about. They were following a path that was set for generations and generations. Not really finding their true purpose in life. Me seeing and feeling that — I didn’t know what it was at the time — made me want to step out and see what that’s about.

How did you get into music?
Well communication in my household was non-existent. Intimacy, expressing yourself, expressing your emotions… I found writing as my first form of communication to let things out that were being suppressed because I didn’t have any outlets. I actually started off doing poetry, then it transitioned into music.

At what point did you want to do this for the rest of your life?
I was 13. I was 9 when I started writing, but 13 when I was introduced to the level of going to the studio. Just feeling that, it gave me life. Who don’t want life?

You moved to LA 4 years ago. Favorite part of the West Coast?
Me being here. [laughs] The weather, I’ll give it that. Tropical people. I live in Hollywood, I get to see it all.

What’s the inspiration behind your artist name?
I was originally called Temper, I felt that kind of boxes you in. As soon as somebody hears Temper, they box you into somebody who’s angry or not really approachable. So I changed it to Aina, I got it from Cocaina. I took off the end ‘cause I’m in my purest form right now. I can be my authentic self with no flaw in it.

You released I Missed The Summer this year. What was the creative process & how long did it take you?
Whew. I had to do a lot of reliving certain things from my past that damages a lot of people. That was my way of releasing that and stepping into my healing process. A lot of people think they’re alone in their story, so I actually chose to do it on that type of platform so people could understand “you are not alone.” In any situation that damaged you, that shaped you into this world, we living in fear. It took me 2 months, I separated from the world. Social media, everything. Isolated myself, revisited those moments and let it out.

How hard was it to revisit?
When you really think about it, you already went through it. The fact I’m not standing in it… if you can’t look back at certain things you’ve been through, and either laugh about it or just talk about it in a way that doesn’t hurt you, that means you haven’t healed. Me revisiting let me know where I really stood.

You say you’re on a mission to change the narrative of the state of hip-hop. What does that entail?
As a hip-hop artist, a lot of people want to give you this image, box you in and say “this is all you have to represent.” But we as humans go through so many different emotions. I want to talk about everything. I don’t want to be boxed in. “Oh, I’m a gangsta!” Or I’m nice one minute and won’t slap you the next. [laughs] Because life is about that. I want to show that we do go through different emotions and we can express it differently. You don’t have to box yourself in.

What are some goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
I want to plant my seeds before I die. I don’t really think of it “as an artist, I just want to do this.” I think about it as my entire existence here, I want to plant seeds and it’s up to you to water them.

Talk about the independent grind.
You lack resources, of course. When people can’t take advantage of you, they don’t really want to help you. [chuckles] But I love it because I have full creative control. I’m not gonna say I wouldn’t change it. If somewhere feels like home for me, I’d definitely do it. But right now. I love being independent.

“2nd To Youngest Child” is being inspired by J. Cole’s “Middle Child.”
He was talking about being in between 2 different generations. I was speaking from a place of my position in my family household. I’m into numerology, still learning about it. I’m the 9th child out of my mother’s 10. My soul here on earth, this my completion. This is my last go around on this planet for my soul.

Who’s in your Top 5?
Of course, J Cole. Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, me. [laughs] I’ma take Lil Kim. I have to take her.

What did Nipsey mean to you?
I connected with his spirit. I recently got put on to everything Nipsey was doing. I felt like that was lacking, then when somebody gave me that information, I began to dig in. I’m really connected with his spirit, I can’t even explain it. Something about him that connects with me.

How important is social media for your career?
Unfortunately, it has to be extremely important. [chuckles] Due to the fact that social media drives everything. Social media can make or break you right now.

How much time do you spend on it?
Mmm. [laughs] I try and protect my energy as much as I can. I can’t let social media harvest my energy, I just can’t. I do what I can. I can’t tell you how frequently I do it, but I try to stay connected with the people who choose to support my work.

Who’s your favorite person to follow on IG?
Cardi B! She’s the closest to authentic in the industry. She expresses herself. She’s a Libra, but I love the balance there. She’s passionate. She’ll tell you “my feelings are hurt,” but she’s hard at the same time. It’s the perfect balance to me, I love Cardi.

What’s a normal day in the life? Walk us through.
Sitting at home mastering my craft and mastering myself. A lot of people might think that’s boring, but I’m actually kind of lit. [chuckles] You have to be around me to know it, but I stay in the house for the most part. Master everything about me. I don’t want the world to get me down, ‘cause they will own you if you don’t own yourself.

3 things you need in the studio?
Low lights, a vape pen, and nudity. I gotta be naked in low lights. [laughs]

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?
Cooking. I still cook now. I’m working on that as well, it’s just music is at the forefront. But yes, I cook.

What’s your favorite thing to cook?
I actually don’t have a favorite dish. I cook in the same manner in which I make my music. It’s based off how I’m feeling and what feeds my soul.

Favorite song to perform in a set?
I have so many. I have this song called “Temper Room” from when they used to call me Temper. For some reason, my supporters won’t let that song go and retire it. It brings so much energy, everybody sings along with me. It’s the best.

What’s the best encounter you had with a fan?
Them actually knowing my lyrics word for word. That’s the best encounter I ever had. They make that eye connection, they say it with you, it lets me know that they connect with me and everything I’m saying — not just what I’m saying.

Dream collab?
Bruno Mars! I always say him. I don’t know what it is about Bruno. I love Bruno. - YOUNG CALIFORNIA

Aina Brei'Yon is an award winning artist, having opened for acts including Hip Hop legend Talib Kweli, J. Holiday and B2K. She was recently a nominee at the Independent Music Awards (IMA's) and released tickets to The Black Lion Experience, a ten city tour. - URBAN MAGAZINE

Rapper Aina Brei’Yon is repping Chicago's Wild 100's and now she's in L.A. taking control of her career.

Aina Brei’Yon is dubbed Chicago’s female version of J. Cole, which actually makes sense upon hearing her music.

The artist, engineer, producer, songwriter, creative director, composer and performer is a breath of fresh air from the rest of the female MCs, in that she brings substance and purpose into the state of hip-hop.

Moving to Los Angeles 4 years ago, Aina currently resides in Hollywood in the heart of it all. Most recently, she unleashed her project I Missed This Summer and was recognized at the17th annual Independent Music Awards (IMAs) for her success as an artist.

AllHipHop sat down with Aina to discuss J. Cole’s influence, Chicago upbringing, and more.

AllHipHop: How does being from Chicago influence your life & career?

Aina Brei'Yon: Born and raised from the South Side of Chicago, they call it the Wild 100s. South Side of Chicago, that’s where all of my life experiences come from, everything that shaped me into who I am. Making that move to LA was just me stepping out on faith. Everything I learned and knew, I took a chance. No stability behind it, none of that. No real plan, I just know to go. That green light flash, I just go!

AllHipHop: What did you see growing up?

Aina Brei'Yon: Ooh, I’m from the actual hood. I know a lot of people claim Chicago and be living on the outskirts of Chicago, but I’m from Roseland. I’ve seen a lot. Nothing I can really put into detail right here, I put a lot into my music. I’ve seen a lot of fatherless homes, a lot of gang activities, single mothers at a young age... a lot.


AllHipHop: Who are the artists you grew up on?

Aina Brei'Yon: Tupac, out the bread! That was my baby. Biggie, I had a lot of old school influences ‘cause my parents are older. I was blessed to be raised in that type of household where I was introduced to music, even from the 60’s, 70’s. A lot of Tupac in my life, I love Tupac.

AllHipHop: Favorite Tupac song?

Aina Brei'Yon: All of them! [laughs] “Me Against The World,” I’ll say that one. Right next to that is “Brenda Got A Baby” because he talked about things a lot of people wasn’t really talking about.

AllHipHop: Talk about J Cole’s influence in your life in career.

Aina Brei'Yon: I just love J Cole. I love the fact that he don’t do what every artist has to do. He don’t really have to sell himself in order to sell. He has that type of life where he’s like “I’m gonna go move away from everybody. I still got my privacy, but I’m still out here in the public eye.” I absolutely adore that about J Cole.

AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?

Aina Brei'Yon: That there’s beautiful life on the other side of what we’ve been through. A lot of people don’t know how to let go. They don’t understand that they’re controlling their destination. They’re in control of everything. A lot of people don’t think they are, so they don’t really even seek their own power. We do have control. You can heal.

AllHipHop: You say Lil Kim is in your Top 5, fav Lil Kim song?

Aina Brei'Yon: Ooh, that’s a tough one. I have to revisit those moments. I love all her entire bodies of work. I can’t single out a certain one. All of them.

AllHipHop: What advice do you have for someone who wants to do what you do?

Aina Brei'Yon: Just do it. A lot of people don’t just do it. They don’t step out on faith. They have no faith in themselves. How can you have faith on anything outside of yourself if you don’t have faith in yourself? You have to just do it. There’s no such thing as failure.

You gain from everything you go through just by putting yourself in that experience. Don’t just be here existing. That defeats the purpose of life because you’re not even walking in your purpose. Just do it, that’s the best thing I can tell you. - ALL HIP HOP

PRESSED: For our readers who have never heard of Aina Brei'Yon, describe the artist.

AINA: Aina Brei’Yon is a visionary that embodies the beauty and strength that every woman possesses. She is a creator of experiences who inspires her supporters to embrace their creativity while paving their own lanes.

PRESSED: Emerging from the South side of Chicago, how important is your hometown to you?

AINA:: I can thank hometown for the woman that I have become. The streets shaped me and my environment taught me the true meaning of freedom. My people are powerful and I hope they see that power in me.

PRESSED: Who or what inspired you to chase the dream?

AINA: Everything that I experienced as a child inspired me to express myself. We weren't strong communicators in my family so music became my outlet. The more I needed to express the more my talents evolved. Before I knew it I was on a mission that was destined for greatness.

PRESSED: Who’s your biggest influence when it comes to making music?

AINA: Life! Life will always be my influence followed by PAC, Biggie, Cole, Jay, 6lack, Russ and everyone who has made their own lane. I respect creators who do not follow trends. We all have stories and there is room for everyone.

PRESSED: Is there anything about your creative process that separates you from another upcoming artist?

AINA: I create music based on how I am feeling. It's genuine at all times. I am responsible for my message and therefore if it doesn't feel right I don't put it out. I'm not confined to any rules because freedom is important to me. This enables me to be in control of the process from start to finish.

PRESSED: Tell us about your current single “2nd To Youngest Child”. What's the inspiration behind the single?

AINA: I am a huge supporter of J. Cole and his work. His single " Middle Child " provided the inspiration for my single. I admire him writing from a place of two generations and therefore created a single based on my place within my family.

PRESSED: In your bio you stated you don't sing or rap, you are a Creator. Could you explain to the reader's what you mean by this.

AINA: My ability to express my self freely is important to me and that means going with what ever is flowing through me. I would not call myself a singer because I wouldn't want to disrespect true singers, however I create music that the world can rock to, lmao. I use my voice the way I know how.

PRESSED: What do you want people to get from your music?

AINA: Liberation! I want my people to no longer suppress any side of them. Be whole. Be complete. Be you.

Follow @AinaBrei'Yon - PRESSED THA MAGAZINE

When it comes to the realm of storytelling, the medium of creation can be vastly different from artist to artist. For Aina Brei’Yon, it’s more than taking a pen to paper and putting words to emotive beats; it’s about forming vibrations and raising awareness about what is beautiful in the world. No excuses, no genres, and no limits, she is known for personifying strength and never holding back.

In her recent music video for the single “Brownskin,” Brei’Yon is exemplifying her concept of staying true to no boundaries and her limitless self-expression as she examines the beauty of her subject, the object her affection, the “Brownskin” babe before her.

From the 2019 album I Missed the Summer, Brei’Yon is true master in the art of female adoration on this track as she croons lyrics to her lover like, “The way you feel show me God was real,” and “chillin’ with no makeup on, to me, that’s when you the most beautiful.”

As an out musician, Brei’Yon knows it’s important to be a visible symbol for underrated and underrepresented folks in the hip-hop scene.

“I believe it’s important because people need to see and know the real you. A lot of people believe that they are alone in what they go through in life, and my transparency shows them that they are not,” Aina Brei’Yon said to Obvious in early 2019.

Brei’Yon embraces energy and feeling and has pulled a steady and loyal fan base of multigenerational, like-minded individuals of all genders and sexualities to her sonic, honest landscape. Though the independent artist’s concepts are authentic to idealistic personification while drawing from personal experience and internal growth.

“When the world sees you one way, they believe that’s the only way you should be. I can’t be boxed in. God did not put my gift in a box with a pretty little bow on it. When I create, I create from whatever I’m feeling at the moment. No rules. No limitations. No image to protect. That’s the only true form of freedom … The freedom to stand in your truth,” she said.

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Her reality is defined by her beliefs, a message that transcends through her music and resonates in a space of self-expression and veteran prowess.

With more than two decades of entertainment experience under her belt, she has manifested not only a successful career in music, she is also the founder and CEO of 3K9 Productions. Her dedication to creativity and honing her craft while maintaining her authentic and independent voice make her an obvious choice for this week’s feature.

So, you know what to do; turn that sound up for Aina Brei’Yon! - Out Front Magazine