Tash P
From Harrisburg to Hip Hop’s Rising Star
When people ask Latasha “Tash P” Perry where her story begins, she doesn’t hesitate: “Harrisburg, you know, that’s home, it’s what made me Tash P.” For Tash, Harrisburg is more than just a city—it’s the backdrop for every formative moment, the place that gave her both grit and inspiration. Growing up in Harrisburg in the early 2000s meant being surrounded by realness, resilience, and a sense of community where everyone knew your name. It was a place where music was everywhere—on street corners, in living rooms, and, most memorably for Tash, on the school bus.At 14, while most kids were still figuring out who they were, Tash P was discovering her voice. The MySpace era was booming—back when sharing music online felt revolutionary and every new friend request could change your life. “I’m kinda telling my age, but it was the MySpace days, lol,” she laughs. But for Tash, music started even before the uploads and profile songs. It started on those legendary high school bus rides home, where local teens would freestyle, battle, and show off their lyrical skills. “I used to hear other high school artists rap on the bus. I didn’t even know I could rap until I tried seriously, ‘cause I used to just rap with my homegirls and just make up silly rhymes.”What began as playful banter became something deeper. “I just kept trying, honestly. Pretty soon, I became one of the artists that rapped on the back of the bus too.” That space—raucous, supportive, competitive—became her first stage. It was here that Tash learned to hold her own, to command attention, and to let her creativity flow without fear or filter. The back of the bus was a proving ground, and Tash quickly became known as someone who could spit with the best of them.But Harrisburg’s influence went beyond music. The city taught her about loyalty, about standing tall, and about never forgetting where you come from. “That’s really where it all started for me. It was about being fearless, putting yourself out there, and just letting the music flow.” The lessons she learned here—about authenticity and ambition—would follow her throughout her career.
As Tash P’s confidence grew, so did her ambition. She started recording her own tracks—raw, unpolished, but full of heart—using whatever equipment she could get her hands on. “I had no idea about mixing and mastering at the time—just made a music MySpace.” In those days, MySpace was more than a social network; it was a digital stage, a place where unknown artists could connect with fans, collaborators, and even industry insiders.It was through MySpace that Tash’s world expanded. “I met the CEO K.O. (Danny) on MySpace around age 17 or 18. I sent one of my songs—I think I used to record on my computer—he heard it, was in the same city, next thing you know I’m rolling with them.” That simple message changed everything. K.O. saw something in Tash before she even fully believed in herself. He invited her to join Sykkline Entertainment, an independent label that was home to a tight-knit crew of up-and-coming artists: Spitz, Yinnix, Tuck, Shak, Mookie (R.I.P), and more.Sykkline was more than a label—it was a family. “Sykkline was honestly the blueprint of Tash P outside of my high school shenanigans. They saw the talent waaay before I did.” The crew welcomed her with open arms, giving her space to experiment, to learn, and to grow. “They really paved the way for me and showed me how to be an artist. They taught me about writing, performing, and the business. It was more than music—it was about building something together.”Studio sessions with Sykkline were legendary—long nights fueled by ambition and creativity, where everyone pushed each other to be better. “We were all hungry, just trying to make our mark. Sykkline gave me the space to experiment, to fail, to get back up and try again.” They celebrated each other’s wins, supported each other through setbacks, and built a foundation that would last long after the music stopped playing.Being part of Sykkline also meant learning the ropes of the industry—the importance of networking, the realities of promotion, and the power of believing in your own vision. “I learned so much from them—not just about music, but about life.” For Tash, those early years were about more than just finding her sound; they were about finding her tribe.
By 19, Tash P was no longer just a local talent—she was a force to be reckoned with. The turning point came when she was awarded Best Female Artist at the Central PA Hip Hop Awards. “Winning Best Female Artist indeed was huge! I was only 19 at the time, so it was kinda at that moment when I was like, ok, I really can make music, I really have a gift.”This wasn’t just another accolade—it was a moment of self-realization. For Tash, the award was validation that her passion, her persistence, and her willingness to put herself out there had paid off. “That win made me believe in myself. It was proof that all the hard work, all the bus rides, all the late nights in the studio were worth it. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing, to dream bigger.”But the recognition also came with responsibility. Suddenly, Tash had an audience looking up to her, peers cheering her on, and a city rooting for her success. She was determined not to let them down. “It wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about representing Harrisburg, representing women in hip hop, and showing the next generation that anything is possible.”Winning the award opened new doors—bigger shows, more collaborations, and a growing fanbase. But for Tash, the most important thing was staying true to her roots. “No matter how far I go, I’ll always be that girl from Harrisburg who started on the back of the bus.”
Looking back, Tash P sees those early years as the spark that ignited everything that followed. Each bus ride, each studio session, each small victory and setback was a building block, shaping not just her music, but her character. “Those bus rides, those studio sessions, those first shows—they made me who I am. They taught me to be fearless, to trust my voice, and to keep going no matter what.”Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and community. She didn’t have fancy equipment or a major label deal—just a computer, a MySpace page, and relentless drive. “I learned to never give up, to keep showing up for myself, and to always remember where I came from.”For Tash, the lessons of Harrisburg and Sykkline are woven into every lyric, every performance, and every new project. “These early experiences didn’t just shape my sound—they shaped me. I’m grateful for every moment, every lesson, every challenge. They made me the artist, and the woman, I am today.”As she continues to rise, Tash P carries her city, her crew, and her younger self with her—proof that greatness can start anywhere, even in the back of a Harrisburg school bus.
There are artists whose voices linger in your mind long after the last note fades, but few can warm your heart quite like Tea. Known on stage by a name that’s both a clever pun and a perfect metaphor, Tea pours her soul into every note, delivering music that comforts and uplifts, just like a steaming cup of tea on a chilly day. This is more than a stage name—it’s a reflection of her spirit, her artistry, and the impact she has on everyone lucky enough to listen.
Tea didn’t choose her name on a whim. Over the years, she noticed a pattern: people would approach her after shows, or slide into her DMs, sharing how her music helped them through heartbreak, loss, or moments of doubt. Some said her voice “ministered to their soul,” while others described feeling lighter and more hopeful after hearing her sing. Tea realized she was, quite literally, serving comfort and healing—one song at a time. That’s when it clicked: her music wasn’t just entertainment, it was a warm embrace, a light in the darkness. She became “Tea”—the artist who soothes and inspires.
Tea’s musical journey began before most kids can tie their shoes. Raised in a family where church was the heartbeat of the community, she found her first stage at five years old. Her uncle, recognizing her gift, handpicked her to sing a solo at their family church. The congregation was stunned—a tiny girl with a big, soulful voice, singing with the conviction of someone decades older. That moment wasn’t just a proud family memory; it was the spark that lit Tea’s lifelong passion for music.
By twelve, Tea had become the lead vocalist for her church’s youth choir. It was a big responsibility, but it taught her something priceless: how to lead, how to trust her instincts, and how to inspire others through music. “That experience built up a confidence in myself that I am as great as I think I am, and the sky is the limit,” she reflects. Those early days shaped not just her voice, but her sense of self-worth and her belief in the power of music to connect and uplift.
Tea’s teen years took her behind the scenes, where she honed her craft as a background vocalist for other artists—both live and in the studio. Far from being a step back, this chapter deepened her love for music’s subtler side. She fell in love with harmony, the magic of blending voices, and the thrill of creating ad libs that add unexpected flavor to a song. These skills now define her sound, giving her music a richness and emotional depth that’s instantly recognizable.
Ask Tea what’s happening inside when she sings, and she’ll describe a spark in her chest—a physical, electric feeling that tells her she’s exactly where she’s meant to be. “I close my eyes and feel every note before I belt it out,” she says. For Tea, singing isn’t just performance; it’s a full-body, soul-deep experience. Each show is a chance to connect, to heal, and to remind her audience (and herself) that music is a universal language of hope.
Tea’s artistry is a colorful blend of influences. She draws on the electric showmanship of Michael Jackson, the timeless soul of The Temptations, the emotional honesty of Selena, the smooth brilliance of Brandy, the creative spark of Victoria Monét, and the raw storytelling of Jessie Reyez. These legends inspire her harmonies, her chord choices, and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Tea’s songwriting is lightning-fast—she can write a full song in less than ten minutes—yet every lyric is packed with meaning and heart.
What does Tea hope you feel when you press play on her music? Pure passion. “Music is the only form of art that feels like home,” she shares. She wants listeners to feel that sense of belonging, to know they’re not alone, and to find comfort in her melodies.
Tea’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. In 2013, she signed as the lead female vocalist with Realeyez Entertainment, performing at Baltimore’s AFRAM Festival and countless open mic venues. Each performance brought new fans and deeper self-assurance. It was the audience’s response, their cheers and heartfelt messages, that made Tea realize: “I belong here.”
Looking to expand her reach, Tea released a Christmas album on SoundCloud, putting her own soulful twist on beloved classics. It was a strategic move—familiar songs, but with her signature warmth and originality, inviting new listeners to experience her voice in a fresh way.
Now, Tea is stepping boldly into her solo chapter. She’s evolving—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally—and her upcoming debut EP is a reflection of that growth. The project is deeply personal, charting her journey through heartbreak, healing, and self-love. “It shows a positive outlook on life and to love yourself first. It shows a vulnerable side that I’ve been hurt, and to not be afraid to walk away from what isn’t meant for you,” she says. “You are in control of your life and no one else. No one can save you, but you.”
In an industry that often pressures artists to fit a mold, Tea remains fiercely authentic. “I am very protective of my music because it is my baby. I only want to produce art that is authentic to me,” she explains. She’s proud to stand out and be different, trusting that the right people will connect with her music—and the wrong ones simply won’t.
Like many artists, Tea’s journey hasn’t been without detours. She stepped away from music for a while, pouring her energy into motherhood and daily life. But music never left her soul. “The only thing I’ve ever been passionate about was music. So, I dived back in full force. I owe it to myself to fulfill my purpose and do what makes me light up inside.”
To experience Tea live is to feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her shows are more than performances—they’re gatherings of comfort, connection, and inspiration. “I want people to feel empowered when they leave, to never give up on yourself, and if you don’t believe in yourself then who will?”
Tea dreams big. She hopes to collaborate with artists like Jessie Reyez, Victoria Monét, Kevin Ross, Ari Lennox, and Alex Vaughn. Her next milestones? A successful EP release, a record deal, and a countrywide tour—spreading her message of hope, healing, and authenticity to listeners everywhere.In every song, every show, and every heartfelt lyric, Tea proves that music—like a perfect cup of tea—has the power to change lives, one soul at a time.
Twavette doesn’t just sing—she sang . And if you grew up anywhere near a church choir stand, a quartet anniversary, or a sanctuary where the music hits so hard it raises the hair on your arms, you already understand the difference.
For Twavette, those early moments weren’t just “practice.” They were training grounds. They were the spaces where she learned that a voice can do more than carry a melody—it can captivate , shake a room, and leave people changed.
Church taught her the difference between singing and “sangin”
When Twavette talks about her upbringing, she doesn’t describe it like a cute origin story. She describes it like a foundation . Church harmonies taught her discipline, control, and power—but more than anything, they taught her what it feels like when a voice is so full of emotion and intention that it becomes unforgettable.
“It taught me the difference between singing and sangin,” she says. “It taught me that the voice has the ability to captivate.”
That word— captivate —matters. Because in the world Twavette came up in, vocals weren’t background decoration. They were the main event.
