When freshman Assyria Anderson was young, she thought her dad created the popular rap songs that he would play for her. Now that she’s older, she is creating her own music, including a mixtape that she has recorded.
“When I was 11 my dad would wash dishes and play music,” Anderson said. “In conversations, he would just recite lyrics, and I was like, ‘Dad you’re so cool. You made that.’ Later down the line, he told me they were just rappers.”
Anderson identifies herself as a conscious hip-hop artist, or one who challenges or comments on social issues and conflicts.
“It’s very important to be conscious of your mind, soul, and physical being in music,” Anderson said. “Many artists talk about things but never really act on them.”
The topics she addresses in her music include the pros and cons of rising to prominence in the world. Her songs also discuss morality and the temptation of doing bad things.
A lot of her inspirations come from older rappers and hip-hop artists, including Eminem and Immortal Technique.
“She listens to a lot of things from the ’90s that I used to listen to, so we do talk a lot about music,” art teacher Toni Rogiero said.
Anderson created her mixtape, titled The Wrecking, on her own. Originally, it was going to be named Professional, after advice her mother had given her.
“That name came about randomly when my mom just said that anything I do, I should do it professionally,” Anderson said.
All the recording for The Wrecking was done in school, “in the choir practice rooms using mics and my computer. I had music stands too,” Anderson said.
The recordings were mostly done during Anderson’s lunch and homeroom periods. She downloaded beats from her computer. While she does make her own beats, they are mostly for fun.
“I’ve been writing since I was 11 and recording even younger – demo tracks on my mom’s phone for fun, nothing serious,” Anderson said.
Choir class has helped Anderson get her skills to her current level. In particular, her first high school choir concert was inspiring.
“It brought us together because we were all coming for the same purpose,” Anderson said
Vice Principal Denise Wells has talked with Anderson about her creative projects.
“She is a really sweet, kind, quiet girl. I think she is a kid who writes because that’s how she feels and that’s the way she expresses herself,” Wells said. “When you can put (writing) into music and maybe see a project, that makes you feel good.”
Anderson created the cover for her mixtape on Canva and then printed it at the Baldwin Borough Public Library. Her creative interests include art as well as music.
“She focuses a lot of her time during art class on (painting and drawing) and learning more about the materials themselves. She clearly draws in her spare time, so we’re really just working on refining those skills and getting them to where she wants them to be,” Rogiero said.
Rogiero met Anderson for the first time this year, in studio art class.
“She has a lot of creative energy, and I feel like anywhere she can focus it is fantastic for her,” Rogiero said.
Freshman Keysis Calhoun has been friends with Anderson since they were in eighth grade, which was Anderson’s first year in Baldwin-Whitehall.
“She’s very creative. I get very inspired when she makes new raps,” Calhoun said.
Anderson’s English teacher, Amy Barno, recognizes potential in her.
“She has a light in her that is unique for her age,” Barno said.
Wells, meanwhile, fully supports students making their own art.
“Sometimes when kids are going through something and they write it down and then they look back, that can empower them,” Wells said.
Rogiero agreed.
“Anytime that students are doing something that they’re passionate about, I feel like you can’t go wrong,” Rogiero said.
Music even helps Anderson hone in on her artistic skills.
“I can’t do anything without music, metaphorically speaking,” Anderson said. “I have drawn my best work and I’ve painted my best work with music,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s music can be streamed on SoundCloud and BandLab.
