Bonny M | February 6, 2025
Hip Hop/Rap artist TIFFANI D (pronounced tiff -Ani), born Tiffani Denise is a multi dimensional artist and songwriter from North Carolina, Charlotte. I grew up in a city that’s home to major sports teams, big banks, poverty and social disparities especially among black families, said Tiffani. I grew up seeing what I now know as the bad parts of Charlotte and faced my own share of trauma as a kid. I guess that’s where my voice and story stems from, long before I ever knew music was part of my purpose.
My journey in music started 3.5 years ago in an unlikely way. I was literally in my bedroom studying, then I was impressed to do a remix which I thought would just be for fun. I recorded it on my podcast equipment and wrote 4 songs the next day.
I linked with my producer K. Figz whose exact words were “Have you ever done music before”? My reply, NO. His reply “you’re better than 70% of the artists I’ve worked with, you should”, and so the journey began. God really spoke through him that day cause I really had no clue being a music artist was part of my journey.
I’m a songwriter as well and my writing process varies especially depending on the depth of what I’m writing. If it’s personal then I usually have lived it, felt it and processed it or process the experience into words / lyrics as I write. Sometimes I start with the top line or hook and fill it in from there.
I’m not a stickler for location, I just need to lock in and let my pen go free. When I write for TV and film I follow a similar process because I still believe there needs to be a personal element if I’m delivering the lyrics but I don’t have to internalize so much as I would for my personal projects.
What are the biggest misconceptions about the genre you are in?
That women in rap have to lead with sex. That might make you relevant as bait but it’s the substance that sticks. Think about it if you’re hungry and haven’t had any food all day your body might crave sugar but it won’t satisfy you. You need food of substance that sticks and fuels you.
Tell us about your EP ” Less Strife More life” what inspired the title of the EP and this body of work ?
Less Strife More Life is a lifestyle I really strive for daily and I pray that for other people. The struggles we face don’t always make it a reality but it’s something to aspire to. Keeping a declaration like Less Strife More Life out in front of you helps us keep a pulse on why we face the trials that we do while also providing hope that they don’t last.
I hope my audience listens to my music and feels the overcoming power and resonating sound of hope! To the fatherless specifically, I want you to hear the possibility. Being labelled a statistic after losing my father at age 9 was not a storybook beginning but grace, healing and persistence said otherwise. You can hear that in my music.
Above all, I want to leave an imprint as a voice of hope and resilience, inspiring the fatherless generation. Rap especially has been raised by fatherless fathers, leaders and execs. Imagine what’s been perpetuated over 50 years. Often the perspective shared is one of anger, sexism and limitation. God is more than that and I want to share the other side of what that perspective sounds and looks like.
The genre you’re in is one that is very competitive, how do you handle critics?
I handle the critics from a distance unless I really feel the need to address it (sometimes for fun). Usually people throw shade because it’s a dark spot in their soul that needs way more than I can give them. Being on the front lines of pushing music with substance and value it’s a small drop in the bucket compared to all of the positive feedback and impact I’m able to make.
Anything you are currently working on which you would love for our readers to know about?
I completed my first movie set to release on Netflix this year. I’m working on a new album which is already finished which is a project that navigates forgiveness and maintaining your fire in life and relationships. I just need to solidify the order and release date. To all those who’ve asked me for merch, good new! Official TIFFANI D merch and more will be available at TIFFANID.com by the time you read this interview.
For bookings and features contact me through the following:
Email : theeTIFFANID@gmail.com
Social media platforms : @theeTIFFANID