Linda Tellis, aka Lady Ace Boogie, wrote her first rap at age 10 and never looked back. The lyricist calls Grand Rapids home and the home team surely knows how to treat a lady. Her acclaimed debut record, Feel Good Music on Hot Capicola Records, scored three 2016 WYCE Jammie Awards, including “Best Hip Hop Album” and “Best Album By a New Artist.”
How would you describe your lyrics and stage show to someone who’s never witnessed it?
I’ve asked people this question and the most consistent answers were energetic, empowering and uplifting.
Does hip-hop influence your personal style?
Hip-hop definitely affects my style. I honestly believe it affects everyone’s style one way or another. Hip-hop culture keeps us fresh.
Where are your style inspirations coming from right now?
I’m really digging Chris Brown’s style from a mainstream perspective. I think he does a good job with taking trends and giving them a bit of a remix.
On stage, what are you most comfortable in?
I’m most comfortable in a hoodie and light material pants. I almost always wear local designer clothing on stage. That’s important to me. I like to wear Bare All Clothing out of Detroit and Wasted Brand clothing.
Who has style around these parts?
AB, a.k.a. Adrian Butler, of Grand Rapids is an absolute fashion icon and I really dig his style.
Can you list any preferred local fashion boutiques? What are some style sources people should know about?
Bare All Clothing, AB Alphabet line, Wasted Brand, Woosah, Green Mitten and All City Kicks. Also, local musicians that have cool merchandise. We have a really awesome music/art scene here and I believe that inspires fashion.
Aside from hip-hop, what’s your day job and what have you been up to?
I’m operations leadership/project management at Coca-Cola. Besides my day job, I’m chief partner of Think 50/50 — starting my own biz was definitely a proud moment. I’m also the VP of Youth Outlet.
Let’s talk past work you’re proud of…
There are several community events including It Takes a Village and Battle to End Homelessness. My album Feel Good Music is also something I am really proud of.
So what’s next?
I’m working on a collaboration album with J.Rob that’s releasing in spring 2016. A solo EP produced by Nixon will be out in the summer. My business partner and best friend John Longchamps and I are working hard to land two anchor clients for Think 50/50. I’ll also be performing and holding assemblies in schools and working hard with Hot Capicola Records to reach milestones for our music family.
Any Lady Ace Boogie shows coming up soon?
I’m playing Music in the Stacks [a concert series] at the Grand Rapids Public Library on March 16 and I’ll perform at the Pyramid Scheme’s 5-Year Anniversary on April 22.
More at ladyaceboogie.com.
