Expressions by Walgreens has launched its Instagram Live series, featuring entrepreneurs in different industries who will discuss a wide range of topics including advice on dealing with issues affecting teens, how to build on your dreams, start your own business and more. We kicked off our first IG live session on April 7th with Lizzie G.
Elizabeth J. Elie, also known as Lizzie G, is an educated female rapper from Chicago. She is the CEO and President of Lizzie G Entertainment, LLC. Her mission is to educate youth all over the world and encourage them to stay in school and chase their dreams. Lizzie G has traveled throughout the world, including the US, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, spreading her message to youth. We were thrilled to have Lizzie G be our first guest in our IG Live sessions to discuss her journey in the music industry and here’s what we discussed:
Tell us how you got into the music industry?
Lizzie G shared that she developed an interest in music at a very young age. She started off by playing the piano and at the age of 11, she learned to play the drums. She participated in her church choir in which she played the drums as well. While Lizzie G attended Curie high school, she gained an interest in music production and by the time she graduated high school she released her first album. Once she did she found her niche, which focused on being a rapper focused on empowering youth.
What advice do you have for the viewers when it comes to breaking into the industry?
Take advantage of all the resources you can at your school, library, organizations, and more. These resources will help you develop, create, and gain a better understanding of your goals. Staying focused and consistent in what you do is key. You always have to be thinking about your future and goals. Stay disciplined, this work takes time. You need to network, promote yourself and don’t burn any bridges. Take advantage of any Open Mike Opportunities, because sometimes it takes strangers to support your work and they’ll be the ones who share your music.
What challenges did you have to overcome?
Being a woman in the industry is tough on its own because the rap industry is very male-dominated. So that is always a challenge you have to overcome. Throughout the years there has also been a lack of investments in the arts and that includes music. This leads to a lack of programs in schools for teens to take advantage of. One of the biggest things you have to do in the music industry is to promote yourself, this can be a challenge because there are many components to it. Developing your brand, creating your image, logo, colors, developing what you want to be known for. This takes time to do but it is always an ongoing effort.
What would you say are important character traits to have in this industry?
You have to maintain a positive attitude throughout your journey, things won’t happen in one day. This type of work takes time and patience. Stepping out of your comfort zone is key and not being scared to do things you’re normally not comfortable with. Lastly, love yourself, invest in yourself, trust in yourself, and have faith and hope in your work because in time it will pay off.
What are some resources you have for teens who are looking to record or get help working on their own music?
There are a number of organizations that have recording studios that could help you develop your music and get started with your music dreams, here are a few:
We thank Lizzie G for being our first guest on Expressions Instagram Interview Live and for providing us with some great information regarding her journey in the music industry. Make sure to follow Lizzie G on her social media channels @Lizzieg30 and check out her Youtube channel. If you’d like to watch the full interview check out our YouTube Channel by clicking on the link below. Make sure to tune in next week as we’ll be featuring a new guest.