NuriYAH One Interview: Long Beach Emcee Bringing Light to Rap

In this interview we rap with NuriYAH One out of Long Beach, California, she’s a lyrical emcee artist whose work captures the essence of boom-bap hip hop with a spiritual calling and message.

While navigating the industry without selling out to mainstream trends, she shares the meaning of her name, her laser focus on music, and her spiritual connection to the Divine.

Your name, NuriYAH One can you tell us about the meaning behind it?

Grace and completeness! My first name is NuriYAH, meaning “the Light” or “the Fire of YAH.” My last name is One, which in Abry is Ahad. Together, the meaning of my name is “The Light or The Fire of YAH is One.”

You’ve sppoken about returning to Christlike Christianity? How does this focus on love, compassion, and repentance separate your message from the mainstream church at large?

I don’t use terms like “Christlike” or “Christianity”; however, I will say we need to have a personal relationship with The Mashayah YAHUSHUA, who is known to some as Christ. If we have a personal relationship with HIM, we abandon our ways, dying to ourselves and our carnal, selfish desires. Then we truly discover HIM.

We learn to love and to have compassion, treating others as higher than ourselves. Some churches, especially “mainstream” ones, have forsaken the Truth. They have abandoned the Scriptures, which tell us exactly how we are to live.

It’s not about “self-esteem,” self-help, finances, etc. This goes against everything The Mashayah spoke about. HE spoke about loving others more than yourself and caring for the widows and orphans. If we love others, we will be healed. HE teaches us not to worry about clothing, money, status, etc. HE not only taught it, but HE also walked it.

My Will (Yahanan 12:24-25) from Love: A Will To Die by NuriYAH One

What are your thoughts on popular female rappers today? Do you think there is an “agenda” at play?

To be honest, I don’t think about female rappers of today. Not to disregard anyone else, but truly, I am focused on the assignment YAHUAH has given me.

I really don’t know who’s popular. Whenever something comes to my attention pertaining to someone who is calling themselves a “rapper”, whether they are female or male and if they are promoting Satan, it saddens my heart. I know there is an agenda; the enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy the youth.

What’s so nefarious is that the individuals who are promoted the most know who they are working for. Their souls were the price to gain temporary creature comforts in the form of finance and fame. Their job is to sell the lie of finance and fame to others so that they will be willing to do the same.

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Physical products like cassette tapes are making a comeback. What are your thoughts on streaming. Some say it’s played out??

I am excited about tangible music items making a comeback. In fact, my latest album, Love: A Will To Die, is available on vinyl, and The SON’S Flower album is on vinyl.

In this digital era, I don’t know if streaming will completely die out. It might slow down, giving tangible music an opportunity to be celebrated again which, in my opinion, is good.

How important is it for you to keep that raw, Hip-Hop edge while delivering a Biblical message?

It’s extremely important for me to be myself. Rhyming or “rapping” is actually in the Bible; it is known as temple singing. If you read the book of Psalms, you can hear the cadence and the rhyme style of The Sovereign Daud, aka King David.

Rhyming is my gift given by The Most High YAHUAH. Hip-Hop is the style HE has given me to deliver HIS message. I have always connected with the authenticity of lyrical art and a raw-edge boom bap blended with the celebration of words. It’s just who I am.

Affliction ft Yasad One from Growing In The Education of Love by NuriYAH One

Do the lyrics come first, or the beat?

It all depends on how the Holy Spirit moves me. I am very blessed to have my husband, Yasad One, as my music producer. He is truly gifted by YAH to be a music producer, rhymer, etc.

When he has produced something for me and asks me to listen, if I begin writing, he already knows the Holy Spirit has given me something. However, there are many times when the Holy Spirit will share with me and inspire me to write in quiet moments.

Sometimes HE will inspire me while reading scripture, other times when dealing with spiritual growing pains. There have been moments when seeing all of the wickedness in this world has compelled me to speak out against it lyrically.

What does NuriYAH One do to recharge?

Pray, read “The Word” (my Scriptures), spend time alone with The Mashayah, spend time with my family, paint, or write.

Is there a skill you have that your fans would never guess?

I can cook. I enjoy cooking. I like trying to cook recipes from different parts of the world.

Do you do collaborations, and how should people reach out?

However, the Holy Spirit leads. I am always willing to speak and pray about whomever HE sends our way. Contact Amad at ahadsoundscollective@gmail.com.

Sacrifice ft. Nelliyah from Growing In The Education of Love by NuriYAH One

Any last words or shoutouts?

I give ALL esteem to YAHUAH through HIS Son for all that HE has allowed me to do in HIS infinite Love. To all of you: always remember that no matter what you have gone through in life, you have a purpose and a calling. You are loved with an everlasting love.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is trustworthy and righteous to forgive us the sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It’s not too late to start over again while we are here. Much Ahab Love to my heartbeat Yasad One, my children, the Wisdom Won Podcast Family, the Ahad Gathering Family, and my Ahad Sound Collective Family.

Stay encouraged always! To all of you, many blessings and love. Thank you for this opportunity. Your sis, NuriYAH One.