The Five Question Challenge with Kendra Black

(Photo credit: Maria Petrova)

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a pleasure to welcome Kendra Black to Jake’s Take.

This New York-based singer, dancer, and actress has performed in venues around the world including the Caribbean, Egypt, France, Italy, and Monte Carlo.  Kendra also trained under the guidance of teachers from several top music schools including the Music Conservatory of Cannes in France, Milan’s Verdi Conservatory, and the Voice Academy NYC.  Also, Kendra has worked on numerous projects for the New York Film Academy and Nickelodeon.

Recently, Kendra headlined at the New York City’s Highline Ballroom for her EP release show, which was hosted by New York City radio personality Nina Haijan of 92.3 FM.  On her EP, listeners will find a remix of “Rude,” which featured rap icon, Snoop Dogg.

In this edition of The Five Question Challenge, Kendra opened up about overcoming the challenges that she faced in the music industry and revealed the artists that she would want to work with in the future.

Jacob Elyachar: When did you first get interested in music? What were some of the factors that lead you to the desire of pursuing a career in the music industry?

Kendra Black: I have been passionate about music for as long as I can remember! I grew up listening to hip-hop and pop and started singing around age five. I always dreamed of building a career in music and cannot imagine living my life without it.

(Album cover courtesy of HyPR Media)

JE: Let’s talk about your single: “Rude.” The remixed version features Snoop Dogg. What was your reaction when you heard that Snoop Dogg wanted to appear on the remix?

KB: Snoop Dogg is by far my favorite rapper! I have loved his music since I was a kid. I feel blessed to have him featured on my new EP: The Edge.

JE: What were the challenges that you faced breaking into the music industry? How did you overcome them?

KB: It is a tough business. I would say my biggest challenge was to find the right people to team up with. But, I lucked out with my team. I love them: from my round-the-clock publicist to my amazing choreographer and performance crew, my amazing producers and co-writers, Trend Def and Lachi, and my very supportive friends and family.

JE: Who are your dream collaborators (singers, songwriters, or producers) that you would want to work with in the future?

KB: It would be an honor to work with high-caliber living legends such as Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Mike Will Made It.

JE: If you had the chance to meet with aspiring singers who want to have a career in the music industry, what advice would you share with them?

KB: My best advice to aspiring musicians is to be strategic: talent is not enough, connections are not sufficient. Your best bet to turn your dreams into reality is to set clear goals and come up with a game plan that will help you achieve them.

For more information about Kendra Black, visit her website!

You can also follow Kendra on social media. Visit her Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube channels.