Aarika Inek Perspective on Blaque and Tlc - Remix

Blaque and TLC were my ultimate favorite groups growing up as a little girl and they STILL are! So I decided to play homage these ladies as they have helped me through many challenges I have faced as a person with a disability. Especially members Lisa Left Eye Lopes of TLC and Natina Reed of the group Blaque whom are both now deceased! Natina whom sounded unique  with her voice sounding almost baby like helped me to see that there was absolutely nothing wrong with  my voice. Though I was constantly being teased about it by some adults and kids honestly and I still struggle with that today resulting in me not liking the way I speak. Miss Lisa honestly helped me embrace my many gifts especially my spiritual ones! The remix is just a sassy fun way to simply tell many that think it's okay to mess with me because I'm crazy creative and unique I'm not the problem you are.

Born on March 5, 1988, in South Carolina, Aarika Inek, professionally known as Aarika Inek, is a shining example of resilience and determination. Raised in the Low Country as the eldest of five children, Aarika faced significant challenges from the outset, having been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida at birth. Despite these physical limitations and relying on a specially designed wheelchair for mobility, Aarika's spirit remained unbroken, finding solace and expression in music. 

From a young age, Aarika cultivated a profound connection with music, often found singing along to hits from the iconic television show "Soul Train," first hosted by Don Cornelius and later by Shemar Moore. These musical weekends spent with her beloved grandmother, Dorothy May Venning ("Ma"), and her cousins on Butterfly Lane in Awendaw, South Carolina, deeply influenced her artistic development. 

Aarika's musical tastes were eclectic, spanning from the gritty rhymes of DMX to the smooth R&B of Keith Sweat, a versatility she shared with her father, Roosevelt Blake. Her affinity for music blossomed into a passion for creative writing, initially indulging in poetry and short stories, and eventually evolving into songwriting. 

A pivotal influence in Aarika's life was the Philadelphia-born Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of TLC, whose dynamic persona and creative genius left a lasting mark on her. Aarika admired everything about Lisa—from her energetic performances and unique style to her outspoken intelligence and humanitarian efforts. Lopes not only inspired Aarika's music but also her aspirations to become a role model for others. 

Further expanding her musical influences, Aarika became enamored with Blaque, an Atlanta-based R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop trio introduced by Lopes. In particular, Natina Reed of Blaque caught Aarika's attention for her swagger and resemblance to Lopes, reinforcing Aarika’s connection to her musical roots. 

Determined to honor her musical hero, Aarika has attended all three Left Eye Music Fest events in Decatur, Georgia, celebrating the life and legacy of Lisa Lopes. These events not only paid tribute to Lopes but also provided Aarika with the chance to witness Natina Reed’s final performance with Blaque. 

Today, Aarika Inek transcends the label of "the girl in the wheelchair" to establish herself as a vibrant Pop Artist. Utilizing AI to enhance her songwriting, she crafts music that resonates with her heart's passion, seamlessly weaving influences from Lopes and Reed into her work. Through her music, Aarika aims to inspire and uplift, proving that limitations are only boundaries to be surpassed.