Found in the Inbox: N-iGmA Raises a “Toast” to Hip-Hop

“Growing up open minded to music, I found hip hop to be the best avenue for me to take to express myself musically,” N-iGmA says in the Rive Video Promotion campaign for “Toast.” “Out of all the artist that I heard at that time, I felt more of a style relation to Rakim. Eventually, I started to listen to 2pac, which opened my mind to artists like Nas and Jay-z.”

Late nights with the cousins

N-iGmA performed from age 5 in talent shows and school plays, but fell for hip-hop watching older cousins Kenrick and Godston Miranda and their friend Damon Shelton record, make beats, design covers and perform. Around 10, the cousins were asking permission to take N-iGmA to late-night sessions that ran until one in the morning. “Back then we had to actually go to a studio because it was cheaper to record at night.”

Mentors and stages

Mentored by King Tee, Scotty D and Aziatic, N-iGmA has performed alongside Elephant Man, Collie Buddz, Tanya Stephens, Wayne Wonder, Luciano, Beenie Man and Beres Hammond. The campaign highlights how N-iGmA draws on Belizean culture for a sound of its own.

Why it was in the inbox

An MC raised on Rakim and reggae stages is a rare mix. “Toast” makes the case.

Watch the official video

Quotes and release details from Rive Video Promotion’s campaign for “Toast.” This feature updates Exposed Vocals’ original November 2016 post.