The Playground Meets: AdELA
Written By: Disney Molina
AdeLA is the quintessential triple threat. Rapping, singing, writing for some of the biggest names in the industry, and thanks to the pandemic she’s picked up some video directing skills. The sky's the limit for this South African-born beauty.
‘I love that I sing and I rap, and it removes a lot of the rules for me. If i’m singing a song and I feel like it needs a hot 16 - I can do it myself”
- AdELA
In honor of women's history month, we asked this exciting new artist about her creative process on her latest hit ‘My Green’ which had an all woman team. Produced by Ms Madli (who she frequently works with) and features background vocals from Alonda. It’s just an all-around girl power anthem, that is sure to bump on any Women's History playlist.
“I love it, it’s such a different vibe - I feel like the women I work with are such boss chicks. Everyone's in their own right, running their own brand and building their empire”
She spoke about the making of that song: “We engineered the session and we did everything in creating this record. It’s a good feeling, these are my friends and women I respect. So i love working with them”
She did the music video in her home with a green screen, which speaks to how the pandemic has challenged her as a creative. AdeLA had to figure out how to put out music and film visuals while being responsible for the CDC guidelines.
“As a creative, we’re going to figure it out” -- she says in regards to the video, which has amassed 33k views.
Her ideal all female collaboration speaks to how diverse her musical palette is, not just as an artist but a songwriter:
“Me, Rihanna, Lil Kim, and maybe have Linda Perry produce it. ”Rihanna, the multi-platinum Grammy award winning pop superstar, Lil Kim the Grammy award winning rap pioneer, and Linda Perry. Perry is somewhat of an unsung hero, who has penned some of the greatest pop songs of all time. Perry’s pen has given Christina Aguilera her signature hit ‘Beautiful” and sent P!nk flying up the charts with 2001’s “Get This Party Started” which has also become one of her signature hits.
AdELA is the perfect confection of influences, ranging from Pop, Hip-Hop, and Classics. She sites Nas Pac, Fleetwood Mac, and Frank Sinatra as her influences, stating “I like timeless music”
Based on her influences alone, it comes as no surprise that she has several writing placements for some of Hip-Hop’s biggest names. Her work on Meek Mill’s “Made It From Nothing'' (a collaboration with teyana Taylor and Rick Ross) for his 2017 album “Wins and Losses” - got her an RIAA Gold Plaque.
AdELA didn’t climb the ranks being mediocre, offering up some advice to up and coming artists who want to get in the game. AdELA says, “Always set your standard high - we’re in the age of independent artists. Your song has to sound radio good, your video has to look ready to go on BET or whatever channel” she continues, “Ask for help, this is a very relationship driven business. When you build a solid relationship, that will come back around. If you meet someone and they are not ready for you yet, keep that relationship and work towards that.”
She also stresses to get your business straight, because it is the music business. Stating that artists may not want to do all of the boring things like registering your songs and getting your splits, but it’s completely necessary.
AdELA says that it is important to create a body of work that tells a meaningful story. This is what she cites as the reason why she has been able to work with Hip-Hop heavyweights like Fat Joe and Royce 5’9 at such an early stage in her career. In fact, she tells a story of how Fat Joe heard a song of hers and told her that he loves it. In turn, he agreed to do their 2017 collaboration “Only You” - a huge feat for a young artist.
When asked about the message she wants to portray to her fanbase, AdELA got heartfelt. She says: “I make music for the dreamers and thinkers - i feel like we can change the world -- I want to be an artist and a person that inspires people to do better or atleast do their best”
A testament to her inspiring life story. Adela and her parents escaped apartheied in the 90s and settled in Miami, where she honed her musical taste.
What’s next for Adela? She wants to continue to release singles, and get back in the studio with the team she works best with. Check out the video below - and keep an eye out for more moves from AdELA in 2021.