To all the girls do what you gotta do but it ain't what you do it's how you do

Smart self-reflective women aren't novelties anymore in hip hop. 
Philly native Antonia Reed( 1970) started out as a DJ in the 80's. 
The Arabic words Badia( original creation) and Hamd'allah( thankful to god) were combined in her artist name Bahamadia. This conversational lyricist was musically inspired by Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobbi Humphrey, Stevie Wonder and Minnie Ripperton.

Her smooth flow and intellectual style( Funk Vibe) caught Gang Starr Guru's attention in the 90's, who helped her get a record deal with Chrysalis. Guru's protégée also appeared on the second volume of his Jazzmatazz album.
The jazzy raps of her first singles Total Wreck( 1994) and Uknowhowwedu (1995) once again proved her skill on the microphone. 


Her critically acclaimed full-length debut album Kollage, with productions by Guru, The Roots and DJ Premier appeared in 1996. Her laid back voice and raps were lent to various projects during the 90's, including acid jazz artists The Brand New Heavies and drum 'n' bass artist Roni Size( New Forms). 

From 1997 to 1999 the poet hosted a hip hop radio show in Philadelphia. Goodvibe released her seven track EP BB Queen in 2000, including the track Beautiful Things with Dwele. 


Her inner truth and unique activist spirit were preached with Towa Tei, the Herbaliser, The Roots( Push up ya lighter), Morcheeba( Good Girl Down), Slum Village(One-4-Teen), Talib Kweli( Reflection Eternal), Sade(Sweetback), Erykah Badu( Love of my Life with Angie Stone and Queen Latifah) and Dwele(High).


More recent albums Good Rap Music(2006) and Here(2010) prove that Bahamadia remains true to herself. She embraces all of who she is, the good and the bad, never compromising her integrity or her moral ethics for the monetary gain of the competitive business. 

This strong lady is all about self-knowledge and growth. Her challenge is to become the best person she can be and to inspire others to become the best they. This true honey bun can still look at herself in the mirror at the end of the day.