Having appeared alongside the late, great Tupac Shakur on “Let ‘Em Have It,” taken from his third posthumous album, Until the End of Time, former Death Row Records’ signee, Helecia ‘SKG’ Choyce has returned with her latest body of work, Unfinished Business Reloaded. The West Coast based rapstress is also gearing up for her upcoming “Heal the World” tour launching in 2025.
First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It means that we celebrated a milestone within the Hip Hop culture. I actually attended the Grammy Awards 50th Celebration to Hip Hop. The show was produced by LL Cool J, and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. I was invited by the Queen, “MC Sha-Rock; it was a great experience, and I was surrounded by nothing but greatness. So many legends in the building, and so many great moments.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
To see the heights that Hip Hop has reached is truly amazing. It has grown tremendously throughout the years, especially in different countries. I like how each culture put their own spin on it.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
I would honestly say The 50th Grammy Celebration Tribute, and when I wrote and featured on Tupac Until the End of Time album. Both experiences was special to me. The 50th Grammy Tribute celebration because I was surrounded by so many people that I grew up listening to their music. I’m a really big LL Cool J fan. So to witness him in his essence was such a great experience for me. Writing and performing on Tupac Shakur Until the End of Time album was another fond memory and standout moment for me because Tupac is such a legend and GOAT even in death. To be attached to his name and legacy is truly an honor.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
I had a really great year for 2024, and actually accomplished so much this year. I’m using the rest of the year to chill and spend time with my family. I’ll be preparing for 2025 in regards to dropping new projects.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to understand that I’m a very diverse artist. I love creating, and I love creating from a diverse artistic standpoint. I don’t like to be boxed in. I honestly feel like anything I put my mind to I can accomplish, and I encourage everyone around me to feel the same way about themselves.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’ve already collaborated with so many great artists, but I would definitely say LL Cool J because he’s a GOAT. He’s definitely one of the greatest artists of all time. He is a part of my childhood, and (an) artist that I listened to growing up and (I) admire.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
I really want to play at a venue in Dubai. I’ve never been out there, and I’m excited to hopefully go out there and perform at one of their clubs or venues. I think it’s so beautiful out there, and I would love to perform and have that experience for myself and career.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Yes, I’m happy with the state of Hip Hop. I think with everything in life, Hip Hop has evolved and you have to know how to re-invent, rebrand and evolve with it. It’s a lot of great new independent artists coming out, and I’m all About supporting the new artists that’s emerging.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I honestly think it’s my ability to always wanting to learn new things. Keeping an open mind, and not being afraid of change…and (I) embrace new things.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Yes, I’m currently in school focused on a career in law. My long term goal is graduate with a law degree, and work for a prestigious firm in a few years.
What’s an average day like for you?
I have kids, so I’m mostly making sure my youngest daughter is completing her school work and extracurricular activities. Then I’m taking care of my household. Once that’s complete, I have business meetings and Zoom calls dealing within the entertainment realm.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I try to really engage with my fans via social media on various platforms.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is creating and interacting with great people…my least favorite part is being around fake people within the industry.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell them to read so they can understand how the business work, and look for a good mentor that’s trustworthy and can teach them things through interactive experiences…and the most important one is to believe in themselves.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
In five years, I see myself as an Attorney working for a prestigious law firm by day and producing films by night. Music will always be a part of me, so no matter what other journeys I may travel I’ll always keep Music close to my heart.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, I think we covered everything. I really enjoyed this interview.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
Thank you for taking time out to read my interview. I truly appreciate it, and make sure to follow me on Instagram: @heleciachoyce and stream my projects: Deep Rooted and Unfinished Business Reloaded. Thank you for your time.
