Raina Simone

A graduate of the 2020 Class of Howard University, Raina Simone is an artist, instrumentalist, and producer from Harlem, NY and Englewood, NJ. Raina Simone won the “Howard’s Hottest” Producer title during her Freshman year at Howard and continued to pursue music while studying Political Science and Philosophy on a Law and Government Track. While at Howard University, Raina Simone served as The Senate Chair, A Programming Manager for 96.3 WHBC, The HUSA Vice President, and became a member of many organizations, one of which being Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

 

In the spring of 2021, Raina Simone’s Sesh Collectiv Freestyle, filmed by Howard students at Howard University amassed over 3 million Tik Tok Views in its first 24 hours. Using this as a battery in her back, Raina Simone would go on to release several singles and an EP titled, “To My Hearts.” Her first EP, “To My Hearts” was created as a socio-political response to the rise of Drill Music in New York City. Raina Simone would go on to garner significant radio play nationally, appearing on Shade 45 Sirius XM, Power 105.1 and Hot 97 to name a few. Having been recognized by artists such as Erykah Badu, Chuck D, and Chris Brown; Raina Simone would also go on to appear on several major Hip Hop shows such as “Bars on I95,” “Sway’s Universe,” “On The Radar,” and “300 Entertainment’s Live Series.” Most recently, Raina Simone can be heard on the song “Minority Report” with Talib Kweli and Ransom. Raina Simone describes her sound as poetic narratives of Black America over instrumentation and rhythm that derives from the African Diaspora.

 

Raina Simone is currently working on her debut album titled “Old Soul, New Conscience,” anticipated to be released this winter. Her goal is to bring power and knowledge of self to the forefront of rap, and specifically female rap music. She also hopes to use music as a vehicle for change and discourse as well as a vehicle for pleasure.