Lara’s Biography
“Hip-Hop is like a second mother to me. It has always been there for me when I needed it. It has never left me. It has always been a part of me. Hip-Hop has encouraged and inspired me during the rough times — and therefore, I intend to give back to it in any way that I can.”
Early Inspiration: The Music
I fell in love with hip-hop at a very early age. I loved everything about it—the beats, the words, the way it moved my soul. It inspired my artist within, and helped shape me into who I am today.
Growing up in Ohio, I secretly wanted to be a hip-hop artist. (Actually, it’s still a dream of mine!) I remember buying instrumental versions of Da Brat’s “Funkdafied” so that I could write down my own lyrics to put with her beats. I had notebooks full of lyrics! It certainly was a creative outlet for me. But that’s not to say that I didn’t obsess over the originals! I would listen to Domino’s “Sweet Potato Pie” and play it over and over again until I memorized every word.
Some of my greatest memories are from riding the bus to basketball games in high school (yes, I was a baller!). My girls and I would be singing Boyz II Men or other R & B songs. It really pumped us up for the games. But, my favorite was when we’d be throwing down the hip-hop. TLC was huge then, so we definitely jammed out to all their hits. But, whenever it came to the rapping part, my girls would turn to me and say, “Lara Dee, can you do Left Eye’s part on ‘Waterfalls?’” In all my glory, I mimicked her voice, busted out the rap, and they all loved it. That was a defining memory in my life.
While I may never achieve Da Brat’s status as an artist, sharing in the love of the music with other people definitely satisfies my passion. And that’s what this website is all about!
Early Inspiration: The Moves
My love for Hip-hop is not only about the music—the dance style and choreography it created is what also inspired me in so many ways.
When The New Kids on the Block first came out, I memorized every dance move they had, and practiced them endlessly. I was later inspired by Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul in their prime (come on—everyone loves MC Scat Kat!)
In high school, I choreographed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance for my senior year talent show. At the end of my senior year, I was voted Best Dancer. (Some of my friends claimed I danced like Missy Elliot—a comparison that definitely made me happy!) I continued my love for dance in college, and was part of the Kent State University stomp team.
To this day, Hip-Hop dancing is one of my favorite things to do. Put me in a club on the dance floor with Jay-Z blaring through the speakers, and I’m in heaven.
Sharing the Inspiration
My love for hip-hop influenced my younger brother to find the same passion. Clay Phillips (founder and producer of Killa Beatz Entertainment) started producing beats at the age of eight and began rapping in 2008. We’re partnered in the business, I am the Art Director and Music Manager for KBE and our goal is to do what we love– to create art and music.
Our dream is to one day have our own studio -– a recording studio and art studio combined into one. My love for Clay’s beats and adoration for his talent are more than words can express. I hope to one day be able to work by his side and produce art that depicts his music. He is a genius when it comes to music, and I believe he can make anything happen. Although I’m the older sister, in many ways I look up to him. It’s such a joy to have someone I love so much share the same passion, who’s willing to work with me to achieve our dreams.
Career: The Beginning
Although my love for Hip-Hop and R&B is my life, I was determined to find a way for it to become my career. I have always been an artist in many different mediums – but specifically, photography, painting, silk screening, drawing, and design. I graduated from Ohio University in 2004 with a degree in Graphic Design. Since then, it has been my quest to figure out how I could use my art and my degree and make it work for the music industry.
Knowing that I wanted to make it in the music industry, I knew that I had to move to a bigger city with more opportunities. While living in Ohio, I often visited Chicago. Whenever I walked around the city, I felt like I was at home. I knew that’s where I needed to be. Listening to Kanye West’s “Homecoming” gave me inspiration and the strength to leave my family and friends in Ohio behind and make the move.
Career: Making it Work
While working on my career in online marketing, I continued to freelance as a graphic designer in Chicago. I started working with musicians, artists, salons, photographers, DJ’s, and fashion designers.
This led to the creation of Lpdeezign, a small Internet marketing and design company that was started in May of 2009. The name came from my middle name (Dee) which turned into my nickname (Deez). I wanted to form a business that would combine all of my strengths and knowledge into one service. Lpdeezign offers social networking, search engine optimization, blogging, web design, and traditional graphic design services.
Since May, I have managed the development and execution for Internet marketing and design, specializing in the music industry. Some of my recent projects include: The Summer Jam MPLS Concert (featuring Hurricane Chris, Jeremih, and the GS Boyz) JVS Records, Vanessa Sims, The Now’s, City Wide Youth Chicago, Remix Entertainment, and Killa Beatz Entertainment.
Career: Passion Meets Product
Although this is my first year in the music industry, it feels like I’ve been doing it my whole life. I have finally found my niche and a way to combine my passion with my work.
As a little girl, I remember saying that I want to wake-up every morning and be excited to go to work. For once in my life I am truly happy–because I’m doing what I love. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I turn on some Hip-Hop and it gives me the strength I need to keep on fighting. The music gives me inspiration and makes me feel like I can achieve anything: When I’m painting, the creativity flows through me. When I’m working, I feel as though my dreams are within my reach. I think Biggie said it best: “The sky is the limit and you know that you can have what you want, be what you want.”
