In a powerful new episode of Skipping Class, presented by The Progress Report, music journalist Lalaa Shepard sits down with Grammy-nominated R&B legend Tamika Scott of Xscape and her daughter, rising rap artist Young Niyah, for an unfiltered conversation centered on family, fame, and forging independent legacies.
The mother-daughter interview pulls back the curtain on what it means to grow up in the orbit of stardom, the cost of chasing a dream, and how the music landscape continues to evolve for women.
Young Niyah’s musical journey began early, she wrote her first song at age four. Despite initial doubts, her mother eventually recognized her talent. But it wasn’t until years later that Niyah made the bold decision to turn down a full-ride softball scholarship in order to pursue music full time. Her mother supported the choice but gave her a three-year window to prove her commitment before she’d be required to go to college on her own terms.
Raised in Atlanta’s rich music culture, Young Niyah was deeply influenced by the city’s sound and stars. A pivotal moment came while attending a 2 Chainz video shoot, where a casual conversation helped confirm her decision to shift away from sports and fully embrace her music career. Influences like Rich Homie Quan and the broader ATL hip-hop scene also played a key role in shaping her style.
Despite being the daughter of a music icon, Niyah initially avoided revealing her connection to Tamika Scott, wanting to build her own reputation without the weight of expectation. Over time, she embraced the legacy while still working to establish her individuality in the rap space.
Her music, described as conscious and positive, takes inspiration from impactful lyricists such as Lauryn Hill and Eminem. Most recently, she dropped a single titled “Everyday,” which features an accompanying dance challenge.
As a core member of Xscape, Tamika Scott has firsthand experience with the highs and lows of being a woman in the music industry. In the interview, she touches on how the environment has shifted, noting the increased visibility and dominance of female artists today. She contrasts this with the male-dominated space Xscape once navigated, reflecting on how different their rise might have looked in the age of social media.
The episode closes with both guests sharing their thoughts on what “progress” means to them. For Tamika and Niyah, progress centers around continuous growth, persistence, and staying true to the journey, no matter how unconventional.
