KayyLayy

Kayla “Kayylayy” Thurman-Cannida, an independent artist from Saint Louis, MO, is one of the few rappers that describes herself as free from the opinions of others concerning her natural beauty. Growing up with a gap in her teeth oftentimes left her at the brunt of many jokes. So instead of getting braces, Kayylayy decided to embrace her gap by creating her theme “GAPGANG”. Although GAPGANG was birthed because of Kayylayy’s gap, she considers it a movement for everyone to embrace “Anything” that is viewed as a flaw and to make it your strength. Proving that you are the only one in control of your success. After taking a keen interest in writing music in middle school, Kayylayy has several notebooks filled with catchy hit raps. Being younger and not ready to perform before audiences then, her only interest was to become a ghostwriter. Learning to hustle early on, KayyLayy, once a member of various promo teams throughout highschool, has promoted, hosted, and even sold cd’s hand to hand for industry professionals such as songwriter David “Lil Dave” Simmons and songwriter and Producer Kevin Yance (producer of Summer Walker & Ciara “Better Thangs''). This motivation, along with tremendous dedication, has brought about her ability to pack out a venue effortlessly. Since 2022, she has performed live at dozens of local venues in her hometown “St Louis” winning several competitions including winning the opportunity to be “Co-Headliner” at the Streetz 105.1 The Mixx Live Vol. 5 - iHeartRadio Music Festival in Atlanta, GA and also headlining her very own highly successful First Annual Holiday Concert & Toy Drive. She has also showcased her talent in other surrounding states such as Illinois and Tennessee. Kayylayy also released three singles: “In My Bag”, “Don’t Push Me”, and “He Like”. In 2023, Kayylayy advanced her artistry further with the release of her first album “Gap Gang Vol. 1”. Featuring 11 hit songs including crowd favorite “BIG STEPPA”. She has featured, been featured and collaborated with other independent artists such as “Tiny Bhad”, “Big Lou” “Nina P”, “Ja DaBratt”, “Glocc Sheisty” and “Prince KeKe Rivers”. She also won first place (out of 30 artists) in “The Mixx Live Vol. 6 B.E.T. Pre-Show Competition” with Streetz 105.1 The Mixx and Fashion God Pre from B.E.T. landing her two performances at the 2023 SXSW Music Festival in Austin, TX. and a performance at the B.E.T. pre-show in Los Angeles, CA. in June. Known for creating witty metaphors to reflect her lyrical talent, Kayylayy’s purpose is to show the ability of female rap artists to be able to create great rhymes, stay true to themselves, and still be successful in the industry.