The Best Music You've Never Heard: Tyka Nelson (Little Sister of Prince!)

Get ready for the amazing Tyka Nelson! Tyka is the only sibling of rock legend Prince. Tyka grew up surrounded by music. The Minneapolis based artist is the daughter of Jazz singer Mattie Shaw, and accomplished musician John L. Nelson. Growing up Tyka listened to Mahalia Jackson records and began singing at the age of 2. She wrote her first song at the ripe old age of 10. Tyka plays 4 different instruments, piano, guitar, bass and clarinet but admits; "I don't consider myself a musician, I play just well enough to put down my own musical ideas." The concept of her music is Christian meets Mainstream. Bridging the gap between the two worlds. As Tyka's Gospel Music appeal has reached the community of Christian listeners, more requests for magazine interviews and live performances have been pouring in. When people have commented if Prince had anything to do with the production, Tyka simply admits, "I sing whatever comes out and if it sounds like him, I don't know it until someone tells me, then I think maybe I should change it, but then I think, since it's really me, why? It is not my intent to sound like anyone else, and I have strived to be original in everything I do. Even though my brother is someone I greatly respect, and love there can only be one Prince." People have also asked why she is not seeking the help of her brother and Tyka explains, "If he helps me then the songs would no longer be my own artistic expression. And although I could have never asked for a more wonderfully, helpful and talented brother, he's the type that would take over, and then my masterpiece would become his. We already know Prince can make great music that sells, the question is, can I?" The answer...yes, yes she certainly can!