Hip-Hop/R&B Artist TESH: Featured Artist Of The Week
Teshlyn Smith, Hip-Hop/R&B recording artist & performer also known as Tesh, has been selected as the Spectacular Magazine Artist of the Week for the week of May 4, 2020. Tesh, who plays several instruments including the guitar and trumpet, started creating music in high school with a group called “The Cr3w” in 2010. In 2013 she began to develop as a solo artist while attending Winston Salem State University (WSSU).
A talented musician, Tesh is also a gifted athlete. During her high school career, the North Carolina native currently based in Raleigh, NC, won the state championship in the triple jump. She attended WSSU on an athletic scholarship and in 2018 received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication & Media Studies.
After graduation, Tesh continued to hone her skills further as a solo artist. She has performed at major events alongside many legendary artists like Erykah Badu, Nas, T.I., Migos at The Annual Hot97ATL Birthday Bash (Atlanta), Art of Cool Festival 2018 (Durham, NC), and NC Juneteenth Celebration 2019 (Durham, NC).
Her song “We Can Be In Love” featuring Slim Hardaway, released June 2019, was the first single from her debut album Yellow Jacket. The official video for the song “Bueller,” directed by OG NoGood & filmed by Killa Films, was released in December 2019. (See videos below)
I had the opportunity to catch Tesh on stage at the Juneteenth Celebration in 2019. After that electrifying performance, I wanted to know more about her.
Yimisa Brodie (YB): What is your motivation for your art?
Tesh: It motivates me being able to work among like-minded individuals who are all working together to create a bigger picture while also being able to showcase originality!
YB: Who are your musical or artistic influences?
Are there any artists with whom you would like to collaborate? Why?
Tesh: I appreciate artists like Michael Jackson, Missy Elliot, Erykah Badu, & Left Eye as musical influencers because of their ability to show creative differences. Smino is currently one of my favorite artists. I would love to collaborate with him one day & Timbaland has been a major part of bringing diverse sounds into Hip-Hop.
YB: Do you have any upcoming projects, shows, or appearances? What are your next steps?
Tesh: I have music available on all streaming platforms that include my debut album Yellow Jacket, followed by my latest EP produced by Charlotte producer Prolific titled Tesh You A Fool. Yellow Jacket 2 is projected to release in the early fall.
Follow Tesh on Instagram @teshiam and Facebook @ Tesh Music