What piece of art changed your life? How did it affect you?

I was motivated a lot by watching Missy Elliott videos. Living in the city is hard, and there's no hope, but she made me feel like I could do something. There was no one teaching me step by step, but, watching those videos, I could pick up those dance moves on my own. I used to watch all her stuff, and they made me feel like there was hope there.

Rye Rye was named "Best Rysing Star" in our Best of Baltimore issue (August). Her debut CD is scheduled for an early 2010 release on Interscope Records.