Shy Thoro

According to Webster’s dictionary, Shy is defined as “easily frightened or timid” and Thoro a non-standard derivative of thorough is defined as “carried through to completion” or “having full mastery”. The two words combined give you a self-explanation of her name; Shy Thoro, a young lady who is reserved yet down-to earth until given her weapon of choice, the microphone. Once equipped with the only tool she needs, Shy Thoro (affectionately known as Shy) transforms into a powerhouse lyricist m...

According to Webster’s dictionary, Shy is defined as “easily frightened or timid” and Thoro a non-standard derivative of thorough is defined as “carried through to completion” or “having full mastery”. The two words combined give you a self-explanation of her name; Shy Thoro, a young lady who is reserved yet down-to earth until given her weapon of choice, the microphone. Once equipped with the only tool she needs, Shy Thoro (affectionately known as Shy) transforms into a powerhouse lyricist moving the crowd on both an emotional and physical level. Raised in Pittsburgh, PA but residing in Washington, DC, Shy has been able to enjoy the seclusion of suburbia but not always able to avoid the all too familiar luring found in the experience of street life. A graduate of Howard University, Shy has performed at many venues in the Washington, D.C. area and beyond, gaining a stellar reputation with her charismatic flow and mind-blowing lyrical ability. Fueled solely by her desire to set herself apart, Shy raps about insecurities, relationships and the celebration of life from an open-minded point of view and has the lyrical distinction of being androgynous with poetic delivery from both the male and female perspectives. When asked about musical influences, Shy’s response is simple, she says that “Artists such as 2-Pac, Lauryn Hill, TLC and Michael Jackson have each given me a different outlook on hip-hop and music in general. I want to take what I’ve learned from them all individually and move forward to the next level". Shy Thoro has already had the privilege of having Tanya Blount as a vocal coach (best known for her performance of “Eye on the Sparrow” with Grammy award winner Lauryn Hill); collaborating and working with D.C.'s own, Nonchalant (“5'oclock in the morning”) and super-producer Chucky Thompson who has worked with TLC, Mary J. Blige and Nas. More recently, in addition to having airplay on Pittsburgh’s WAMO 106.7, Shy has been labeled as the ‘WPGC DC Homejamz Queen’ for having two consecutive singles (“Baby Boy” and “Shy Thoro”) receive regular radio airplay for eight weeks straight. Shy is the current winner of the 2008 USI Awards (Upper State Indie) for "Best Hip Hop Female". Shy was also nominated as “Best Female Rapper” for the 2007 DMV EMAs, and "Best Female Rapper" for 2008 Velocity Magazine Awards. She was also invited to open up for Erykah Badu during Howard University’s Homecoming Weekend. In addition, Shy was also recognized in Billboard Magazine for her song “U Don’t Know My Name” being a part of E.U.’s (“Doin’ Da Butt”) album entitled “E.U. & Friends: School Daze Revisited”. Lastly, Shy also was privileged to perform at a 2007 NBA All Star event in Las Vegas. For those who have had the pleasure of hearing or watching Shy perform, the comments have been consistent with comparisons to Nelly for her delivery, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott for her style of music and Mr. Eight Mile himself, Eminem for lyrics. Factor in her penchant for creating catchy hooks and choruses that stay stuck in your mind, and you've got yourself a female rapper poised for super stardom. Written by: Adrienne Alexander, Promoting You and Delia C., Author