Vh1's #SIGNED: Dakota Unique - Millennials Making Moves

Dakota "Kotaa" Unique is a, self entitled "slick back ponytail queen," 19 year old rapper from the East side of Chicago making major waves for young black women in rap. Now that she's finished #SIGNED and recently dropped her mixtape "DAMN KOTAA" she's now ready more than ever to take the rap game by storm!

For this special edition of Millennials Making Moves I chatted with Vh1's #SIGNED contestant "Kotaa" about everything from growing up in Chicago, being on a new Vh1 show, and to my surprise while she was in highschool ( yes, she was still in highschool during filming...) and all about her budding music career... Check out the interview below and be sure to keep up with Kotaa on social media (@Dakota_Unique).

#SIGNED as defined by Vh1 is a new show about:

Three music moguls are on the pursuit for new artist(s) for their record labels. Over the course of the series Lenny S, (Roc Nation), Rick Ross (Maybach Music Group), and The-Dream (Radio Killa Records) will work to develop artists they believe have the potential of being a star. Unsigned hip-hop and R&B artists will undergo auditions and workshops to hone their craft and determine if they really have what it takes to get signed to a deal. The artists who make it to the final performance showcase will need to prove their worth to the moguls. The artists who most impress the moguls most will have an opportunity to be signed to Maybach Music, Radio Killa Records or Roc Nation.

Catch the premiere season of Vh1's #SIGNED on Vh1.com.....

Let's start at the beginning:

Shaa Ravine: When did discover your passion for music? How did you go about developing that passion? Did you do talent shows, self-record etc?

Dakotaa Unique : When I was in elementary Is when I fell for music! But I didn't start till middle school! I recorded my first song called "It's me" at my cousin, Sierra, house on a toy Disney mic.

Shaa Ravine: Does East Chicago have any influence on your music and/or rap style? What about your upbringing?

Dakotaa Unique: East Chicago, Indiana has a lot to do with my music. Mainly because I learned and seen a lot from my hometown and also they are my biggest supporters!

SR: When you're creating who or what inspires you? & What makes Dakota Unique, unique?

DU: A lot of my songs has facts in them. Meaning I write about things I see or be around. What makes me Unique is that I'm a young female that raps about what a guy would rap about but in my own "Kotaa" way! Now people may or may not think most songs of mine are negative, but I write them so people can either relate or learn from them!

On #Signed:

Shaa Ravine: What were your intentions when you agreed to do VH1’S #Signed? What did you want the world to know about Kotaa?

Dakota Unique: When I applied to be on Signed my intentions were to get SIGNED lol but everything worked out good even though I didn't! I feel like I found out who I was as an artist, I got developed, and my fan base grew. I just wanted people to see a hungry young artist that didn't let anything hold me back! Most people didn't know that I was still in high school on the show. So I would hurry to do my online work to film and go write songs, but I had to do what I had to do!

SR: On the show in a scene with Lenny S. and Dream, you described your rap style as “feminine but able to rap about the same topics as the boys” did you feel pressured to keep up with the male contestants on the show? Do you still describe yourself like that?

DU: I didn't feel pressured because I gained a lot of knowledge from them all! And of course I do still describe myself like that because that's who I am as in artist!

On Music:

SR: Let's talk about "Damn Kotaa" where did the inspiration for this project come from? How much have you grown/ changed from your 2013 mixtape and "Damn Kotaa"? Is your flow/style different now?

DU: "Damn Kotaa" is the official big project since the show! So I wanted everyone to see the new HARD Kotaa! My sound and how I come on a track is more official, passionate and so Damn HARD lol!

SR: We know you're a dope young female rapper and you're currently killing the game, but do you ever get discouraged? How do you keep your energy up and stay inspired?

DU: I would be crazy if I say I don't get discouraged because I'm not perfect! I do at times because I feel as though I'm not where I want to be right now but I know God got me so I'm all GOOD!

SR: There are many multitalented Millennials out there who often feel as though they must pick one talent or stick to the talent that they're best at. As a multitalented musician do you have any advice for other young multitalented creatives like yourself?

DU: Just do you and do what you love to do! One thing is NEVER GIVE UP! It'll eat you alive if you do! You just got to have THICK skin and say "F**k" whoever trying to bring you down!

SR: Other than music what are you into? & What's next for Dakota Unique? Performances? Music Videos? College?

DU: Lol well On my down time I either make graphics for myself or chill with my baby brother! I'm currently looking for a manager and Hella music videos are on the way....!!

Listen to Kotaa keep it "100" below: