Lanell Grant’s influence reverberates far beyond the music studio. As an artist and producer, she’s built her career on raw talent, authenticity, and an unwavering sense of self. Growing up immersed in the sounds of soul, funk, and classic rap, Lanell’s early love for music became a journey of self-discovery. Through her father’s old vinyl records, she found her own voice—a fusion of genres that breaks boundaries and defines her unique sound.
But Lanell’s story is about more than music. As a wife, mother, and proud natural beauty, she radiates a confidence that inspires others. Her faith in God serves as her compass, a guiding force that she brings to life in her recent single, God’s Girl. In this exclusive interview, Lanell opens up about her creative process, her commitment to empowering women in music, and how she balances artistry with family. Grounded and impactful, Lanell Grant is a voice of purpose and authenticity in today’s industry.
GP: You’ve made an incredible impact in the music industry as both an artist and producer. What first drew you to music, and how has your journey evolved since you began?
Lanell: Initially, my love for music was born out of wonder. I was genuinely pulled into a world of soundscapes I had never experienced. It’s like one day, I just decided to explore where all the music I was hearing in my home and around me was coming from. I started listening to a lot of old soul, funk, rap, and ballads, and kind of worked my way through the decades—or rather, through my dad's vinyl and CD collections. I bounced from Aretha to the Fat Boys, and from The Art of Noise to The Temptations. I was getting a crash course in music and was enthralled by the ability of these artists, producers, songwriters, and instrumentalists to evoke my emotions, passion, and, eventually, creativity. Originally, I was just a kid trying to emulate what I heard and put my own spin on it. Over the years, that evolved into establishing my own sound, and now I’m pushing the boundaries of that sound into the next phase.
GP: Your sound is uniquely you, blending various genres and moods. What inspires your creative process, and how do you stay true to your artistic vision while navigating the industry’s demands?
Lanell: I’m always trying to create an environment where I do for other people what was done for me in my formative years: stir up their emotions, passions, thoughts, and creativity. Imagine thinking all “music” is accompanied by words (even if you have to wait a little while for them, like in "Walk on By" by Isaac Hayes), but then you hear "Moments in Love" by The Art of Noise and realize that the music itself does so much heavy lifting. I want the listener to feel something. I want to challenge what they think. TLC’s album Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip had me shook as a middle schooler! I was like, “Oh, it’s a whole world out there that I know nothing about!” My artistic vision is to create music that stirs people up. This industry is demanding, but I offset some of that by being okay with who my audience is. When you’re a producer or songwriter, it isn’t necessarily your audience to worry about. But as an artist, I find comfort in knowing there is a group of people out there who rock with what I do and the way that I do it. There is a way to reach our musical and career ambitions while being accountable to the audience that will help us achieve them, and for me, that is a huge part of my artistic vision.
GP: You unapologetically rock your natural hair and embrace your authentic self. How does your personal style, especially your natural hair, influence your confidence and creativity?
Lanell: It is a weighted topic, but the simple truth is, it’s easier! It really is just easier to be me. There are a ton of decisions to make daily and a hundred different pitfalls to avoid. I’d prefer to just take on life as myself, so I don’t have to worry about forgetting to put on my “mask” one day. But I didn’t just arrive here. I remember rough days in middle and high school, not knowing what to do with my natural hair just like any other young girl. I remember finally getting a relaxer in college and my bob was bobbing—you feel me?! But my hair was falling out, so I went back to natural and haven’t looked back since. I LOVE MY FRO! I can’t wait till the whole thing turns grey, and I get to be that cool ol’ lady with a tight fro. However, it’s less about my identity or confidence being wrapped up in what my hair does or doesn’t look like (India Arie taught us that) and more about me having confidence in the one who created me. Hair is fickle, I’m fickle, but He is not. I’m less confident in me and more confident that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. That does wonders for how I show up in the world, and hopefully, that encourages other women and girls to do the same. BUT THE FRO DO BE POPPIN'! And I feel like the bars hit a little harder when it’s right.
GP: Faith and spirituality seem to play a major role in your life and work. How has your spiritual journey shaped your career, and how do you incorporate your beliefs into your music and the message you share with the world?
Lanell: It would not be hyperbolic for me to say that my belief in Christ is EVERYTHING. But to put it into quantifiable terms, I don’t think I’d be worth mentioning if not for my God and what He has done for me. Don’t get me wrong—I’d still be talented and gifted, like y'all still would have gotten some bangers out of me! But the passion you hear in my music, the sincerity, the way it lands on your heart—I’d be a fool to take credit for that. My faith helps me understand the grace that I have been given to do this. It helps me understand how to count the cost of it all. It gives me a heart for people. It keeps my ego in check. I’m no one’s Savior; I just happen to know Him. And because what God has done for me has been so life-changing, you’re going to hear me talk about it.
GP: Your influence extends beyond the music studio. Are there any community initiatives or personal projects that you’re passionate about?
Lanell: WOMEN PRODUCE!!! It’s my brand and chief passion to champion women and their creative efforts through inspiration, encouragement, and comfort. We adore our brothers over here as well, but where I can, I try to employ, empower, and partner with women.
GP: What advice would you give to young women entering the music industry, particularly those aspiring to be both artists and producers like yourself?
Lanell: BE PATIENT! It takes time to hone a craft. It takes time to figure out what you are doing and why. And that’s okay.
Your environment matters. If you can find other people chasing the same dream or an adjacent dream, do it. But your life needn’t be homogeneous or filled only with artsy creatives.
Learn about the business side. Without music, there would be no business, but without the business, it’s a hobby, and that’s okay if that’s what you’re on.
Lastly, a lot of people have advice (including me), but do you want the lifestyle that accompanies their advice? There is a lot of smoke and mirrors out here. Be careful.
GP: Mt. Rushmore of music artists, dead or alive—who are you choosing?
Lanell:
- Nina Simone: Creative advocacy through music
- Missy Elliott: Creativity, vocal production, songwriting
- Aretha Franklin: Evokes emotion every single time
- Whitney Houston: That’s what gifted looks and sounds like
GP: What is your definition of grinding pretty?
Lanell: Accomplishing my dreams and goals without compromising my integrity, character, personal relationships, or faith.
Be sure to follow Lanell at @lanellgrant on Instagram.
