Raqiyah Mays; To Be Young And Talented

Her other goals? More acting, eventually producing movies, and maybe writing screenplays.

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“I think it is easier because of the media to get quick fame,” says Raqiyah Mays.

How simple was it for Mays to achieve fame?

At the tender age of 22, Raqiyah Mays is a journalist for a hip-hop magazine, co-host on today’s hottest station: 98.7 KISS FM, a Sunday radio host on Hot97, editor of the Ave Magazine as well as a writer for Vibe XXL in the past. Meeting with Mays, we found out that the multi-talented young woman was just getting started.

Mays was aiming to become a lawyer after she was advised to do so at the age of 17. She attended Penn State; however her gut instinct guided her towards another direction in life, which is when she transferred to Hampton University to pursue her love for radio hosting, considering that Hampton College had a great radio program.

During her transition her mother did not know that her daughter was at Hampton University, Mays explains. “I recall speaking to her on the phone thousands of miles away saying ‘mom I transferred schools.’ In the beginning she was a little disappointed…”

Although her mom was not proud of Mays’s decision, she was content to see her daughter aiming to higher heights and achieving her dreams.

Mays is also acting on an off-Broadway show, Platanos and Collard Greens; acting was another one of her ambitions. “It’s crazy; I have always wanted to be an actress. I would always take acting classes…”

As a mature young woman, she is also a great example to other young people today who do want to attain their dreams and reach the highest of heights in life. “I think everyone has talent; follow your gut instinct,” she says.

When she was younger she used to stutter horribly, she recalls. However, her mother taught her to read and soon she was being complimented on her nice projecting voice. Her motivation to excel in her speaking skills brought her a long way down the road. Her arresting voice is enjoyed on the radio by thousands of listeners.

She has a young brother, and a sister who is also an aspiring actress. Her other goals?

More acting, eventually producing movies, and maybe writing screenplays.

Oh, and did I mention the book she’s currently working on?


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