Inspired by hip-hop legends such as N.W.A, Public Enemy, Salt-N-Pepa and MC Lyte, the upstate-New York native is very candid when explaining that her music is for her listeners, not her critics: "Those who aren't ready for what I have to say should do what the song says and 'Pack Ya Bags!'" While she is the only one of her 5 brothers and 1 sister who is involved in the music business, Sarai can trace her earliest exposure to rap back to her older brother (who couldn't seem to get enough of N.W.A., Public Enemy, Run DMC, The Fat Boys, and other pioneering rap acts). Sarai credits these artists, as well as more contemporary MCs Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z, as primary influences on her own original style. Also, as a female performer, she credits Salt 'n Pepa and MC Lyte with paving the way.

   Sarai's own lyrical skills began with an interest in poetry; her work was honest and heartfelt. Today, her lyrics represent just that kind of "clean, fun behavior, because you can have fun without getting ridiculous," Sarai explains. She wants to "take a little bit of everything" around her, and infuse it into her music; "I'm just adding to what's already there. I'm not trying to take anything away from the core, because that's what drew me to begin with," she says. At twenty years old, this strawberry-blonde "MTV baby" doesn't deny her roots. But for critics who might try and label her as 'bubblegum,' she laughingly responds, "If I'm bubblegum, I'm just sweet enough to give you something to chew on, but I never lose flava, so you?ll never wanna spit me out!"

   Mature well beyond her years, she adds in a more serious undertone, "There's always gonna be both love and hate, no matter where I go." But Sarai's message is for her listeners, not her critics. She says, "Music can take you anywhere you wanna go. For everyone who has a dream, I want to tell them never to give up, never let anyone put you down or fit you into a mold never let fear stand in your way." Sarai has long followed her own advice. With future success, Sarai hopes to return to her hometown of Kingston, one day, where she will set up a shelter for underprivileged children. "You have to remember where you came from," she intones. And Sarai thanks God everyday for her blessings, her raw mic-skills and her supporters that make her a star. Sarai's already got the East and the South down. Next move? Take it global!