2. Artists
  3. Hip-Hop/Rap
  4. Nina Capone

Nina Capone

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Nickname Nina Capone
Full name Jamilah Lawry
Country American | Creole
Genre hip hip / R&B
Activity 1991–present
Years active 34
Official website https://www.reverbnation.com/ninacapone
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ncapone1
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1aAI3BGhCIfzsuqx5kLh6O
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ninacaponemusic
iTunes https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nina-capone/296313757

Born: Jamilah Lawry
Other Names: Jamilah Lawry, Femcee
Born in: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupations: Entrepreneur, Recording Artist, Radio Personality, Tech Consultant, Author
Years Active: 1991–present
Known For: In Da Streets Radio, Mob Mistress: Damn Near Naked, Heroin (2017)

Nina Capone, born Jamilah Lawry, is an American rapper, tech entrepreneur, media personality, and radio executive based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for her trailblazing presence in the independent hip-hop scene, Capone has been a powerful force in both entertainment and business for over three decades. Her work spans across music, digital media, film, podcasting, community service, and consulting.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nina Capone began her musical journey in 1991 under the mentorship of Loni Gamble, a former member of The Stylistics. During this time, she toured with Gamble and honed her stage performance. Her first major recognition came while living in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where she performed at Annual Unity Day concerts and toured Pennsylvania prisons as the frontwoman of the band Sound Cheque.

Capone's breakout hit Lay-D-Bugs in the House, which she co-wrote and co-produced, earned her local fame. She later partnered with the city of Williamsport to create a youth empowerment PSA titled We Are the Young, aimed at drug prevention. The spot aired for over a year on regional television and elevated her status as a community advocate and rising artist.

Rise to Prominence in Philadelphia

Upon returning to Philadelphia, Capone performed at major events such as The Annual Greek Picnic and The Mayor’s Youth Expo.

Her live performances were featured on prominent radio stations including Power 99FM and 100.3 The Beat. She also made regular appearances on local TV shows such as Urban X-Pressions (TV48).

In the early 2000s, she began organizing local showcases for emerging artists alongside graphic designer Sway Touch. Her Nina Capone B-Day Bash became a signature citywide event attended by major celebrities like NBA star Allen Iverson.

In 2004, journalist Damon C. Williams of the Philadelphia Daily News dubbed her “The Femcee,” a moniker that cemented her role as a lyrical powerhouse in a male-dominated rap industry.

Discography and Collaborations

Capone's debut CD, Mob Mistress: Damn Near Naked, featured the raw, street-centric anthem Thugs Wife and became an underground favorite for its unfiltered portrayal of urban womanhood.

She has worked with notable artists and producers, including:

  • Freeway and Peedi Crakk of Roc-A-Fella Records

  • Rampage of Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad

  • Peaches & Herb on the 2005 remake of Shake Your Groove Thing, produced by Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo

  • DJ Cadillac on the Steel City Massacre project

  • Sam Sneed (of Death Row Records) on the track Sneedhearts for the Street Scholars Release

  • Freddie Jackson on the track What Ya Waiting For from his 2006 album Transitions

Media and Film Appearances

In 2007, Capone co-hosted 106 & Park live from Philadelphia alongside BET host Terrence J. She returned to co-host the Philly Hip Hop Awards in 2008 with DJ Cosmic Kev of Power 99.

In film, Capone appeared in the dramatic short Heroin (2017), which explores the psychological grip of addiction. Her IMDb profile also notes her appearance in related short films and documentary projects spotlighting urban narratives and female empowerment.
IMDb: Nina Capone Filmography

In Da Streets Radio & Streaming Empire

Nina Capone is the Founder and CEO of In Da Streets Radio, a digital streaming platform created to amplify independent hip-hop and urban voices worldwide. Originally launched in 2006, the station has since evolved into a global media brand, offering 24/7 radio, podcast hosting, DJ features, and exclusive interviews.

Under her leadership, In Da Streets Radio has become an Apple Music Affiliated Platform, with its content accessible across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple CarPlay, Apple TV, and Amazon Alexa. The platform reaches 68+ countries and thousands of weekly listeners and serves as a launchpad for independent artists and podcasters looking for global exposure.

Capone also launched IDS TV, a companion streaming hub for independent music videos, documentaries, and urban film content.

Podcasts and Media Hosting

Capone is the creator and host of two popular podcast series:

  • Respect the Hustle – A candid and unfiltered conversation with artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs

  • 10 Minutes of Talk – A bite-sized business podcast offering expert insights, interviews, and growth strategies

Both shows are syndicated across major audio platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and more.

Festival Hosting & Community Legacy

Beyond her contributions to music and media, Nina Capone has been a cultural fixture in Philadelphia’s community event scene. She has helped bring to life the iconic Nicetown Community Giveback Festival, one of the city's most beloved grassroots events. For over 20 years, she has contributed behind the scenes in production, and for more than 10 years, she has commanded the stage as a dynamic and empowering host. Her presence has helped elevate the festival into a vital tradition celebrating local music, unity, and community service.

In keeping with her roots and her family's legacy, Capone will host the 2025 Annual Islamic Heritage Festival on June 14, an event that honors the contributions of Muslim Americans. This moment is deeply personal, reflecting a multi-generational commitment to culture, faith, and public engagement.

Business and Technology Ventures

Operating under her legal name Jamilah Lawry, Capone is the founder of My Biz Consulting LLC, a digital marketing and tech consulting agency that provides AI-powered tools, business systems, SEO services, and marketing automation for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

She created The FIXX Framework (Find. Integrate. Xecute. eXcel.), a results-driven consulting methodology focused on streamlining business operations and digital transformation.

She also runs Hustle & Hack, a 6-month hybrid program and a 7-day business accelerator course that helps founders document processes, select the right tech, and execute strategic marketing to scale efficiently.

Books, Audiobooks & Upcoming Projects

Capone is currently writing her first book, From My Urban Heart, a memoir-meets-business blueprint. She’s also producing an audiobook series titled CEO in a Hijab Chronicles, a witty, no-nonsense behind-the-scenes look at being a tech-savvy, high-fashion, North Philly CEO navigating life, hustle, and hijab.

Other projects:

  • Married to the Game (upcoming album)

  • Singles: Murda and Mind Over Matter with Montana 3lak

  • Expanding podcast offerings, AI educational content, and visual storytelling through short films and digital courses

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Nina Capone is more than a rapper or executive — she is a blueprint for independent success. Whether amplifying voices through her media empire or streamlining operations for startups, she remains a force of innovation, resilience, and cultural influence. Her work continues to uplift communities, challenge norms, and inspire creatives to own their narratives.

Top Tracks

Sirens Theme 1

Sirens Theme

I'm Peepin' 2

I'm Peepin'

Ladies is Pimps Too 3

Ladies is Pimps Too

Chick on the side 4

Chick on the side

Touch me 5

Touch me

Stash House This Stash House That Freestyle 6

Stash House This Stash House That Freestyle

Dayz like this 7

Dayz like this

What kind of Games 8

What kind of Games

U Already Know 9

U Already Know

Ooh Montana 10

Ooh Montana

Top Albums

Sirens Theme
Sirens Theme
tracks
I'm Peepin'
I'm Peepin'
tracks
Ladies Is Pimps Too
Ladies Is Pimps Too
tracks

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