Rap Music Pioneer Tenina "Suga-T" Stevens Honored by Queen Latifah at VH1's Hip Hop Honors

NEW YORK - July 22, 2016 - PRLog -- It's not everyone who gets an email or call from music network VH1 or Queen Latifah asking them to come to New York to have their contributions as a female rap pioneer honored.  But then everyone is not Vallejo-born Tenina "Suga-T" Stevens. Stevens recently had her accomplishments as a best-rapper, best-selling singer-composer and humanitarian recognized during a special presentation on VH1's Hip Hop Honors Awards show. She was highlighted as the most prominent West Coast Female Rap Pioneer. The program, which was produced by Queen Latifah, was designed to showcase talented females who work in a genre that is dominated by males, but often go under-appreciated and overlooked.

"I was very happy to have my work celebrated; to have Queen Latifah tell me that I influenced her career," says Stevens.  "Women in the business are often overshadowed by their male counter parts.  We get fewer invites to perform and we get paid less.  We have to keep fighting for change."

The show featured numerous hip hop stars along with honorees Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah.  First Lady Michelle Obama made a videotaped presentation.

Stevens, 45, has been a singer and composer for over 30 years.  Her career began in the early 80's in Vallejo when she and her brother Earl "E-40" Stevens formed their group, "Sugar and Spice."  She later became a part of his all male group, "The Click," and the group started its own record company. Since then, both as part of the group and as a solo artist, she has performed on over 100 albums and sold over 20,000,000 copies worldwide.  She's also written music for other artists, movie soundtracks, plays, and is an actress, author and keynote speaker.

She will release a new album soon featuring singer Shanico and a track called "Don't X Me Out," that has a soulful message about children with autism. Stevens has a grandchild who has autism and will donate part of the proceeds from the sale of the album to projects that support parents with autistic kids.

Empowerment Project, the "Suga Rush Movement"

Stevens has overcome many obstacles in her life.  She became a mom at 16 and has experienced domestic and gun violence. In addition to her music, she is now focused on humanitarian and business projects that she believes will help empower women. Over the years, she's earned three college degrees, including a Master's of Science in organizational management and established several social and business enterprises.  She's developed "The Suga Rush Movement," a series of different genres of  music that display her range as a singer-performer (everything from rap to jazz, blues and gospel); and a series of self-help books, fragrance and wellness products, workshops and other services to promote health, well-being, personal development and entrepreneurial possibilities for women and their families.

"I am passionate about helping others re-invent themselves," she says.  "I work with victims of domestic violence, re-entry women; foster youth; victims of sex trafficking; and poor communities to mentor, help build self-esteem; foster a sense of professionalism, personal development, family values, talent development, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities."

To listen to Suga-T's "Woman Empowerment" song click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIOE73S0gSo



To book her for performances, workshops, program collaborations, special appearances or speaking engagements, contact her at bookings@teninasuga-tstevens.com or call 888-436-0574.  For more information and to buy new music, visit her website at http://www.suga-t.net .

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