Ms. RAW, also known as Ritta A. Willis, was born in Lawton, OK. My mother is a native of Comanche County, OK. and (biological)father, a native of Galveston, TX. The Dirty South, Mid-West, and West Coast flavor have always been influential in my life. Then I arrived in Norfolk, VA. with my Mom and "Dad" (damn good one too- love u Pop), and the East Coast had a flavor all its own... and I liked it! Now, coming from "the country", wasn't a big transition, just gettin paid was the primary mission. Hard knocks came and went for my mother and me, but... momma is a solider, and watching her hustle and work so hard... taught me to "be everything but a quitter, beggar, or a follower. Handle your business this lifetime." Realizing I had talents at many things, I (Ms.RAW) started writing poems and short stories at an early age, like 7, I wrote my first crazy poem. All through school I stayed consist ant with my writing, kept a good-standing grade (at least in English $ Literature), listened to 102.9 (especially weekends), and took care of "home". I just knew I'd get discovered by Teddy Riley (smile)..."Rump shaker"..."Black Cop"..."Reasonable Doubt"..."Makaveli"... workin', writin',, rhymin', grindin'... hittin a few booths in-between. You all know the story, she met a guy, got married, had a baby, divorced, lol... In the end, I was blessed with a beautiful daughter to love forever, my heartbeat... and she loves to sing so watch out!-
In-between life’s struggles and paperchasin', I (Ms.RAW) managed, and held several well-paying positions (most not), in the cities where I traveled: Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Indiana, and California. In Los Angeles, where I had the chance to audition for casting calls, I was chosen for a few music videos, a lil extra cash while I'm visitin ya know. The set was so live when the cameras rolled! I was blessed with opportunities to meet, LL.Cool J, Treach, Prodigy, Master P, M.L. Davis, Ron Hightower (it aint like that), Don D.C. Curry, Spanky Hayes, Snoop Dogg Xibit, Sir Jinks, Big Percy, Benzino(Ray), Silk, Dilated Peoples, and others who gave me encouragement to "Keep on Pushin". It was all possible through a mutual friend from BET who took Ms.RAW to the sets wit ha, Thanks OZ!! ***Special word to: Mrs. Moore (VA.), *** Bishop Magic Don Juan (INT), *** Uncle Junebug (CA.) "wit dat good "fried catfish"*** and D.J. Double Impact (GA.) *** Jus PR (CA.) ***Mr. Royal in Long Beach (CA.) *** Thank You, for always inspiring me, helping me when I need a word, and staying down so long. That's what's up! You were right, and I'm still here! "Love".