Being one of a few women in a male-dominated rap music industry - in one of the most independent music capitols of the world - can be overwhelming. Not for singer-songwriter Netta Brielle.

Brielle hails from Berkeley, California, yet she has many community connections to Oakland through Far West High and the Fruitvale Workshop. I recently met up with her to talk about her music, community involvement and the new emerging unity between artists in the Bay Area.

Brielle has a calm temperament, friendly attitude and girl next door presence. When I began to ask about what she’s working on currently, she spoke candidly about her latest song “Pushin’ Away." She described it as one of the first songs where she allows fans to hear her vocal abilities on a ballad.

Besides working diligently in the studio creating more songs for her fans to listen to, Brielle recently remixed rapper Tha Jacka’s “Glamorous Lifestyle,” which has been receiving radio play on stations like 106 KMEL.

Brielle is not new to the stage having performed in talent shows since the age of 5 and majoring in musical theatre at San Jose State. She said she likes to stay connected to her community by performing at events like (one of) the Oscar Grant rallies and the Haiti benefit concert in the Bay Area. Brielle likes the all age event performances because she can be a positive role model for the kids. Also, her grandmother can attend.

Brielle spoke very candidly about community issues within Oakland as well as youth violence. She said she believes that through her music she can show girls that dreams come true.

Brielle is a great talent and is on her way to success - she has a strong fan base in the Bay Area, a good work ethic and is willing to go the distance.

Fun facts about Netta Brielle:

Favorite color: Red
Favorite pizza: Blondie’s in Berkeley
Favorite clothing: Vintage
Instruments: Learning how to play the drums
Fashion style: Madonna-inspired 80s
Music artists that inspire her: Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson and Vanity 6

To learn more, follow Brielle on Twitter.