Nyla Symone: The Vibe Architect Reshaping Hip-Hop Media
Breaking In With Intention, Not Permission
In a media world still grappling with its boys’ club roots, Nyla Symone didn’t wait for an invite. She built her own booth, dropped the needle, and changed the frequency. A Maryland native raised on mixtapes and grit, Nyla knew from early on that she wasn’t built to follow the path—she was here to remix it. DJ K-Swift, the late Baltimore legend, lit the match. Nyla turned it into a movement.
Before most kids knew what LimeWire was, she was digging through the crates of the internet, burning CDs, and curating sonic experiences for the block. Not for clout—because it felt good to “put people on.” That’s been her fuel ever since.
College Radio, Real Talk, and Early Reps
When she landed at St. John’s University in New York, Nyla didn’t just play music—she moved people. Hosting college radio shows and spinning at campus events started as a side hustle and quickly became something bigger. Her peers didn’t just show up—they felt what she was doing. That’s when she knew this wasn’t a phase. It was her purpose.
Her hustle got the right attention. Charlamagne Tha God. DJ Clue. And most pivotally, Angie Martinez—the woman who’s done for hip-hop radio what Serena did for tennis. Meeting Angie was a full-circle moment. It wasn’t just inspiration; it was validation. It was the handoff of a torch from one powerhouse to the next.
The Rise at Power 105.1 and Beyond
At Power 105.1, Nyla became one of the youngest and most authentic voices in the building. No gimmicks. No fronting. Just vibes, consistency, and sharp curation. She didn’t just play what was hot—she told you what would be. “Pass Da Aux” on The Breakfast Club? That’s her. And it’s one of the most talked-about segments for a reason: Nyla doesn’t follow trends. She builds them.
From there, she leveled up to The Black Effect Podcast Network, national TV spots, and high-profile DJ sets from Dreamville Fest to Cafe Erzulie. Everywhere she goes, she brings that grounded-but-glowing Nyla energy. She doesn’t need to scream to be heard—she just hits play, and the room adjusts.
Certified Vibe: A Brand with Soul
Her brainchild, Certified Vibe, is more than an event series—it’s a cultural reset. A sonic experience where rap battles meet anime, underground meets mainstream, and authenticity always takes center stage. Nyla curates every detail. She doesn’t just spin tracks—she builds worlds.
She’s got her hand on the pulse and her heart in the culture. This year alone she’s joined forces with Too Lost, Nerdcore Party Con, and other indie collectives to bring the chaos, energy, and community of hip-hop back to its roots.
Why Creativity Isn’t a Perk—It’s the Point
Ask Nyla why she does this, and you’ll get a real answer: because she has to. For her, DJing and hosting aren’t just jobs—they’re the way she speaks to the world. Music is how she connects, heals, and rebels. She’s said it herself: creativity is what lets her tell the truth, amplify the unheard, and keep her joy in an industry that too often eats its own.
She’s a tastemaker, yes. But more importantly, she’s a bridge—between culture and audience, talent and opportunity, sound and soul.
What’s Next: Podcasts, Parties, and Purpose
As of mid-2025, Nyla’s schedule is booked and blessed. Her podcast “We Need To Talk” drops weekly on iHeart and The Black Effect Network, featuring heavy-hitting guests like Wiz Khalifa and Chase Shakur—but always with an angle that cuts deeper than the promo fluff.
She’s still DJing live—most recently at Music Biz 2025 and exclusive NYC club nights—and building bigger stages for Certified Vibe. On top of that, her segment work with The Breakfast Club keeps her rooted in daily conversation with the culture.
The Legacy in Motion
Nyla Symone isn’t just rising—she’s rewriting the rules. With every set, post, podcast, and playlist, she’s proving that authenticity wins, intention matters, and the vibe? The vibe is everything.
She’s not asking for space in the room anymore. She is the room.
And the culture is better for it.
