GemiJhay the Genie (born Nikki Jhana Nielsen) is hip-hop, rap and R&B artist based in Richmond, Virginia. Having opened for Megan Thee Stallion in 2019, and performed in venues from Atlanta to Atlantic City, GemiJhay has come a long way from her debut EP ‘Blunt’ (2018) — she’s now stepping into her own spotlight as a rising R&B star. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana , GemiJhay grew up a military kid, moving from state to state. Despite her military parents pushing respect and discipline in the house, which often led the artist to stifle her true feelings, GemiJhay found ways to self-express by performing in choirs, talent shows and uploading cover songs on YouTube. Music was always her outlet. GemiJhay says: “Music has been the only thing that has been consistent in my life of constant change. Music is the only way I can truly be vulnerable without feeling like my softness will be mistaken for weakness.” As an exotic dancer, as a mother, and as a woman chasing her dreams, GemiJhay is also dedicated to changing perceptions of women in the adult entertainment industry: “I want to break the stereotypes and show people the other types of women found in the strip clubs. They’re in there for the hustle — outside of the club, they are wonderful mothers, amazing business owners, spiritual goddesses, nurses, leaders. I’m here to elevate them.”