Uniquely BriaMarie.

Text by Sebastian Ade.

BriaMarie Moss-Wilkerson wears gold earrings and a white T-shirt with the word “SHINE” painted in bright highlighter hues as she prepares to host and perform at the annual Uniquely You Summit. Uniquely You is an event that brings together hundreds of young girls to discuss positive female values. Right before the eager young women flood into the Kurtz Center at Philadelphia University, BriaMarie can’t help but smile with anticipation.

She takes to the stage alone, armed with a microphone. She had not expected to be singing in a venue that size. The girls in the crowd warm up to BriaMarie within moments of her first words, almost as though she was a friend they have known for quite some time.

And that’s because she’s not far removed from these young women.

BriaMarie works around her busy college schedule to chase after her dreams. This 20-year-old R&B songstress attends 8 a.m. classes at Temple University, stays fashionable throughout the day and then manages to workshop songs with Grammy-nominated producers Carvin & Ivan until it’s time for her head to hit the pillow. And then she wakes up early and does it all over again.

“Sometimes I have to wake up at 6 a.m. to do homework,” BriaMarie laments.

BriaMarie is working on her debut album which includes “French Fries and Apple Pies,” a single she released this past summer featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff. The track reminds listeners of a time when lyrics were silly and fun, while DJ Jazzy Jeff coats the tune with old-school vibes. The singer describes her sound as hip-hop and R&B with a pop feel.

After high school, the DC native knew she needed to go to a city where the music scene is vibrant and well-connected.

“God was leading me to Philly!” she exclaims. “Every website, every college, it was all leading me to Philly.”

When she moved to Philly, the first order of business was to produce YouTube videos that showcased her songwriting, singing and dancing. Her sassy rendition of Jay-Z’s “Who You Wit” garnered more than 8,000 views.

“I think social media is one of the most powerful tools ever,” she stresses. “It has the power to create a bond and allows you to be more approachable.”

While scanning the web investigating different notable musicians from Philly, she stumbled upon Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias. The duo, more commonly known as Carvin & Ivan, have produced artists like Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott and Justin Timberlake. BriaMarie knew she had to work with them.

“I stalked them,” she says with a laugh.

BriaMarie is now the first artist signed to their label, Ethical Music Entertainment.

Her days are hectic as she meanders through the music scene but she refuses to worry.

“Wherever God wants me to be, where I will be,” she grins.