Press:

“(Tha) Gata Negrra is a pioneer alternative artist who combines cosplay with hip hop and creates a unique sound. Her character is the form of a cat girl with pink and purple hair and eye-catching makeup. We got in touch with her to talk about the inspiration behind her character and her take on anime and music.”
CoPromote Blog

“Esoteric Elegance) What advice would you have for the up and coming female emcee? (Tha)Gata Negrra) Do what YOU do. Stick to who you are, never stop writing, read everything about the new music business model you can get your hands on. No one is going to “discover” you or save you, you have to make yourself seen and noticed and prove you have the work ethic to prosper on your own. Do your research, read every agreement thrice. And make sure your inner circle is tight. Sometimes there are people who don’t want to see you get ahead and will sabotage you with one hand whilst holding the other.”
Bogue Batho - Esoteric Elegance

“ThaGataNegrra’s album, GATA City, kicks off with an intro involving a search for a rare cat breed, which spins off from the theme of the artist (for those who don’t know “gata negra” means “black cat” in Spanish). The album then continues with the upbeat live energy with first track, “Felinephunk”, an easy beat to dance to. The next track, “Like I Do”, also creates an upbeat groove, but switches up on the synthesizers used in the track.”
Ayana Webb - M Pire Magazine

“Like I Do is a crossover-quality track that will have fans of dance and R&B styles eagerly anticipating the rest of the efforts on GATA City. The production on Like I Do is stellar, pushing the instrumental and the vocal sides of the composition to an entirely new plateau... Few albums are able to come forth and present a unique (but wholly unique) sound from onset to ending with as much confidence and allure as GATA City, and I believe that the album is able to have a much higher replay value than other titles of a similar ilk. Top Tracks: Felinephunk, Juliet is Bleeding Rating: 8.2/10”
James McQuiston, Ph. D. - NeuFutur Magazine

“ThaGataNegrra sounds neon. Akin to FKA Twig’s nuanced compositions, ThaGataNegrra’s are nimble, bright and remarkably catchy. Rhythmically, “Gata City” never stops. With an endless amount of kinetic energy, the songs blast forward...After a short interlude the album begins with “Felinephunk” whose economical execution opens the album up in style. On “Like I Do (You Should Dance With Me)” the song essentially becomes an endless dance groove. Moving into dance funk with the slinky “Come Show Me” the album presents one of its highlights. The synthesizer stabs are particularly luscious. Frantic energy defines the aggressive “GATA City: Kuro Neko Chaos” whose intense vocal delivery coupled with minimal structure makes it one of the harder tracks... “Gata City” is a sweet, strange album full of surprises.”
Skope - SKOPE Magazine

“FEATURED ARTIST: THAGATANEGRRA: An alternate hip-hop artist specializing in twisted lyrics with a funky delivery, ThaGataNegrra has an eclectic style that ranges from dance tunes to aggressive anthems. With performances featuring kei visual style and cosplay, GATA is sometimes even painted as a manga/anime character. Her debut CD “GATA City” is now available.”
EastLosHigh.com

“What Newark, New Jersey native ThaGataNegrra’s 'Like I Do (You Should Dance With Me) [video]' lacks in production value it makes up for in sheer originality. ThaGataNegrra is the world’s first (and this is a guess) Cosplay rapper. Think purple dreadlocks and lots of inspiration from Japanese manga. Her major breakthrough has yet to come, but her catchy melody tunes are sure to get people dancing—like she does.”
Theis Duelund - LA Magazine

“A long time ago, Tha Gata Negrra – who calls herself "Tha true original gata" and performed at the ING Marathon in Manhattan – found out that people were surprised when a female artist bottled up so much lyrical aggression. On her website biography, she recounts how this pivotal career moment made her never want to back down to anyone in the industry just so she could make it. Of course, this attitude, combined with her stage attire, automatically throws her in the Nicki Minaj clone pile. Rather, we could and should listen before jumping to conclusions. Listening, we could compare her to women like Missy Elliott, who channeled her frustrations with men into fast-rapped songs like "One Minute Man." Like Elliott, Tha Gata Negrra makes use of foreign influences and pop backgrounds mixed into mainstream hip hop beats...”
Nicole Russin - The Comeback

“The [sic] Gata Negrra asistió a una escuela de teatro cuando era una adolescente. Ahora, ella utiliza su educación por su música de rap. “Actuar es esencial para una actuación. El rap requiere la emoción”, dice ella. “Me encantó los dibujos animados japoneses cuando era una niña. Uso el estilo a menudo con mi apariencia. La gente dice que mi ropa es de un libro de historietas.” “Por supuesto, recibo comparaciones con Nicki Minaj. Cada chica que tiene un color de pelo de color rosa lo tendrá. Antes, era Lil Kim. En realidad, yo soy similar a Lisa Lopes de TLC. Además, las personas comparan la música a la estilo de Eminem y Missy Elliott. La causa es mi entrega rápida. “ “El hip hop es considerado como el juego de los hombres. Mucha gente dice que una mujer no puede crear rimas que no quiero poner en peligro a mí mismo que no voy a cambiar mi expresión por la fama este año, tengo un nuevo proyecto: ‘PROWL'.”
Nicole Russin - XOXO, Richarde for Elle.es

“There’s nothing else out there quite like ThaGataNegrra...ThaGataNegrra is not JUST an alternative hip-hop act. She is an artist. She puts her own purr on things ...that’ll leave your chest pounding to a whole new beat. There are some obvious cases on certain females in hip hop/pop that’ll be all style and no substance. ThaGataNegrra is that long awaited balance.”
Introducing the Bands; Rockstar Wrestling

“Tha Gata Negrra doesn’t pretend to be a pop diva and she isn’t one. Her record GATA City... is not meant to be a pop record to woo the hearts of the masses. The production on the record is pretty slick..inspite of its homespun... production, this debut of hers is a nearperfect hip-hop/pop candy... a party album with totally infectious tunes. [She] is primarily a hip-hop artist... the goulash of different pop music styles on this album all have a hip-hop core. Her fast start-stop emcee delivery mixed with aggressive beats makes the hardcore hip-hop cuts on the album like “Felinephunk,” “Transmission From Tha Cat Liar,”{sic} “GATA City: Kuro Neko Chaos,” and “Paperdollz,” the catchiest and best on the album. “Come Show Me,” “I Feel You,” and “I Like” are truer to the house/dance germ of the album rather than to its hip-hop proneness. “Like I Do” is the one-of-a-kind sugary pop song that doesn’t represent the rest of the album, but is still fantastic.”
Vish - The Daily Vault

“Within the first five minutes of discussion with alternative hip-hop artist [ThaGataNegrra], I quickly learned just how interesting she is. Despite the growing popularity for caricature artists in the music industry, such as Nicki Minaj and Lady GaGa, Gata's real-life cat-woman persona has nothing to do with trying to align with her fellow artists...her stage persona is not really a persona, it's her every day self...New Jersey's real life cat woman works hard on the craft of music. Her lyrics are edgy and eclectic.”
Kamilah Stevens - Indie Flava Magazine

“Apparently you can’t just have music, you’ve got to have 'the whole package'. Tha Gata Negrra (translate: the black cat), certainly has a product to offer and somewhat of a niche to fill. On the heels of artists like Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks, and looking like cyber-goth-meets-hello-kitty, Tha Gata Negrra is full bottle, in-your-face chick hop. Her sounds run from the fat broken rock of Felinephunk, to the booty-disco of I Like, and the club friendly swinger of Like I Do. Currently represented out of New Jersey by 3 Miles Entertainment, Tha Gata Negrra definitely seems to be aiming for mainstream pop acceptance, but she’s doing it her way.”
Danny Silver - GASHE

“New Jersey native ThaGataNegrra knows how to have fun. Her music is a thoroughly vibrant mix of Dance, Pop, Disco, Funk and even a bit of Rock. The songs bubble with excitement and a colorful, feel-good nature that is both infectious and raucous at the same time. A wide variety of elements come into play on the songs... including the awesome... track "I Feel You", the fantastically crafted "Like I Do (You Should Dance With Me)" and the funkier "Come Show Me". The songs are well produced using an arsenal of synthesizers and other keyboards as well as guitars and bass and what sound like some samples that are all alive in the mix. The lyrics are simple and fun and perfectly match the vibe of the songs. After all, you're not looking for literature lessons or poetry here, are you? It's Dance music and it's supposed to be fun and that's exactly what ThaGataNegrra has come up with. This is the kind of stuff that explodes at a party or on the dancefloor, and she is to be commended for it. ”
Peter Braidis - Indie-Music.com

“On GATA City, the debut album from ThaGataNegrra, dance is used as a synonym of both love and lust: with lyrics inspired by a current relationship, Gata does well to avoid gratuitous oversexualization on songs such as “I Feel You”, with its infectious blend of disco meets New Wave meets Freestyle vibe...[she has] a lot more than the metaphorical dance floor anthem to offer up on the album. “Paperdollz” is a personal track dedicated to not changing one’s self to meet the status quo of what men desire or expect.”
Praxilla, The Offering

“In a masterful blend of hip-hop and pop, this New Jersey artist produces a somewhat eclectic blend of music that has wide appeal and has gained her a growing fan base.”
The Indie Music Review

“I like 'Juliet Is Bleeding'! It's real kool [sic]. [Your producer is] good!”
Darryl DMC McDaniels

“Junior’s Cave Golden Isles Online Magazine introduces the next stage in indie music. Meet ThaGataNegrra—Tha ORIGINAL GATA who is making a BIG splash on the indie music scene. Her style and how she entertains is something original, fresh, and fun to watch. If you want to witness a star being born, then check out the wonderful music of ThaGataNegrra.”
Junior's Cave Online Magazine

"ThaGataNegrra's music is like an old-school box of chocolates: you really don't have any idea what you're gonna get. It's also like a box of chocolates in that it can be sweet, nutty, and in some cases break your delicate fillings. But someone threw a few Sour Patch Kids into those chocolates when you weren't looking. And now you don't know what to do with yourself...but you know you liked it."
Claws Bared

“[GATA City is] a real head-banger! I liked every song on the album and it sounds better than most things playing on the radio or MTV today. The lyrics, delivery and production are tight. You can also tell there's heart and soul in it, which I really dig. The skits are pretty funny too. My favorite tracks are Gata City...sounds cool and the song is hella tight. You spit fire on Felinephunk. I Feel You makes me want to dance, and understand me when I say I don't dance. I Like is very mellow yet upbeat at the same time... makes you bob your head. I like the message behind Paperdollz. Juliet Is Bleeding is a good track... Like I Do is an awesome song. It's better than 90% of things I hear on the radio these days. Definitely going to cop me one from CD Baby and lend my support, spread the word, etc...good stuff all the way around. :) You rock!”
Cinema Threat Productions

“Newark, NJ based rocker-chick, ThaGataNegra [sic], reminds me of Missy Elliot's fun style, if Missy was more LEFT. She has a colorful, wild delivery with fast pace [sic] house beats. This is what you'd like to listen to when you [sic] energy is waning or if you need to get in the mood to club hop. Her debut album, Gata City, is an instant pick-me-upper.”
Lifestyles of the Authentic and Creative Blog

"I Feel [Yo]U" is a great club/dance song from New Jersey based Alt/Hip-Hop/Dance artists [sic] ThaGataNegrra. Although the song doesn't have many musical changes, it's club music so why would that matter? Plus, the song is actually rather funky with squealing lead guitars and pulsating bass along with some tropical percussion sounds. The vocals go from singing the infectious repeating chorus line to a sexy, conversational style. What's especially enjoyable about the song is that it has mass appeal to fans of different musical genres - you could like P-Funk, OutKast, Santigold, Donna Summer or the Chili Peppers and get groovin' to this track.
Peter Braidis - Indie-Music.com

“You got some huge records on [GATA City] that deserve full stage productions for real! You got global joints on there and the whole album just feels good... I am really excited... it grabs you... its a refreshing mix of all genres, truly!”
Wrek P., Bredwinuz

“Favorite - I Like (remix Youhei) This is where the disco/rap fusion should have went. It's also jazzy and funky... all around, and nice piece of work!! ^^”
Martian622--twitrax

“Spent all morning with your CD in my PT. It's EXCELLENT! I loved '[Transmission From Tha] Cat Lair'. 'Paperdollz' was amusing as well. It sounds really good! I enjoyed your CD very much!”
Jayson-Paul Agee, bassist

“I LOVE the album... hip hop isn't really my thing, but it's an amazing album. Awesome album...I seriously do love it. Doesn't sound like everything else out there. That's what got me.”
Dave Trent

“Your music is such high energy. It's a perfect boost of fun! You ROCK!... [Y]our music is dynamic!”
Meca McKinney, Jypsea

“I received your CD yesterday and got through about 3/4 of it. I have to wait 'til later today to play the rest because it sounds so good turned up! So many awesome elements in your music.... it takes me back and pulls me forward with a sound smorgasbord! I can dance to all of them so far but you wouldn't want to see that!... very seductive.”
Bill Fender, radio operator

“[I'm] Listening to 'Felinephunk' by ThaGataNegrra...HOT SONG GIRL...Dude, she's gonna BLOW UP...I'm sort of a music snob so if I say [her] album's good I mean it. <3”
StephZilla

“[GATA City is a] Well-balanced CD. [ThaGataNegrra's] music is refreshing. In a world of clones, she brings back music to a time when it was fun! Back when artist strove to be different and copying was a good way for your music to never get bought and laughed at. Like I Do, and GATA City are my personal favorite tracks. and the snippet track she made for a certain person hell-bent on being her clone is hilarious!!! I cannot wait to hear more hotness from this gorgeous MC!”
Devante Blood, blogger, poet

“[GATA City is] A very strong disc, from top to bottom. Well-written raps over some really catchy soundbeds. Angel Vivaldi's guest guitar playing really compliments her voice. Gata has a superb freestyle technique. Excellent post-recording production as well. Not overmixed at all. Gata's CD(s) will always be within my reach. I'm looking very much forward to hearing your future releases, Gata! Keep up the great work!”
J Gulow

“You have [a] great production team. You have great delivery and a great marketeding [sic] image. Stay in your square; the music industry is getting ready make a right at your corner. Keep up the good work. "Paperdollz" is a fire branded hit... be sure and get your guerrilla marketing team on top of it.”
Messiah Empire

“I've been playing your "Like I Do (You Should Dance With Me)" song... it's so infectious, and has a cool new wave, yet hip-hop feel to it, the two genres blend together suprisingly well. And what's yet more impressing is, there's nothing else on the music scene like it at the moment. It's original.”
JAKE :)--MySpace

“Very cool. Definitely not the typical dance stuff out there. You have your own thing going on...Paperdollz is fxcking awesome! Very right on! I really dig your honesty in your tunes. Please keep that up!”
Sean Faust, Singer/Songwriter

“This girl can flow. And I mean non stop with a fast tempo....great artist. Gata raps gun. Gooood s---.”
Alex J. Coleman, hip-hop artist

“I really like your music... I checked out your YouTube page and found myself humming a few of the tunes later that day. I would catch one of your shows if I were out there {in your area}. I love all types of (good) music and I really liked your stuff. You blow away half of the people I hear on the radio today. Just being honest.”
Terrence Williams, filmmaker

“I LOVES !!!!!! It's sounding sexy as phunk!!!!!!... The beats are hot and your flow is TIGHT!...I love your work...it's definitely goods :-)”
Gory Dellamorte, filmmaker

“I like your music. Great sound. Come Show Me is amazing.”
DJ ECE OZALP

“BIG FAN RIGHT HERE GIRLIE!!! ♥”
Audacious Melodious

“Still bumpin' your tracks. CAANNN YOOUUU DIIGGG IITTT?!?!?!”
Antonio San Miguel, MMA Fighter, actor

“Sounds really good! Very fun and well produced. And I almost hear an awesome 80's dance pop influence in there too. Top stuff :)”
Joe Forrester--musician

“On 'Come Show Me': 'Nice track! Get up and groove to this one. Great work!'”
JCiliom

“On 'I Feel You': 'This is definitely old school. Reminds of a back in the day R&B groove. This would be played at the 21 and over. Hot track...!'”
JCiliom

“On 'I Like': 'Awesome club groove! Very interesting and well put together. Keep it groovy...'”
JCiliom

“magical gurl.......”
dinoplumber--Jango.com

“outside my little box but i like it. full of rhythm”
dertwataz--Jango.com

“Hi... You were great. As an artist I know the feelin when people enjoy your work. Be sure to keep me posted when you perform again.”
Jermaine R. Morton, author

"You're like, what if Lady GaGa was an mc."
Darkroom Studios

“ThaGataNegrra's stuff is the bastard child of Hello Kitty and Eminem.”
IconoclastBleu

"Sounds like Janet vs.Digable Planets."
Kelvin D.

“My friend Youhei told about YOU！ By the way, I really enjoyed your Music! Subarashii!（awesome!）”
hajimepop

“Hello! I listened your songs. I like 'I LIKE'. So Cool and Funky. I wont to remix your songs, if you OK. I think that it makes good music.”
Youhei--MySpace

“The song "Like I Do" is definitely a club banger!!! It's fun, catchy, and encourages hip-shaking (which is always good). Plus watching you perform it at that Pride fest you were at in Newark was...memorizing [sic]... I will give u all the free promotion I can!!”
DevanteBlood

“Come Show Me got me up and moving even while I was crying....”
Sisterpoet7

“sweet,dont give up...we love you...”
equilibrium639--Jango.com

“This girl straight puts it down for us! Love her music! Keep it comin'! Good luck!”
Darkest Angel-- Jango.com

“pop and dance isnt my preffered music nut(sic) i like the way you groove chick. good work sweetie.”
BoThumper--Jango.com

“Addicted to your music Gata !”
Jazelle Allure, makeup artist

“I got up early Sunday morning for the marathon; I wasn’t sure when the runners would be passing by my neighborhood, so I left my apartment at 8:40am and walked to 45th and 4th Avenues, where the crowd was sparse. Interestingly, though there weren’t many spectators gathered–yet–there was live hip-hop/soul music from “ThaGataNegrra,” giving their all so early in the morning.”
Mark Weber - Mark in the City blog