Christian hip-hop artist Ayeesha grew up in a neighborhood touched by gang violence, but turned to church and school activities as a means of escape. The California native began performing at an early age, starting as a rapper at eight and participating in her school's theater and sports programs until graduation. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies from a San Bernadino college, Ayeesha pursued her music career and released Listen Closely on Grapetree Records in 1999.