<p><span style="color: #000000;"> Yashi's Biography <br /> Up and coming artist Yashi knows a lot about competition. The Chicago native grew up in a home of athletes &ldquo;I loved sports and even received a college scholarship to run track at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, but I knew in my junior year that my true passion was singing,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp; Yashi was best known for her athletic abilities in track and field. A high school and college stand out in track breaking records in the 400-meter dash but she traded in her spikes for her attire more suitable for the big stage.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /><br />Although Yashi had no formal training, her distinctive style and voice full of raw emotion and heart-stirring talent, is destined to bring her worldwide recognition. &ldquo;Yashi approaches music like she approached sports; with enormous drive and extraordinary talent.&nbsp; Yashi was taught early on the importance of putting effort into what you believe in and want to accomplish.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /><br />Yashi is now putting all of her efforts into her music.&nbsp; She twice auditioned for American Idol and even for the Pussycat Dolls. Though she didn&rsquo;t make the cut, it fueled her drive to perfect her style and create a sound that would enliven and inspire. Yashi&rsquo;s new single &ldquo;If I Had My Way&rdquo; is produced by Grammy Award Winner Jim Jonsin, one of the hottest producers in the industry.&nbsp; &ldquo;If I Had My Way&rdquo; is already creating nationwide excitement and is proving that Yashi is serious about making her dreams become a reality.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /><br />The youngest of six, Yashi&rsquo;s quirky style can be heard in her music. Inspired by great singers that include Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, and Al Greene, the artist has already worked with some of the industry&rsquo;s leading producers and writing teams, including Big Drawz, who previously written hits for Destiny&rsquo;s Child and Trey Songz; Nicci Gilbert of Grammy-nominated Brownstone; Rufus Blaq who has penned for Faith Evans and Salt -n- Pepa; Dwight &ldquo;Scrapp&rdquo; Reynolds who has written for Whitney Houston, and multi-platinum producer Jim Jonsin (Soldier Boy, Beyonce &amp; Lil Wayne)<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /><br />Though only 24 years old, Yashi is wise beyond her years. She values honesty, integrity, respect and healthy living.&nbsp; She&rsquo;s a role model in her community, advising her fans to stay in school, practice abstinence and concentrate on health and wellness. But most of all, she tells those who are following her successful career to work hard and never give up.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /><br />With an album in the works, Yashi is out of the starting block and on to the finish line; prepared to go the distance.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /><br />www.yashionline.com, myspace.com/yashionline, itunes and twitter/yashionline<br /></span></p>