The Philadelphia Chapter and GRAMMY Foundation hosted GRAMMY SoundChecks with Def Jam recording artist Karina at the Electric Factory on Aug. 3. Karina, winner of "Star Search" in 2003 and goddaughter of Quincy Jones, has been compared to such singers as Aaliyah, Alicia Keys and Maria Carey.
GRAMMY U members and high school students met in a backstage VIP lounge, where Karina answered questions about being a teenager in the midst of rising to stardom in the music industry. The young artist encouraged students to surround themselves with positive influences, look for inspiration wherever they go, stay focused to reach their goals, and go to college. Karina performed three songs during her soundcheck, encouraging students to clap and dance along. Most students needed no prodding as they belted out every word to the artist's first single, "16 @ War." And much to their excitement, all students received a wristband for free admission to that night's concert performance.