Twenty years ago, when Victoria Upton was creating the premier edition of the magazine you’re currently reading, another legend, now known as hip-hop artist Lady Ace Boogie, was 12-year- old Linda Tellis. As a nod to celebrating our past and the lessons we’ve learned embedded in this month’s pages, Lady Ace shares advice she would give her 12-year-old self.

“Push yourself past potential,” she began, adding not to waste time sweating the small stuff. “There’s a whole world out there with the opportunity to become the best version of yourself.”

Lady Ace uses her music to drop a beat to topics she addresses with raw honesty, like confronting barriers and coming to terms with experiencing mental health issues. Her journey is showcased in her newest album, Don’t Box Me In, which makes its debut April 21 during the Lady Ace Boogie Album Release Party at The Pyramid Scheme.

The party, open to ages 21 and up, features Lady Ace delivering her latest masterpieces from Don’t Box Me In at The Pyramid Scheme’s backroom concert venue. The new album is the result of reaching a milestone in her work; she steps outside of the more aggressive tone of her previous album, Feel Good Music, to unveil the path she took to go from “just existing” to reach the “realization that you are living.” While her honest lyrics demonstrate an empowering vulnerability, Lady Ace masters creating music that draws listeners to the dance floor with catchy hooks and an exposure to true hip hop.

Joining the party is a vanguard of women artists who communicate through different musical genres while connecting for a lineup that Lady Ace marks as “a dream come true.” SuperDre (minimal techno beats), Molly Bouwsma Schultz (indie/soul) and Mama Sol (hip hop/neo soul) complete the saga, enveloping listeners in a night of authentic talent that celebrates the harmony of our differences.

Lady Ace’s powerful presence and fearless lyrics prove that pushing past potential and striving to become the best version of herself is a trait engraved in her personality. Don’t miss your chance to experience an artistic introduction to hip hop while celebrating music among a trinity of incredible women.

Tickets for the Lady Ace Boogie Album Release Party are available in advance at Pyramidschemebar.com for $10 or at the door for $12.

As for a fresh piece of advice by Lady Ace, she recommends you purchase your tickets in advance because this is a show that you don’t want to risk missing. Get a taste of her music at Ladyaceboogie.com/music where you can listen to the full Feel Good Music album and see the music video for Don’t Box Me In’s “Love Me for Me.”

What: Lady Ace Boogie Album Release Party feat. SuperDre, Mama Sol and Molly Bouwsma Schultz Where: Pyramid Scheme, 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids When: April 21, Doors at 8 p.m. Show 9 p.m.-midnight. Cost: $10 in advance. $12 at the door. Tickets at Pyramidschemebar.com.

Bri Kilroy is a Grand Valley and AmeriCorps alumna who learned to type through vigorous Mavis Beacon trainings. She also passes as an artist, illustrator and author of this bio.