A YOUNG rapper, who has performed with the likes of urban group N-Dubz, has added another string to her bow by developing a clothing line.

Thaila Phillips, 17, who is known as Kidtazstik, showcased items from her new range, Truth Over Gass, at the

sold-out launch party at Harrow Arts Centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, last Saturday night.

Her friends, family, fans and fellow musicians were excited to view the range’s ‘original collection’, which includes T-shirts,

jumpers and hoodies with the musician’s slogan emblazoned across them.

“It was amazing, it all went so well,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted my own clothing line but never really had the money, but this year my dad helped me.

“I ordered lots of plain items and got them printed up with my slogan.”

Truth Over Gass – slang for talking the truth instead of rubbish – is Kidtazstik’s motto.

“I originally got into music when I was about 12 because I didn’t like the messages a lot of rappers were putting out,” she said.

“They talk about girls, cars and money, but I think music should have more meaning.”

Kidtazstik has written about anti-knife and gun crime and has also penned a song about the 2011 London riots.

“I do also have my party songs, but I write about things that inspire me,” she said.

“I want people to know they don’t have to talk about the same things as everyone else to be recognised as a good artist.”

Thaila, who lives in Harrow, has performed in assemblies at Harefield Academy in Harefield where she is a sixthformer and in 2012 she was presented with an award from the Jack Petchey Foundation, an organisation working to raise aspirations in

young people.

She was recognised for inspiring other students through her music.

Harefield Academy headteacher Mark Poulter, said: “We are very proud of Thaila launching her clothing range Truth Over Gass

– the new fresh lifestyle brand that encourages positivity through creativity.”

She has also recorded her own material and entered talent competitions to pursue her ambition to work in the music industry.

When she was just 13 she won a competition designed for over-16s to perform with pop rap act N-Dubz.

Follow @ TOGClothing on Twitter, and keep up to date with Kidtazstik’s latest music news at www.facebook.com/KidTOG