LiveJive Kartier

Kema Live Jive Kartier, known as “The First Lady of Portsmouth,” has spent years establishing herself as one of Virginia’s premier female MCs and one of the most formidable lyricists to emerge from Portsmouth. In a culture where respect is earned bar for bar, Kema built her reputation on the ability to stand toe-to-toe with anybody who stepped into the circle—male or female.

That reputation began remarkably early. By just 11 or 12 years old, Kema was already stepping into cyphers with grown men and holding her own. Long before she was old enough to experience much of what other MCs were rapping about, her command of words, confidence, wit, and natural ability made people pay attention. What began as the talent of a gifted young MC eventually developed into the skill set of an elite lyricist.

As her career progressed, Kema became a signature presence within BangaNation and earned the title “The First Lady of Portsmouth.” Her style is rooted in lyricism first—sharp writing, commanding delivery, personality, and the competitive edge of an MC who grew up knowing that stepping into the cypher meant being prepared to compete with the best person in it.

In more recent years, Kema has expanded that creativity beyond the music itself. Visual representation has become a major part of her artistry, and she has built an impressive catalog of music videos on YouTube that gives her records a visual identity to match the strength of her writing. Rather than simply releasing songs, she has increasingly focused on creating complete presentations around her music.

From an 11-year-old fearlessly trading bars with grown men to becoming one of the most respected female voices in Virginia hip-hop, Kema Live Jive Kartier’s story has always centered on the same thing: she can rap. The visuals, evolution, and longevity have expanded the picture, but elite lyricism remains at the foundation of everything that made her The First Lady of Portsmouth.