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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

NORTH TAMPA - When Samantha Ashlee Bennardo, 21, hears a good beat, her wheels begin to turn. The Christian rap artist, known to her fans as Sicily, writes her own songs. She considers hip-hop a way to minister to youths and bring hope to troubled people.

As a teenager, Bennardo battled depression and suicidal thoughts. She credits Christianity and music with saving her life. Her debut album, “Tha Goddaughter,” focuses on the healing power of God’s love.

Bennardo lives in Town ‘N Country and attends Salem Baptist Church, 1712 E. Busch Blvd. She performs at churches throughout Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Are you from Tampa?

No. I was born in Brooklyn. I moved to Florida when I was 8 years old. My mother thought it would be a better life for me down here.

Were you raised in a Christian household?

I was raised in a Catholic household. I started going to a Protestant church with a friend when I was 15. I went for two years before I started really living for God. At 17, I gave my life totally to God. It just felt right to me. It felt perfect.

Did you grow up loving music?

I did. It was my thing. As a kid, my mom always had music on in the house. She listened to ’70s disco, jazz and R&B. I listened to all that. When I moved to Florida, I started listening to hip-hop.

When did you decide to combine your passion for music with your faith?

After I gave my life to God, I started thinking about the music my friends were listening to and how there was nothing really positive about it. It was all about sex and drugs and going to clubs. I thought, “Why not make music about the word of God?” I wanted to show young people there’s more than what they see on TV, that there’s someone out there who really does love them, whose love is more powerful than even a mother or father could give.

Did you start out as a solo artist?

I started in a rap group at a church, Zion Pentecostal. It was me and a bunch of guys. Then, the producer from 2ice-Born records heard me rap. He contacted me and said I was ready to make a CD. I went into the studio in 2005. My album, “Tha Goddaughter,” came out October 13, 2007.

Was the CD-making process what you expected?

It was a struggle at times. There were so many things that needed to be done. I wrote all my own lyrics. God gave me the words. I mostly wrote from my own experiences. Sometimes, it was hard, but I felt like God was saying, “You have to share this because there are people who need to hear it.”

What subject matter does your music deal with?

I deal with depression and other real-life issues. I rap about things people actually go through.

Is it difficult being a female in the Christian hip-hop business?

I’m not going to lie. It definitely is. Some men think rapping is a man thing, but females need people to speak for them, too. A lot of other rappers don’t talk about issues girls go through, like depression and abuse, like feeling worthless. I talk about those issues and say, “There’s a way out of this.” When I perform, I’m ministering.

Where do you perform?

I perform all over. I perform at Crossover Hip Hop Church a lot. I’ll be rapping at my church soon, Salem Baptist Church. … There’s a new youth program. I’m excited to rap there.

Are you trying to get your CD picked up by a major label?

I’m trying to get it picked up for distribution. I’m already on the radio. My song “Runaway” is on Spirit FM in Tampa.

Have you met any fans who say your music impacted their lives?

I actually have. People come up and say, “This really made a difference in my life.” For that, God gets the glory.

What do you do when you’re not making music?

I chill with friends. I go to movies. I don’t drink or go to clubs. Those things don’t interest me. I goof off and have fun.

Do you plan on making hip-hop a full-time career?

I’m writing my second album. As for whether or not I’ll make music my lifetime career, we’ll see what God’s will is.

HEAR SICILY

To purchase “Tha Goddaughter,” click on the “Music” link at MySpace.com music and enter the keyword “Sicily” or stop by the Crossover Hip Hop store at 7809 N. Orleans Ave. For show dates and booking information, call (813) 892-0610.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.