Ericka Streets

Ericka Streets (2nd July, 1985-c. 9th November, 2010) was a Kuboian television personality, singer-songwriter, rapper and actress. She began her career at the age of fourteen, when she became a part-time presenter for Nickelodeon Kuboia, before later expanding her career and releasing music. At the peak of her career, Streets was one the most high-profile individuals in the country of Kuboia, and continues to be one of the most celebrated people from the country.

Early life
Ericka Streets was born on 2nd July, 1985 in Reichetto, Dominion of Kuboia (now a part of East Kuboia). Her Scottish-Swedish father Henry Streets (b. 1952), is a retired retail manager, whilst her Dutch-New Zealand mother Ashleigh Smith (b. 1954) is a retired university teacher. She also had an older brother, Hugh Streets (b. 1983).

Growing up whilst Kuboia was transitioning into an independent country, Streets' family struggled both financially and mentally. Her parents separated when she was three years old, with her mother taking Streets and her brother to live with her mother's family. As a young child, Streets was taught early education through a private tutor, before being moved into a mainstream school at the age of nine. At the age of twelve, Streets' school was shut down due to its poor conditions and reports that some of the teachers were physically and sexually abusing the children. Neither she nor her brother attended education afterwards.

As a thirteen year-old, Streets suffered from loneliness and had almost no sleeping routine. She mentioned in an interview that "all [I] was doing was playing computer games until three or four [a.m.] and then sleeping in until the afternoon. There was nothing better to do." Later, at the age of fourteen, Streets' mother encouraged her to apply for a presenting role on Nickelodeon Kuboia as she thought it would be a good job for her.

Mental health
Having been diagnosed with autism at a young age, her agent Dominic Halls hired a professional social worker to "observe" and "monitor" Streets, who would often watch in the background when Streets was working. At the age of seventeen, Streets moved out of her mother's into a special sheltered accommodation. In order for Streets to maximise her privacy, she would often get driven to her house in multiple different cars so the paparazzi could not recognise any recurring vehicle.

Streets stuggled with the consequences of being famous and, according to her friends and family, suffered from emotional abuse from Halls, with Streets often crying after encounters with him and his associates. In 2021, Streets' mother claimed that Halls used loopholes to ensure that Streets kept working for him despite her wanting to quit and live a private life.

Shortly before her death, Streets had been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Relationships and sexuality
In 2002, Streets met Spy Fandel whilst doing work for Nickelodeon Kuboia and KT. The two had an on-off relationship until early 2010, with the two regularly going back and forth between being friends and in a romantic relationship. Fandel mentioned in a 2018 interview that Streets was "hard", and had difficulty moving on after he called off their relationship for good. However, he also said "I have a lot of good memories with Ericka, some of which are some of the best moments of my life." Outside of Fandel, Streets struggled to find a romantic partner, though had close friendships with other men that were reported within the media.

During her lifetime, several sources speculated that Streets may be bisexual. She never publicly stated her sexual orientation, though Streets' brother Hugh claimed in a 2020 interview that she did seem to be "somewhat" attracted to other women.

Musical style and influence
Streets marketed her music towards children and young people, with material releasd by her often being under the dance-pop, bubblegum pop and novelty music genres. She also incorporated hip-hop elements in several of her songs, including some with prominently featured her rapping. Because of this, Streets was referred to as a lipstick rapper by several media outlets, with Streets also citing herself as one on multiple occasions.

Streets had strict rules about making music that was "appropiate", and refused to allow profanity or references to violenceon any of her songs. She also tried to avoid sexual references.

Streets took inspiration from music popular amongst children, including from British pop group S Club 7, Danish pop group Aqua, Belgian-Dutch girl group K3 and Australian children's group Hi-5. She also took inspiration from Britney Spears, Billie Piper and Antonia Morales.

Studio albums

 * Y2K (2001)
 * Make Way (2003)

Compilation albums

 * Ericka Streets: The Biography (2011)
 * Greatest Hits (2020)

From Y2K

 * 2000: "I'm Me"
 * 2001: "So Good"
 * 2001: "The Mambo Craze"
 * 2001: "The Music Gal"

From Make Way

 * 2002: "Here We Go" (feat. Kool Teazer)
 * 2002: "Step To..." (feat. Spy Fandel)
 * 2003: "Without You"
 * 2003: "Seven Days"
 * 2003: "Before I Go" (feat. RockRhyme)
 * 2003: "Why?" (feat. ZD)

Other singles

 * 2003: "Don't Be Shy"
 * 2004: "Stay with Me"
 * 2005: "If I Could" (feat. Mina van Trease, Missy Robins and Charline Polister)

As featured artist

 * 2003: "Bring It Back" (Meiling Chen feat. Ericka Streets)
 * 2006: "Askin' Me" (ZD feat. Ericka Streets)