Author: Tamara Harris
Published: December 31, 1969
Tool: [ email ]
The woman rapper is always anticipated on the stage just because she is there in a male-dominated aggressive hormone arena. Her body is an attracting contrast to her men colleagues because Salt N Pepa's and Missy's are fresh female forms who counterpoise the male dominated scene of wicked and reverent portrayals of women from Ice Cube to Talib Kweli. Those who rock mics better make you forget about so-called wars between mars and venus. She can command you into her world and make you hit repeat on the CD changer. And when she's really good you will know the words to her songs. In a latest emergence of the woman rapper, Caxino is grinding to position herself as that woman rapper able to eat up both tasks at once; get you to forget those boys and remember her lines. This Bronx, NY homegirl has a flow that prickles the sweet of Lumidee and the soft street of an Ashanti.
Her songs land on earth but can be concerned with the ethers. Indie imprint Darkside Entertainment is her business home. Others may get into the fact that she is one of a few Puerto Rican female rappers but hip hop is trying to move somewhere that at day's end all you hear is music. In this interview she gives up her thoughts on her music, the industry and hip hop. Tampa radio is playing her tracks and NYC is seeing her perform in the clubs. What's on the mind of this MC who has a chance to be a new Latin female version of a hip hop star?
Where does your music come from?
CR: My music started as a way for me to escape from trying times...it was the only thing that made me happy when i was going through the struggle. That's how I found my voice and my skill to write.
How does creating your music make you feel?
CR: It usually excites me...I'm a pretty energetic person...so that's usually the feeling i get when i write and when i'm in the lab. Sometimes, I write about sadness and struggle...to do that...I put myself in the position of the character...and i feel those feelings...during that time I may be sad...angry or whatever emotion I'm trying to convey in the song...at the end I'm usually happy with the outcome.
Where are you taking your music? Your vision?
CR: I don't place limitations on myself so as unrealistic as this might sound want to experiment in different genres of music R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, Spanish, Alternative with a R&B flava, Pop - girl i could keep going. My vision is ultimately to inspire, relate to others, kick some knowledge, have fun, be sad, be angry ...be all the emotions that makes us human. I want to be able to reach people....yet not be a wanna be preacher..cause I also have a lot to learn. I want to live and learn and keep it moving.
Who are your influences?
CR: My influences are Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Tracy Chapman, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, TLC, Tupac, Biggie, KRS-One....There are too many to name from old school to new - I've been influenced by a lot of artists.
Who produces your tracks?
CR: I've worked with different people...but mainly with a company called 2Fat Productions outta Long Island. The producer 's name is Jean Pierre aka Madman JP. Also with Goodfellas NY Entertainment, NSB Entertainment.
Where are people hearing you the most right now?
CR: I would have to say Tampa, Florida...being on the radio at 88.5 WMNF reaches alot more people. I have alot of support in NYC as well, but it's more localized. And I can forget the WWW...people click on to the webpages I have and listen and post their comments.
Can you tell me more of what you mean by being in the middle?
CR: OK...I respect that Hip Hop was a way for our peoples to express themselves - to be heard and through the years some may say that it was sold out for profit....that is valid. I also respect the fact that, this hip hop game here has help create a path of purpose for those who pursue it and do it well. It's evolution into the mainstream - knocking down barriers and being heard everywhere ...to me is also a good thing...It just re-affirms that Hip Hop is here to stay. We still can be heard but make some change to fill the pockets. Now the content of the lyrics, there messages is something different....but hey we all gotta eat, right.
Do you have any product out?
CR:I don't have the album out for sale yet...I'm finalizing it...I have promos for now....I have a web store where I sell T Shirts and things of the sort with my picture. www.cafeshops.com/death1
Who have you worked and performed with where have you performed?
CR: I performed for NYU Students at The Violet cafe in the city, Le Nouveau Cafe in Jamacia, Queens, Casbah Lounge, Willies Entertainer's Sports Bar etc... places like that. I've perform with old school cats like Grand Wizard Theodore & Kurtis Blow. Worked with emerging talent like R&B Singer Casual, Emcee Gotti - aka Young Breezy, worked with Producer from NSB Entertainment named Iron....Currently I'm working with Paradox of Darkside Ent. outta Tampa & also a hot singer from Rhode Island named Icey Blue...Girl - I've worked with alot of people ...I love it
What's the next step? Who would you like to work with?
CR: The next step is to finish my album....do shows, promote, network, promote, network. Continue writing, recording of course. Ultimately the goal is to sign with a indie major or major. Somethings in the works, February 9th & 14th, I will be performing at a lounge on 106th St & 2nd Ave. Just started working with a company in NYC, Bread n Butta Entertainment. Waiting on something to fall through in connection with Jive Records. Radio Interviews in Florida & in New Jersey. From the artist stand point...I would love to work with Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes etc..I could give a list.
Being from the Bronx do you feel pressure to make music in a particular way?
CR: I don't feel pressure to rep a certain way because I'm from the Boogie Down...I do me and that's bottom line... I put more pressure on myself than anyone else.... I'm a perfectionist when it comes down to it...I will be in the lab til 4AM laying tracks down, writing, helping in production....drive home from where ever I'm at - which is usually in LI - exit 43 - an hour and a half away - to be up at 7:00am get my oldest son to school and hit my 9 to 5 as a Construction Manager...to come back home - be a single mom, to switch back to Caxino and work this thing the best way I know how. So my pressure is not the BX - It's my everyday life ma...I struggle everyday to keep a positive head, put food on the table, pursue my musical career and just survive.
