Author: Calvin R. Evans
Published: September 28, 2005
Tool: [ email ]
Manhunt: How long has the magazine been in existence?
Lil La La: We began September 2002 as just an online magazine. We never imagined that the magazine would become what it is today. So we’ve been in the ministry now since 2002.
Manhunt: What motivated you to start your own magazine?
Lil La La: I love writing articles on different topics. I’ve always wanted to find a magazine where I could read about Holy Hip Hop Artists and events. There are so many Gospel magazines out there but we don’t have many that represent Holy Hip Hop. I’m an artist so I know how hard it is to get the love and respect that most Holy Hip Hop artists deserve. So I wanted to make MicRippaz an outlet for independent Holy Hip Hop artists.
Manhunt: What are some of the challenges you have faced trying to start the magazine?
Lil La La: Wow, so many. God continues to bless but we all know that the devil continues to test. We have a lot of companies saying that we’re copying them or trying to promote a type of ministry that isn’t going to be accepted. But the way I look at all the negativity is as another stepping stone that God is testing us with or the devil is tempting us with.
Manhunt: Do you believe that running a Christian magazine has unique challenges that secular magazines may not face?
Lil La La: Yeah I do. Christian magazines have a smaller market place. Especially with Christian mags.
Manhunt: How do you juggle being a magazine owner/writer as well as an artist?
Lil La La: Its hard sometimes, but God continues to give me strength to juggle both. I work in the MicRippaz office about 3-4 days out of the week and the rest of my time is spent in the studio. Its crazy…but someone has to do it
Manhunt: (Laughs) Have you ever had to give an unfavorable review, or have you simply decided to deny the review request?
Lil La La: I try to keep it real. If the album isn’t on the level of expectation, then normally we don’t do the review. Its hard when you have so many people in the ministry. But we don’t just listen to the music and write. We listen to the message that they are speaking.
Manhunt: That’s good. Are you strictly an internet magazine, and if so, do you have plans to distribute via print as well?
Lil La La: No, we just released our first printed publication September 2005. Our next issue will be released November 2005. We do plan to get a national distribution deal but we want to be sure that this is what God wants. We are taking the process slow and being patient and waiting for God to open that door.
Manhunt: That is important. I pray that the quest for national distribution goes smoothly. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages in publishing via the internet rather than print?
Lil La La: Advantages in publishing via the internet rather than print is that its much cheaper. You have to have a marketing plan when you do print magazines. Internet mags don’t need as much street promotion. Some of the disadvantages is that its hard to reach lost ones when your only on the internet. I say this because online you only reach a certain amount. But what about those out on the corner selling drugs, how do you reach them? We reach them through our printed issues…
Manhunt: What advice would you give to an artist trying to get press from a magazine?
Lil La La: Make sure you are financially ready. Getting press from a magazine is expensive. Be sure that your advertising in the right market place. Also, when you send in a hard copy of your press kit, make sure you send a full finished press kit. This would include CD, bio, contact information, booking information, picture, etc…
Manhunt: What advice would you give a writer trying to become a journalist for a music magazine?
Lil La La: Make sure that your ready for the crazy ride. Depending on what type of magazine you are writing for it can be very stressful. Also, make sure that you have an open mind. Remember not all artists have the same sound. So, try not to look into what you like, but what is in the content.
Manhunt: Lil La La, is has been an absolute pleasure. I thank you for taking the time to do the interview with us. God bless you.
Lil La La: God bless.
