Author: Jake Paine
Published: December 31, 1969
Tool: [ email ]
If you’re about to take on a limited market with a furious style and attack
trained mic stance, you’re expected to be a loud mouth. However, while Lady
Raw is a "Tuff-City" femcee on the mic, yet, she is almost an exact opposite
without it. Humble, smart, and strategic, Lady Raw aims high, and secures a
confidence in herself that is quite admirable. With a Brooklyn address, and
influences from some of the best, she leaves a limitless sky to her
capabilities and styles. Check out what a fresh breaking artist has to say,
and pay homage to the quiet prowl of Lady Raw.
1) Having heard the LP sampler, I’d like to compliment you on your style. How
do you focus the energy so well?
Thank you. My energy comes from the streets. I sit and write what I feel,
what I experience.
2) In your Press Kit, you are labeled, "To Dethrone The Likes of Lil’ Kim and
Foxy Brown", yet you consider Lil’ Kim an influence. Do you feel odd aiming
to replace a role-model?
No, I think it's healthy to want to supersede your heroes...when someone
inspires you, it should be to go further than they did....to go as far as you
can. I have much love for Lil' Kim, and that comment shouldn't be seen as
disrespectful, in fact it should be seen as a compliment.
3) There are very few producers who hold respect in mainstream and the
underground. DR Period is one of the select few. How was it working with the
great?
It was fun working with D/R Period. He is very down to earth and in tune with
the Ghetto. He's very much my style.
4) It’s a typical question, but what’s your favorite track (not your own) of
all-time?
Oh boy, I have so many...that would have to be Salt & Peppa’s "Push It." That
was a song for the girls.
5) You cite Slick Rick as a crucial influence. Having regarded him, as we all
do, as the "best story-teller", do you plan to do some in depth story telling
of your own on the LP?
Yes, the LP will showcase some reality storytelling.
6) How do you distinct yourself in the market of female rappers?
My thought make me different.
7) How do you feel about the ever-popular term "femcee"?
The men have taken the term emcee and made it their own, the females should
have theirs too.
8) Being hard-core and aggressive, do you feel it’s harder to gain
acceptance, than say...if you played the "sex kitten"?
Yeah, it is harder. People react quicker to the sex kitten image. Hard-core
rap is accepted quicker when it comes from a guy or a raunchy looking female.
Sex sells.
9) Where do you see Lady Raw in two years at this time?
Still doing what I love, rapping.
10) Tell us about the LP...
Thank you. The album has several different vibes. I listen to all types of
music and that will be evident with this first album. I work with all
different producers, some established, some new talent. I just did a track
with newcomer Break Beats, he's off the hook. We will be recording most of
the album at Cash Kitchen studios in Brooklyn.
11) Thank you for your time, and for a glimpse into the future. Is there
anything you’d like to say that I forgot to ask, or comment on?
Yes, I want to shout out all the journalists who are showing myself and other
new artists love and giving us a chance....Peace
