I recently caught up with poet and emcee extraordinaire MyVerse to answer 10 questions pertaining to all things music. Here’s what she had to say:
What is your vision of Hip Hop’s future?
I see Hip Hop rebuilding its conscious demographic by having more people concerned with lyrics as opposed to the status of the emcee.
Do you listen to other forms of music outside of Hip Hop?
I listen to funk, classic rock, salsa of course, all forms of jazz, classical music, house, breaks, drum and bass, R n B, neo soul, and punk.
Who were your artistic/musical influences growing up?
Haha! I’m still growing up!! Cypress Hill, Black Sheep, Collage, El Gran Combo, L.P.G., Pedro Florez, T bone…the thing is growing up I wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music according to mom dukes. I had to quest for them when I was old enough to.
What is your music background?
Lauryn Hill, James Brown, Sublime, Common, Eric Sermon, Ceu, Nas, Black Star, Gangstarr, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Buddah Bar, Little Dragon, Bianary Star, Immortal Technique, Digable Planets, Aceyalone, Alicia Keys, not to mention new cats…like J Cole, Blu, Sean Price, Wiz Kalifah.
How do you describe your art to people?
I’m a poet/emcee…I take a story and put you in it while rhyming.
What image do you think your art conveys?
I tend to personify a lot of my work. Meaning I put human traits to a feeling, word or object. I believe I convey self love and unity amongst our peers.
What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
I feel the industry is realizing that underground cats are making a movement without them. So, it’s forcing them to push artists to be more intricate and deeper with their verses.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Young minds and the way they view women in the game. I truly want to break the mold. I’m inspired by those who feel and speak the same. A word, a picture, or a phrase can inspire me. I love to take two objects and compare their similarities and differences.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a 20 track mixtape called “News Flash.” I’m currently working with Blu Baily and her organization- “Spoken Word Press.” We mentor high school poets. I’m working with profound painter German Lemus on our graphic novel that we will be releasing next year.
If you had an opportunity to collaborate with an artist (dead or alive) in any genre, who would it be?
Wow, there are so many! I’d love to work with Bob Marley…he revolutionized the minds of every era! He was way ahead of his time.
interview by CyPhEr777
1 more thing I am currently working with a group of young women in hip hop. we have started an organization called Women of Hip Hop United!! November we launch our first community act in central Florida;)
Excellent interview, I love your voice and your eloquence Natalia. Keep up the amazing work.