Pioneer

You are a pioneer of gay rap and music! How long have you been rapping and how did you start? 

I dropped my first mixtape in 1997 and it was a tape. That was when I was in a fag/dyke rap duo called “Morplay.”  We got our very first start in Worcester, Massachusetts playing live with different bands behind us. We then had a short-lived career as a DJing duo. Eventually she moved to Seattle and I went solo.

Who are some of your inspirations and role models?

Some of my inspirations were the Leigh Bowery, Missy Elliott, Peaches, MIA, James Baldwin, Dr. Seuss, Bugs Bunny, Yohji Yamamoto, Cyndi Lauper, the original Details Magazine, The Cure, Gaultier, Timbaland, Madonna and everything MTV. I grew up with everything that MTV had to offer. Remember that House of Style show with Cindy Crawford ? That was dope. I was obsessed with music videos my whole childhood. I knew I wanted to make videos before I knew I wanted to make music. I didn't feel very musically inclined growing up, so I never thought it was a possibility.

What is your favorite song that you have ever written? Why?

The first that comes to mind is Loose Wrists. I really like the way that song came out. It was just political enough for me yet not too political and it was very what was happening in the moment. But honestly my favorite song seems to be whatever I am working on right now. I have a record I’m mixing right now called “Do Me Right.” That might become my favorite song. We’ll see.

You have collaborated with many artists. Who would be your dream collaboration? 

My dream collaboration would be Missy Elliot just because it would be such a full circle moment for me. She really is the blueprint. But my ULTIMATE dream collaboration would be Lady Gaga or Beyoncé. I would most likely be too nervous to work with Beyonce though. Knowing me I'd probably have an anxiety attack and start throwing up or something. I’ve worked with Gaga before in the beginning of her career. She seems pretty normal to me. I mean, she comes from New York and the club world, so to me she just seems like another artist.

You have a new song with Kylie Sonique Love (Rupaul’s Drag Race All Star Winner) called Gooey. Can you tell us a little bit about how that song and collaboration came about?

Kylie and I have been talking about doing a song together for a couple of years. It never seemed like the right project. But I always thought she had a real bad girl voice like Peaches, so I wanted to do an electro trap type rap song with her. I worked with three different engineers on Gooey. I wanted the song to literally sound gooey so I was very specific about the sounds and samples I used. That was a fun song to create. I’m proud of it.

Have you ever experienced any struggles or discrimantion within the music industry for being one the first few out LGBT artists?

Probably. No one ever really discriminates you to your face too much in the music industry. They just don’t give you the chance. I never sought after recognition from a major label. I don’t really do what I do because I’m trying to get a VMA or get on the cover of the Rolling Stone. My approach has always been to create my own space and allow people to come to me rather than chase after a crowd that dont particularly support LGBTQ in the first place. I’m glad things might be changing. I love seeing more and more out gay artists make their mark.

Do you ever feel pressure to represent the “B” in the LGBT community in a certain way?

No. I probably would if I was bisexual but I’m gay. I don’t really think about it. I pretyy much only write a song from my perspective and I only know the perspective of a gay guy. I try to make sure that all of my music videos reflect the sounds of the record and the story I’m trying to tell. I do think that bisexual people need more representation since so many people seem to think that bisexuality is a lie. I’m just not the one to do it.

What advice would you give to the LGBT youth that would like to create music on public platforms?

Well, I will pat ‘em on the shoulder and say go get them tiger LOL nah, I’m playing. I would say be true to yourself. Anytime you have a vision for a song remember that vision is coming to you for a reason. I’ll be making music as long as ideas come to me. I believe as artists, it is our job to continuously create based on the visions we receive. I would say don’t look at numbers, don’t read comments because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter. You’re just gonna move onto the next project anyway and keep excelling at what you do. It also has a lot to do with why you make your art. If you’re in this to be famous I wouldn't have any good advice to give you.

What 5 words would you use to describe your music?

I hate this fuckin question LOL. Intelligent. Dumb. Sticky. Silky. Sweet. Salty. There’s six. Take your pick.

Tell us about any of your upcoming music, events, or projects that we should be looking out for!

Well, I just produced and co-wrote a song with Trace Lysette and Chanel Jolie called “Taser In My Telfar Bag”. Right now I am organizing the music video that should be out in mid October. I will be dropping the record on my label Snowcone NYC. The song and video is meant to bring awareness of the need to protect Trans Women. I am hoping that I can get people to donate to the Trans Defense Fund LA which gets trans women protective gear like tasers, mace and things like that since they are so often attacked. It’s gonna be a busy year for me. I’ll be dropping singles and EP’s very regularly. I don’t want to give away too much. You’re just gonna have to wait and see.