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Interview with Conscious Daughters |
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Written by Kirk Anthony
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 Kirk Anthony: What current projects are you working on?
Conscious Daughters: We are working on a remix version of The Nutcracker Suite album, which dropped earlier this year. It’s a club version of the album with more underground flava.
KA: The Nutcracker Suite is an unexpected name for a hip-hop album, especially from MC's with a hardcore edge such as yourselves, how did you come up with that name for this album and how would you describe this album?
CD: The Nutcracker Suite represents us as female MCs breaking out of a shell that we’ve been stuck in for some many years. The Nutcracker Suite is the place where we commence to crackin’ nuts lyrically. It’s our way of cracking the shell around us!
KA: Why has it been so long between album releases?
CD: We have been in the studio over the years recording, but just didn’t find the right home for us as artists or the right company to invest in our music. We didn’t just want to throw albums out there and have them be shelved by the label. Also, we are both mothers so we’ve been busy being moms too!
KA: During the period between projects, what have you two noticed about what’s going on in the industry concerning female MC's?
CD: They’re out there, but there’s always something that comes in between a woman and her music. It’s hard for us as mothers and caretakers to be traveling and promoting all the time. It‘s much easier for the fellas. Also, I just don’t think the women are as aggressive as they should be when they get into positions of power. Its hard work.
KA: Since it has been awhile between your last project and this one, how would you describe your sound and artistic persona?
CD: On this new album, you most definitely see growth and maturity in TCD, the songs are still socially conscious with a street edge, and we’re still lyrically killin’ it. Our persona continues to be the “the home girls from the block” we haven’t changed anything.
KA: What made you stay true to your artistic selves when the hip-hop industry & average fan base (not including your loyal following) has been focusing on and supporting the female MC's who use sex appeal as a major part of their artistic persona?
CD: We didn’t have to “stay true.” We never thought about trying to be sexy to sell records. We just get on the mic and make it happen. We ain’t got time to be doing hair weaves and nails all damn day. Hahah!
KA: Why do you think major labels find it hard to promote and support female MC's such as yourselves?
CD: Because they are hard to keep on track and most of them have drama in their lives. We are a rare duo – we’ve been best friends since Jr. high school and get along. We also keep a real vision of what’s going on around us so we don’t have any surprises in the game.
KA: What is your opinion on why their hasn't been a female MC, whose image isn't based on sex appeal, to have mainstream commercial success since Lauryn Hill?
CD: Not sure about that. I guess record labels just feel like you need to look like a pop star to be a rapper. It helps to have sex appeal, but skills are much more relevant.
KA: What words of encouragement can you offer to aspiring female MC's, who don't have sex appeal as a part of their artistic persona, in terms of dealing with and making it in the industry?
CD: Just keep striving and be involved in as much as you can in the industry. The more they see you, the more you’re seen, and then eventually recognized. Try to showcase your talent at all opportunities and be sure keep the swag up… there’s so much beauty in being confident in what you’re spittin’ -- once you feel that, then other people will too.
KA: What do you think can and should be done to help the predicament of female MC's in today's hip-hop industry?
CD: I think we need to call Oprah. Haha! Nah, seriously I think that we need to start owning our own labels and releasing our own music. Once we get the female versions of P. Diddy and Jay-Z, hen it’s on.
KA: What would you say to the commercial hip-hop fan base regarding their apparent favoring of female MC's of the Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown mold over female MC's of the more hardcore--lyrically gifted mold such as yourselves, Rah Digga, and Bahamadia?
CD: I don’t think it’s “favoring.” I think it’s just what they see on TV. We are all talented MCs, just not all of us get the exposure. It is what it is – consumers should just know that there is more female rap out there and they should support. |
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