 TSW: Where did you grow up and what was your most memorable time in hip hop? SR: I was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, but spent most of my childhood life in the South Bronx. The most memorable time in Hip Hop for me was when the Funky Four Plus One more became the first Hip Hop group to appear on National TV/Saturday Night Live. Hosted by Deborah Harry from the group Blondie. My first experience as a B-girl was when I was introduced to the art by a friend of mines who had attended the same Jr. High School. I use to hang out on 169th in Claremont Projects which was located in the Bronx. It was also was called the nine. There was a block party that was given by a local DJ in the park. I attended the jam with him and that was where my love for the art of being a B-girl began. My first experience as a MC was auditioning in the basement of DJ Breakout's house for the purpose of becoming a member of the Funky Four.
TSW: In what ways has hip hop changed since it started? SR: In my heart and soul Hip Hop has never changed. The reason I say this is because, there are people who believe in the culture and has kept it alive and well. You have other countries who have embraced the culture in all of it's elements. You have the underground b-girls/B-boys who respect what Hip Hop truly mean. Peace, unity and having fun. Now, if you ask me whether or not the style of rap has changed I would say yes. Rap is just an element of the Hip Hop culture. I think it is good to show that rap can be brought to the masses in all types of styles. We should be different. You have to give your audience something different to rock to. TSW: Where in the world has hip hop taken you? SR: Hip Hop has taken me to where it has always been.
TSW: Do you feel that New York hip hop music is dead or about to make resurgence? SR: I don't get off into New York this or New York that. I think any MC that is true to making good music will prevail. Some rappers/mc's will switch their style up even coming from New York just because they rock with what is hot at the time. You have to be true to yourself. TSW: Tell us about your new book and the motivation. SR: My new book is called "Luminary Icon,” which is on amazon.com or in your local book store. It is a true story of Hip Hop's first female MC. I wrote this book for my children and my peers. I wrote this book on the strength that I wanted the world to know the truth. This is apart of Hip Hop history. I wanted the world to know how my group the "Funky Four Plus One "was instrumental in shaping the culture of Hip Hop as well as paving the way for many to follow. TSW: What is one platform that you feel strongly about and what are you doing to combat it? SR: I have always had this unconditional love for the culture of Hip Hop. I am using my voice to get young people to understand that Hip Hop is about having fun. I am currently scheduled to attend several public schools and colleges throught out the United States. I have also teamed up with several radio stations to promote the true essence of Hip Hop. I will use Hip Hop as a platform to have young men and women respect each other in a whole. Rap music within Hip Hop culture has influenced so many on so many levels. I would love to see women within the hip hop culture and around the world respect themselves as well as others. TSW: What other projects are you currently working on? SR: I am currently promoting my book “Luminary Icon.” I am also looking forward to bringing my story to film. TSW: What advice do you have for people wanting to break into the industry? SR: Be true to yourself. Think outside the box. Knowledge will always be the key to understanding and learning what you need to know in whatever your endeavors might be. Expose yourself to several aspects of the business. Stay humble and respect others. Never let no one tell you it can't be done. Make it happen! |
