Baloney, multiple personalities, and be in my video!

Occupy This is the tentative title of the hip-hop EP I've spent the past few months working on (if you prefer any of the other titles I was considering, you can still voice your opinion here).

On Sunday, I uploaded a funny track called "Baloney" (what is it with me and baloney? I don't even eat it anymore). It's a rap over the Dead Prez "Hip Hop" beat and addresses the issue of rising up and going after goals even when others are trying to pull you down.

I hope you like it-- and if you like it enough to share, please include the hashtag #TsaritsaEP.

For everyone who shares the song and uses the hashtag, I'll send you a special sticker in the mail :)




I'm planning on making a music video for this song, and I need your help! All you need to do is download "Baloney," make a video of yourself making and or eating a sandwich (preferably baloney, but it can be any kind of sandwich) while playing the song (you can dance or not dance, just have fun with it), and then email it to me so I can include it in the final cut. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Before I release the album in full, I want to tell you more about my goals and the idea behind it. This was a suggestion by my friend, Middle Class Musician, who has insider knowledge of the music industry. So here goes:

What does music mean to me?

I am a writer. I love poetry, but I also love music. I see it as a vehicle for my thoughts, my rhymes, my words.

I've always felt passionately about music. I started writing my own songs at age nine and was involved in choirs and garage bands since grade school. Music is a love of mine and I hope that love comes through in this album.

What is this album about?

This EP is a compilation of songs I've written recently that reflect the current political and economical climate, a series of rallying cries encouraging people like me who are following our dreams despite any lurking obstacles. Some of my rhymes are funny, but the deeper meaning behind the lyrics are meant to be taken seriously. I hope that you enjoy them and find them to be inspirational.

Who is Malthus?

Malthus is a controlling personality. She's dominating and powerful. Her facade may seem evil, but she is actually a double agent working for the people.

Who is Tsaritsa?

Tsaritsa is the Everywoman. She faces adversity, but she is determined and fearless.

What inspires me?

I'm inspired by legends like the Wu-Tang Clan, The Roots, Blackstar, OutKast, Dr. Dre, TLC, The Beatles, and countless others. I like music that is fun to listen to but also has something to say. The message doesn't always have to be positive, but there should be substance.

I created this album because I feel like there are not enough lady MCs making records right now who have something to say, that is something more to rap about than what's in their pants. There are plenty of lady MCs who do have something to say, but they don't get the attention they deserve. I want to try to change that.