Image via WikipediaFor part one of the series click here, and don't forget to check out and download (for free!) my two new songs "Baloney" (which I need your help in filming my music video) and "Modern Day Hustla."
MC (noun) - abbreviation for "master of ceremonies," a person who toasts over music and moves the crowd.
Yeah, I wrote that definition myself.
I love lady MCs-- they inspire me and remind me that there is room for real women in hip-hop.
I am not talking about Miss Pink Friday or the leader of the so-called "White Girl Mafia" (I just stifled a rising chunk) because I do not like their music as it is asinine and tired, nor do I look at them as if they are role models for myself or other lady MCs.
They lack substance, in my opinion anyway, and I want to make music that I think matters and that I'm proud to play for friends and family.
Though those two famous ladies don't fit the bill, there are many who do. Here is a list, complete with videos of some sick tunes, of some of the lady melody-makers, MC or otherwise, who have molded my musical mind.
Missy Elliott
Missy is amazing-- she's a singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, actress, and oh yeah she's a dope rapper. I feel like Missy's sound is always on the cutting edge. Other artists see what she does and then try to copy it, that and her five Grammys means she's doing something right. Always an innovator, and for sure a vital inspiration for me.
M.I.A.
Even if you disagree with her politics (or the way she delivers her message), you can't deny that M.I.A. has skills. She is very poetic and uses graphic imagery in her words to convey a side of humanity that many of us may not encounter on a daily basis, but many others do. Again, criticize her if you must, but she is raising awareness about the plight of the underrepresented in her own way, and I do believe that her heart is in the right place. And she writes the catchiest hooks that get stuck in my head for days. I love that. I want to learn how to do that.
Gwen Stefani
The leader of No Doubt has been an idol of mine since I was in the sixth grade. I know every lyric on Tragic Kingdom, and emulated Gwen's effortlessly chic tomboy style into my everyday look (I would even wear loose leaf reinforcements on my forehead . Going to the Y-100 Fez-tival in the summer of 2000 was my first major music festival, and seeing No Doubt perform live around the time of Return of Saturn was my first time seeing a band that was so important to me growing up.
Jean Grae
This woman is a genius. I'm not sure why she hasn't had more commercial success, but she's every real hip-hop critic's favorite lady MC. Her lyrics are deep and personal and talk about the many struggles young women face today. She is also proof that no matter how skilled you are as a lady MC, you will not sell mass quantities of records unless you sex yourself up. Jean Grae is miles above the Nickis and Iggys of the music world, but she doesn't have the same pull because she won't compromise her integrity. The music industry is screwed up.
Karen O
Yeah Yeah Yeahs were huge for me in high-school-- I rocked out at a number of their shows when they came to perform at the First Unitarian Church in Philly. Karen is the lead singer of the group and she has this amazing presence when she's in her zone. I love her rock-and-roll carefree sensibility and her unique fashions. I still get down to Master and Fever To Tell.
Karmin
Damn. Normally, I DVR SNL and skip through the commercials and musical performances, unless I feel like the featured performer is worth watching. I knew about Karmin from her rendition of "Look At Me Now" that took the interwebz by storm, and my curiosity as to what she would do on stage was piqued. I saw Karmin perform two of her own (?) songs on Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago and was completely blown away.
Keys
I've written about Keys before because she's an up-and-coming artist who I admire and want to promote. Her punchlines are smart and have a lot of attitude. What's not to like?
There are so many other ladies in music who have helped guide me through my songwriting journey and who to this day continue to make me want to improve my craft (Aaliyah, Azealia Banks, Lauryn Hill, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Peaches, Left Eye, et cetera ad nauseam).
I didn't mention everyone in this post, because if I did it would be a very very long post, but I wanted to show a few who are in the front of my mind right now. Hats off to all lady MCs out there, including some very good friends of mine who are working their way through the industry.
Let's stick together, ladies, and show those boys who's boss!
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