Keeping Refreshed With Rapper She Real
She Real is a MC residing in New York, she believes there is an imbalance in hip hop today and she’s here make a change. She raps about imperfections, heart breaks, and stories of being an outcast; her main focus is to rap about situations that others can relate too. She Real’s latest track features rapper Loaded Lux and is titled “New York,” it focuses on establishing a unity within the hip hop communities within New York.
We chat to She Real about the constant struggle of being a female MC, rapping about imperfections and how she demands hip hop’s respect. Margaret Tra writes.
You rap about imperfections, tell us more about that.
Not too many people are comfortable expressing their flaws. Music brings me peace of mind only when I am most honest. I have shared stories of lacking confidence, to speak to a person of interest, to being an outcast based on the way I dress. I have told stories of being a heartbreaker and having my heart broken. I believe all music was meant to be a way for us to connect. I rap hoping others can relate. We are all trying to find our way in life. I am not perfect and will never be. I just try my best to be the best I can be.
You demand hip hop's respect, how's that going for you?
I receive a lot of praise for my word play and delivery. People come up to me after shows and express their excitement in coming across someone with good music that has a message. I sell CDs and sometimes have to rap to give a sample of what they are purchasing. I have received hugs, or smiles big as day, as well as money, sometimes a lot more than what I'm asking for. People even contact me online to show love. All who reach out convey to me that they enjoy my honesty. They appreciate how sexy I am while maintaining class. The one word I hear the most is "refreshing". It all motivates me to continue to do what I'm doing.
How are the college tours going?
The tours are amazing! I have been a part of the "Deans List Tour" and the "No Boys Allowed Tour" for the past 2 years, and I'm preparing for my 3rd. These two college tours take place throughout New York City and State. They have also touched colleges in other states such as Ohio, Atlanta, and more. The experience and exposure has presented me with many other opportunities to perform other places. The tours have also allowed me to build an even stronger and more loyal following.
Who would be your top 3 favourite MCs?
My top 3 in no particular order would be Jay-Z, Eminem and a tie between Kanye West, Andre 300, Missy Elliot.
How did you come up with your stage name?
I did not create my stage name, it was given to me. I love what I do and always want to know what people think. I created a new song and asked an old co-worker to give me an opinion. She listened to the record and said "I'm gonna start calling you She Real". Ever since then I ran with it. That was back in 2010.
Do you feel appreciated or as if you have to fight more for attention being a female rapper?
Both, especially in New York: the birth-place of hip hop. As a rapper in New York you constantly have to prove yourself period. Unfortunately we currently lack a sense of unity. I go to shows and people make it seem as if they can only show love to their own people or boroughs. As a female most are more receptive to just listening. (Usually I'm the only female rapper in the show that night) Also since Nicki Minaj has emerged as a powerhouse, people are paying more attention to female rappers now period.
I do have to fight to get people to believe I am different from what already exists. Certain messages are not being delivered musically as often as others. People are often taken back by the fact that I'm not all about sex or glorifying money and other shallow principals. Some often ask if I write my own lyrics, which can be very insulting because you wouldn't think to ask a man that question. I just continue to work as hard as I can, praying it all pays off.
Are you working on any new projects?
I drop a new project every New Years Day. I am currently working on my 4th. I have already released 2 tracks to start building anticipation, "New York" featuring battle legend Loaded Lux and "Real Hip Hop Still Exist". They can be found on my soundcloud.com/shereal or my website sherealtalk.com
You recently released a New York track, tell us about that.
I had the honour of being given the opportunity to collaborate with a legendary battle rapper from Harlem, New York named Loaded Lux. He is a very humble, respectful man that simply did what he said he would do. I have met many arrogant artists and he is nothing like that. I appreciate him taking the time to work with me and I will never forget it.
The record is entitled "New York". I believe the power has shifted from the East to the South. The West is making a more powerful stand right now as well. I feel it’s due our reluctance to support one another. I created the record in hopes to bring some of that power back our way. New York has a style, presence, and story all its own. The crown belongs here in my opinion.
What stimulates your soul?
My soul is stimulated by all aspects of life I encounter. From child hood memories, to things I see in my community, love, family, TV and radio. Right now my biggest focus is the imbalance of messages in hip hop.
The eras that came before had so many different types of contributors from Slick Rick, to Biggie Smalls, to Rakim, to the Fugees, to Outkast, to Tupac, to the Fat Boys, to N.W.A., to Kid and Play to Public Enemy, to a Tribe Called Quest. You even had more to choose from when it came to female emcees. Mc Lyte, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Da Brat, and the list goes on. A variety of characters/styles means a variety of messages. A variety of life decisions, a variety of ways to dress and a variety of ways to think. The difference between a bad bitch and a queen is perception. We need more variety today.
Today’s hip hop seems to revolve around drug dealing, strippers, and the party scene. There is life outside of that. There are other ways to hustle or make money outside of that. I am here to provide balance to hip hop. That lack of balance keeps me motivated daily.
I work with kids. Many imitate a lot of what they see and hear. I want them to have more choices of people to follow. I pray as I evolve I can be one that breaks down barriers and births nations, hip hop Nations.
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