Have you ever stepped back to think how truly criminal our society is? In the most miniscule ways, we are all systemically sexists, racists, and flat out jerks. Now I’m not saying everyone is (on another topic, I may, but I’d employ Thomas Hobbes logic, then things get kinda graphic), but, when one steps back and says “Name the Top 5 Female emcees of all time,” and on another totally relevant conversation ask one to “Name the Top Emcees of All Time,” and 9 times out of 10 won’t include a female emcee in there, isn’t there something slightly subtly wrong in that? I can’t say I’m not guilty of this, I believe most hip hop fans and critics are. What’s my point here? My point is that Michie Mee was the first Canadian rapper to sign a major record deal with American label First Priority/Atlantic. Lauryn Hill damn near won every single Grammy she was nominated for with Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Eve, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott all claimed a Grammy for being a part of “You Got Me,” by The Roots. In hip hop, the success of the female over looked and tossed aside as another “whatever,” unless some excess cleavage is shown (See: my last article for iHD).
Going beyond emcees and even further behind the music is the ironic forgetfulness of the DJ. This is ironic because without the DJs, who on earth would play the music? The all important role of the DJ has been relegated to a low-level priority for those not directly involved with the performance or show at hand. What we saw in 2008 though was resurgence; a return to the DJ. Keep in mind, in the early 80’s to early 90’s it was all about the DJ. Emcees would always refer to the man making the music and weren’t so enthused about feeling themselves all the time. Moreover, I recently wrote a piece for OkayPlayer regarding a masterful show I witnessed that involved 2 DJs and one beat-boxer (http://www.okayplayer.com/
However, the DJs are still more often forgotten about. So imagine life for a female DJ, not only having things hard behind the scenes as it is, but being a female and having to work twice as hard for everything. I’ve always respected hip hop; the music, those who make them, and those responsible for helping to make them. To truly appreciate hip hop, we have to get to know the personalities behind the turntables, behind the SP1200, behind the microphone, and so on. Hence, this spotlight features three wonderful ladies who’ve contributed immensely to hip hop: Eternia, DJ Lissa Monet, and DJ Superfox. Over the next three weeks we’ll be showing off a little somethin’ somethin’ in terms of some words I’ve had with these three and their opinions on hip hop, ladies in hip hop, and the forgotten art of hard work!
Eternia’s about to drop an album with a DJ Premier co-signed (and signed) producer, MoSS, entitled “At Last.” She’s been featured on numerous major hip hop websites (Hip Hop DX, NahRight, KevinNottingham, 2DopeBoyz) and really only receives positive criticism. The bottom line is that when you are as dope of an emcee as Eternia is, there’s nothing to complain about. Skyzoo even once said something along the lines of this girl being cute, but once she started spitting, nothing was cute. It was all gritty. Jeru Da Damaja speaks highly of Eternia as well, “She’s really a good emcee. She’s got flava.” The legends praise doesn’t stop there. The aforementioned DJ Premier gave her props, KRS One, Pharoahe Monch, Common, etc. The list goes on. So, why is it that not enough people have heard of this marvelous emcee? She can be seen sporting her “My Favourite Rapper Wears A Skirt” t-shirt from school to school on her Girls’ Rights tour (alongside another very overlooked emcee, Masia One) by day, and ripping up the hip hop circuit from East to West coast by night.
iHD’s Sean Deezill got a chance to sit and chat with Eternia, and talk about certain obstacles she faces as a female in a man’s game of hip hop, as well as her views on the word “femcee.” And while she does talk about her upcoming project with producer, MoSS, we’ll find out what she thinks about the possibilities of a female duo breaking out. Without further ado, here’s a short, but sweet little interview with the very busy, the very delightful Miss Eternia.
E: Hmm. Interesting wording. I think sometimes my opinions, especially on technical stuff like mixing, or mastering, or production, is just… not taken seriously. But if a dude in the biz, who just happens to have the same opinion / musical preference as I have, states his opinion… then I’ve noticed that often his opinion is immediately weighed in, and viewed as valid and informed. It doesn’t matter how many years I been in this game, or how many albums I’ve released independently, or how many good songs I’ve made… I often feel like in that area my opinions and views are unwelcome, which can put a serious dent in the recording, mixing or mastering process.
E: I personally feel that at this stage of the game, when the industry as we know it is crumbling and record stores are closing their doors, that any ‘risk’ with a ‘product’ is a risk labels or investors are too scared to take. So, sure! A female emcee and female DJ duo would be amazing! What would be even more amazing is if they were both at the top of their craft, and just as good as if not better than popular male duos you can think of. It shouldn’t be about gender, it should be about the person best qualified for the job, getting the job, regardless of gender! Right? It’s just a fact that some women are qualified! *smiles*.
-Sean Deezill
FREE Download From Eternia’s “Get Caught Up” digi-mix by DJ Law, dropping for free on Dec. 15th, presented by 2DopeBoyz.com & KevinNottingham.com
Click on the link below to download “FOUL CHILD” produced by Ant B. aka Mr. Cincinnati http://www.zshare.net/audio/698056842c68c412/
For more info on Eternia:
www.myspace.com/eternia
www.twitter.com/therealeternia
This is really great! Keep it up.
this is such a great post. It def is a mans world still and especially in this game. Eternia is right about a female duo emcee and producer! That would be sick like on sum Gangstarr ishh! Our society is insanity within itself and i agree that we all are somehow shaped to be "flat out jerks" Anyways very informative post.
ya man. Sean Deezil does it again. thank u for asking s'more of the unique and difficult q's!!! ur commitment to the culture & balancing the scales within our culture is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thx.
e
I finally got a chance to read this article. It's sad how sexist the hip hop genre can be, especially towards someone who has more experience than most dudes out. I enjoyed this piece. Now I must go read the other two