The New Wave of Female Emcees: 3 Alternatives to Nicki Minaj

It's no secret that when it comes to women in hip hop only one name has pretty much dominated the music scene recently. Nicki Minaj has turned the female rapper into a commodity that far surpasses just spitting a hot verse while looking sexy.  She has garnered popular success that rivals top musicians of all sounds but unbeknownst to her, her mass appeal has also pigeonholed and reduced the female emcees to becoming just eye candy who can rap (some of them hardly). 

Coming up, I was fortunate to be blessed some of the most prolific women emcees that included Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Eve, and scores of others. Women in hip hop then offered little girls like me alternatives other than just being the baddest chick. They were intelligent, forward thinking, and most of all they were beasts on the mic. 

No shade to Nicki or "The Barbs" but we wanted to offer some other options to the female emcee. 

3. Rhapsody
Hometown: Snow Hill, NC
Affiliation: 9th Wonder; Kooley High

This southern belle is a lyrical beast whose smooth flow reminds me of a MC Lyte for the new millennium. In a industry that only sells female rappers as extremely hardcore or ultra sexy, Rhapsody is the perfect medium between the two. 

http://www.reverbnation.com/rapsody





2. Angel Haze
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Affiliation: N/A

Angel Haze went through a lot growing up and as evident in the depth of her single "Cleaning Out My Closet". This Detroit native may be known for her twitter spat with Harlem b-girl Azealia Banks, but with her debut album set to be released later this year on Republic Records, she'll soon be recognized for much more than that. 

http://www.angelhazemusic.com/#!All



3. K'La
Hometown: Gary, IN
Affiliation: Def Jam

K'La has been featured on A Soul Sistah's Life blog before so it's no surprise that she is number 1. After making waves with her mix tape, "The Coldest Winter", K'la has done it again with her latest project, "Everyday People." Yet to set a date on her official release, this songbird/rapper is poised to make a wave in hip hop. 


http://www.islanddefjam.com/artist/home.aspx?artistID=7446

Society Fail: $120 Plain White Tee by Kanye West Sells Out

Most of us are willing to splurge a little bit when it comes to purchases that we really want. A slick pair of shoes or that new smartphone are some items we may pay a little extra for but $120 for a plain white tee is ridiculousness at its best. 

Kanye West's dabbling into the fashion world seems to be quite profitable after his line of plain white tees sold out almost instantaneously after going on sale. Not only does this prove that Kanye can indeed sell water to a whale but that many consumers are in fact hoodwinked. The tees are void of any embellishments so much so that it is barely distinguishable from your regular Hanes tees used for undershirts. At least Hanes has the recognizable little red tag that separates its brand from others. 

Most of us are aware of Kanye's oversized ego which may explain why he thinks it's suitable to sell extremely overpriced clothing but how can one ever justify purchasing such an item that literally holds no value? 

One commenter named Jahmall explains best how I feel about this:

Would You Give Your Partner a Pass to Cheat?

As the millennium progresses so does attitudes about relationships in regards to the concept of monogamy. More and more people are becoming open minded towards the idea that healthy partnerships can include more than two people. Several celebrities have spoke candidly about their eccentric marriages that sometime involves outside sexual partners, yet they remain married and most seem completely satisfied and content with their choices. 

Kirilenko & wife, Masha.

Brooklyn Nets player and NBA veteran, Andrei Kirilenko, admitted that his wife of 13 years, Masha Lopatova, gives him a pass once a year to cheat. Kirilenko's wife is cool with the idea of sharing her husband as long as he tells her about it though like a smart man, he has never taken her up on the offer. His wife is no ugly duckling and has a solid career as a performer in their native Russia. What do you think can possess a seemingly attractive and intelligent woman to offer her man to another like he is a piece of meat and not the man she chose has her eternal mate?

Surely other men or women would quickly jump at the chance to sleep with someone other than their spouse. Like most cheaters, open relationships usually only view sex as an act and not the intimate experience and expression of affection that it should be. Sex is a temporary feeling that can affects emotions despite the belief that sex can be detached. I would find it hard to believe that if Mrs. Lopatova thought her husband would become emotionally attached to a woman he was just "sexing" her lax attitude on monogamy would stay the same. 

Would you ever entertain the thought of giving your significant other a pass to cheat?

Am I My Sister's Keeper?

Picture courtesy of theaneoter.wordpress.com

Well the topic of sisterhood among the African American community as long been debated, discussed, and fought over. Many classify us as catty, envious, and just outright mean to one another. The term "haters" as tired as that phrase is best describes how many view us and misguidedly, even by some of our very own. Despite my experiences that suggest otherwise, I have seen and been involved in conversations where people have accused black women of being combative and possessing stank attitudes. Not to down play what others may have experienced but nothing is more farther from my truth. 

Black women (black people in general) seem to be held hostage to characterizations that lump us all together regardless of how varied and unique the African Diaspora actually is. There is no way that people would look at the antics of the likes of lets say Amanda Bynes and legitimately say that all white women are bat shit crazy. Yet the black women are held to the mystical characterizations that we are all snappy or are always on the defensive. This may be true of some black women but the same can be said for some white, asian, or hispanic women as well. Ones actions stem from their upbringing, circumstance, and many other factors that shape who we are. 

With all the obstacles black women face I will agree to the fact that we must champion and support one another to the fullest. Our excellence shines the brightest when we gather and uplift ourselves as well as our communities. Similar to other races, most black people associate with people that come from similar economic statuses, neighborhoods, and social classes. It seems pretty natural that the human race bonds with people that pretty much mirror ourselves. This separation that we build within ourselves seems to be more divisive than the opinions of what people think black women are like. Crossing boundaries and reaching out to a sistah that may be lacking in areas in which you are strong can only help to make us a stronger unit.  

Photo courtesy of
definingherskin.tumblr.com

Some of us may be guilty of judging one another off of superficial things such as the hairstyles we choose or our fashion style but that does not mean that we can never offer a helping hand when needed. As black women become more educated and reach certain levels of success we must remember the principles that allowed us to survive long before we have the opportunities we do today. We must uplift each other as well as sow the seeds of progress in our communities so that they can grow stronger. 

But that is just Ms. Yaya's two cents. 

Getting to Know: Mali Music

Jamal Pollard, aka Mali Music.
Courtesy of bet.com

Anointed. Passionate. Original. These are all words that describe musician Jamal Pollard, best known as Mali Music. The Savannah, Georgia native is a hybrid of a soul artist mixed with a rapper who was musically blessed to make spreading the word of God seem extremely cool. Though many classify Mali Music as a gospel artist, his style encompasses several genres while maintaining its core which is to  provide uplifting and inspirational music. Traditional is not a word that fits this young gentleman at all.

Mali Music has featured with some of gospel's music heavy weights  including Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett, solidifying his spot as next up. He has been actively touring since his 2008 release of The Coming EP.  His sound is progressive yet simple and as a multi-instrumentalist (plays guitar, bass, and piano)his production encompasses a wide range from simple acoustic sounds to songs that are layered with texture. Crediting Sam Cooke, Bilal, and even Mumford and Sons as influences, it is easy to recognize why his music is so eclectic. 

The release of his latest single, Ready Aim, has garnered Mali Music a new crop of fans as many are discovering his undeniable musical talent. In the current state of urban music that glorifies superficial talent as well as subject matter, Mali Music stands head above the rest with well written music that also provides a message. 

Check out Mali's Music latest single, Ready Aim, below.