Queen’s Counsel::ROUND 2:: Aisha Sekhmet #6
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
There’s only one word to describe the New Orleans native, Miss Aisha Sekhmet, REVOLUTIONARY.
Miss Aisha, a single mother and also a 4 year US Military vet, is not afraid to push the envelope. Since releasing her first album ‘Gucci Girl Fly’ in 2007 she has been working hard to get her point across, to get her movement in motion…
Her first video “White Man’s Bitch” which debuted only 5 days ago on WorldStarHipHop is already close to 100,000 views. And for good reason. The song is what the game has been missing….THE TRUTH! The track, which was created in response to Yo Gotti’s “5 Star Bitch,” puts ‘modern day slaves’ in the spotlight this time around to focus on the further degradation of Black people in the mainstream, ironically by the hands of other Black people for the white man’s benefit. She is definitely putting out a powerful message with her latest effort and doesn’t appear to be afraid of the backlash. She’s always prided herself on making music that steps outside the “PC” guidelines put in place for an emcee and she is bringing actual substance to the table. How about that?
Witness the power of her message for yourself…
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Miss Aisha Sekhmet, keep shinin’ Queen!
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I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel::ROUND 2:: The Fembassy #5
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
…but this week I’m switchin it up a little bit. I’ve decided to give love to a site solely dedicated, daily, to the progression of the female emcee.
THE FEMBASSY
The woman behind it, Glennisha Morgan, has created a “female emcee headquarters” for what the mainstream won’t tell you; the exclusives, the freestyles, the mixtapes, the videos and the shows for all you naysayers wondering “where the ladies at?” The Fembassy Mission Statement says it best…
~The Fembassy was created to pay homage to women who are very seldom acknowledged. Some of these women have stood in the shadows of all male crews and rap groups without being noticed or properly promoted. On the flip side, some of these women have actually outshined their male counterparts and made it to the top leaving the guys behind. Who are these women? These women are female Emcees also known as “Femcees”.
As many ill female Emcees as there are out here very few make “Best of” lists or get nominated at award shows. In fact in 2005 the Recording Academy removed the “Best Female Rap Solo Performance” category from The Grammys. Also, let’s not forget how in October 2008 the VH1 Hip Hop Honors and the BET Hip Hop Awards didn’t nominate a single female rapper.
Therefore I felt there was an urgent need to create a platform that gives Femcees the recognition and promotion that they deserve. The Fembassy is here to serve as that platform.
Founder/Publisher of The Fembassy
Your #1 Source for Femcees
Dear Glennisha Morgan/The Fembassy,
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kandi Cole
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I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel ::ROUND 2:: Eternia #4
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
Canada? Yes! Toronto is in the building! Eternia, not new to those who’ve kept their ears to the street, is a true emcee. Juno-nominated (that’s like the Grammy’s in Canada) she has been deemed one of the region’s illest. Since releasing 3 full length albums since 2005, she has toured across the globe; from Canada to the US to Austrailia to Mexico and Europe. Those who’ve had the pleasure of seeing her do her thing live have had nothing but great things to stay about her stage presence and crowd gripping performance. To that credit, she has been billed with respected acts such as KRS One, Common, Pharoahe Monch, MC Lyte, Jeru the Damaja, Scratch of The Roots, O.C., Bahamadia, Roxanne Shante, Prince Paul, Necro, D-12, Saukrates, Invincible & more.
…and I think the heads are paying attention. You can tell by the work she puts into her 4th project that boasts the production of some of the nicest in the game. [i.e. Moss, 9th Wonder & Frequency] and collabs from some of the best to do it like Rah Digga, Lady of Rage, Jean Grae, Joell Ortiz, Termanology. Eternia has even gone as far as launching her own T-Shirt line “My Favorite Rapper Wears A Skirt” that has become a huge success and widely circulated to her fans worldwide. AND IT DON’T STOP!
Here are a few jewels of the lyricist doing her thing. Pay attention.
RIP TO FEMALE EMCEES - Eternia
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Eternia, keep shinin’ Queen!
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel ::ROUND 2:: Lady G Da Real Deal #2
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
There’s only one word I would use to describe Lady G…..”BARS!”
Glendy Proby is already a seasoned vet when it comes to penning solid music. She’s ghostwritten for noted Hip-Hop acts like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, and Teddy Riley just for starters…and she’s only 21. Currently juggling between finishing up her solo project and getting a Bachelors Degree at Cal State Northridge, this West Coast emcee from L.A. is no stranger to the grind and hard work. She started out as early as the 3rd grade writing poetry and by the age of 16 was being sought out by major labels such as Sony, Interscope & Aftermath but decided to pass because the deals did not match her worth. But now, Lady G is ready. Working with SUPERproducers 1500 or Nothin, she’s in the studio putting together all of her experience behind the scenes and bringing Lady G to the forefront.
Her down to earth flow with over the top punchlines allow her to connect with pretty much anyone tuned in to the emcee. Don’t let her petite physique fool you, she’s a monster! Check her out for yourself…
Badd Lucc ft. Problem & Lady G produced by Terrace Martin
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Lady G, keep shinin’ Queen!
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send an email to queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel ::ROUND 2:: BOOG BROWN #1
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
“I dont wanna be “dope for a female” I just wanna be Dope. Period.” –Boog Brown
What better way to start up the next batch of ill emcees than to introduce Boog Brown to the roster. I caught wind of her through the grapevine when she dropped her video for “The Essence.” I heard so much chatter I had to see what all the hype was about. But it wasn’t hype. She’s dope. Mashing together style, wordplay, skill, and a love for the rhyme, she embodies all that it is to be a true emcee. Formerly a poet, putting out 2 chapbooks in 2005 through her own imprint –Boog Brown Grl Publications, she’s now decided to place her words over beats and reach the masses on another level. A Detroit native, currently living in Atlanta, she’s not taking the “sex sells” approach to get to where she wants to go. She’s choosing hard work and good music as the vehicle to put her on top.
There’s not much more to say about such a talented artist, her music speaks for itself. Check out the video that sold me on her flow…
BOOG BROWN – The Essence
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Boog Brown, keep shinin’ Queen!
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send an email to queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel #18: Shania D.
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Every Tuesday for the last 18 weeks I have introduced a new female emcee that you may or may not have heard of but I felt was putting out great music, showed a respect for the game and took it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they released. These women represented quality music, showed great work ethic, and got a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
This is the last entry to Queen’s Counsel for 2008. Please note that this list is in no particular order for me. They all stand strong at the top. So without further adieu, last and most definitely not least…
“Don’t be disillusioned, Obama is not the solution, WE are the solution…the change starts in the people.” Shania D.
Emcee, vocalist, engineer, producer, and DJ…meet The SUPERLOVER Shania D. She is funky. Ferocious. Passionate. She is a chameleon. As she states, “I like to give a piece of myself in every song, I speak from the heart with no gimmicks or contrived pop tunes. I like to go into every show smiling, most people have fear when they are about to perform, I try to remember to have fun and that every moment in my life is a chance to connect with someone, to make a difference, to encourage individuality.
Those who know or know of Shania D. can agree that she is a true artist. She’s creatively reaching the masses using her talent and skill as the vessel to get the message out about Spreading Love through music. She has a jazzy laid back cadence that at times is reminiscent of that throwback flow that you fell in love with Hip-Hop to. She has traveled the world promoting her message and joins us back at home fresh from her Summer long European ‘WE B-Girlz’ tour with Bahamadia, Roxanne Shante, Invincible, Stacey Epps, and a host of other powerful female emcees. She is not a rookie and her catalogue speaks for itself. She’s just released her solo project HIP-HOP HONEY and countless other songs, collaborations, mixtapes available featuring SHANIA D. RIGHT NOW!
This artist is always reinventing herself. You will never hear 2 songs that sound the same and her wardrobe is constantly evolving. She’s so ahead of the game she’s trying to catch up to herself. She doesn’t have time to follow anyone else’s lead. We need more Queens in the game like Shania, not afraid to go against the grain and do what feels good.
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Shania D., keep shinin’ Queen!
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
SUBSCRIBE TO SHANIA D.’s YouTube Channel HERE
CHECK OUT MUSIC AND VIDEOS ON MYSPACE HERE
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
STAY TUNED FOR “QUEEN’S COUNSEL: THE MEETING” AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD MARCH ‘09
Queen’s Counsel #16: BLISS
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
Ask anyone who knows her to describe her in one word and the answer would be: DIVA. The Hub City Diva, BLISS. Hailing from Compton, CA she is an “80s” baby who grew up listening to emcees like Salt ‘n Pepa and MC Lyte. But it wasn’t until 1996 when she heard Lil’ Kim that she gravitated toward grabbing the mic. On the exterior BLISS is feminine and lady-like with a personality to match, but when she gets on stage she unleashes the BEAST! These rap chicks have NO SAY in the game when BLISS is in the building. Her lyrics aren’t over the top or on fantasy island…she’s down to Earth, grounded, and she’s real. There’s not one banger yet that I can say I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed. As a single mother she knows the true meaning of grinding and is familiar with facing life head on. She says that her son is the reason for “EVERYTHING!” And you can tell when she goes in 110% on every song she attaches herself to. She claims she is not in it for the fame and fortune, but with a package that she’s offering the industry it’s going to be hard for her not to get all of that and then some. With lyrics, performance, beauty, and creativity…she’s ready!
…
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. BLISS, keep shinin’ Queen!
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
Click here to listen to one of my favorites:
DON’T HATE
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel #15: The ORACLE
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
Oracle is an emcee, producer, engineer, poet, and vocalist. Yeah, all of that! And she’s dope at everything that she touches. She’s been grinding for years. While she attended Clark Atlanta University she graced stages through the area performing with such acts as Wu-Tang Clan and Dogg Pound just to name a few. But in pursuit of her dream she felt she could get more notoriety here at home on the West Coast so she moved back to finish her schooling at Cal State Northridge (CSUN) where she acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Entertainment Business Management, with an emphasis in the Music Industry. So aside from all of her many talents, this Queen knows the business aspect as well. Her sound is melodic and jazzy when her soulful voice is involved, but when she drops a couple of heated bars on a 16, watch out!
She has been at it hitting stages across the country. Her mellow, laid-back tone catches the attention of everyone who listens to her music. She speaks a lot about family oriented topics and this allows her audience to connect with her on a personal level. She credits influence to her idol Nina Simone and it is very apparent in a lot of her music. Her catalogue is steadily growing, check out her page to see what she’s up to. Her album “Reality Show” is scheduled to drop first quarter ‘09.
…
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Oracle, keep shinin’ Queen!
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
- EPK -
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel #14: Lady Luck *FREESTYLE Edition*
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
I call this the FREESTYLE Edition because I haven’t really touched on female emcees that I’ve seen really go in on cats in the ‘battle’field. And how could I forget about Luck?!
She signed to Def Jam at a very young age after a bidding war ensued when she went 5 rounds undefeated on HOT 97s “Check the Rhyme” freestyle competition. Once she was on, she recorded with acts such as Missy Elliot, Lil’ Mo and most notable with EPMD, Method Man and Redman on Symphony 2000. But even with the powerhouse labels and a couple top seeded collabos, Def Jam decided to shelf her album because they didn’t know how to market her. So she then asked to be released from her contract and decided to do it on her own. And on her own meant on the streets. On the grind. Luck later popped up in the infamous Fight Klub against Remy Ma where the winner of that match up is still debatable. Her YouTube game is crazy as far as freestyles/battles go. Her punchlines are ridiculous. Bar for bar, you better be ready when you step in the cipher with Luck. She most recently ethered Reece Steele at the World Series of of Hip-Hop. I mean she goes HARD!
Check out a few clips of Lady Luck doing her thing.
Slide to 3:38 for the freestyle jumpoff…
Battle begins at 4:20
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Lady Luck, keep shinin’ Queen.
Support GOOD HIP-HOP!
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
Queen’s Counsel #12: Amanda Diva
QUEEN’S COUNSEL
Today and every Tuesday through the end of year I will be introducing female artists who I feel are putting out great music, show a respect for the game and take it seriously by putting their heart and soul into each song they release. These women will represent quality music, show great work ethic, and get a big thumbs up from me as an emcee and as a fan.
Amanda Diva reminds me of the golden era. ‘86-’95. That’s the only way to describe it. That’s the feeling I get when I listen to tracks like SupaWoman and Colorblind. She’s not trying to overpower you with her flow, she’s trying to bring you in. Just plain ‘ole good music. What a concept.
Diva isn’t that new chick on the block, she’s been putting in work for a minute. She started as a spoken word artist hitting Russell Simmon’s Def Poetry stage, Nuyorican Poet’s Café (where she was a 2-time Grand Slam Semifinalist), the Lyricist Lounge and many more. From there she took her powerful poetry performance and placed it over music. Her hard work and love of Hip-Hop has landed her gigs with MTV2, XXL, and Allhiphop. com where she has interviewed some of Hip-Hop’s elite. And she’s done all of this while completing a mixtape (It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop), a full length LP (Life Experience), a BA from SUNY and a Master’s in African American Studies from Colombia. Most recently you may recall Amanda Diva as the brief replacement for Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart of Floetry on the nationwide tour last year.
Her credits can go on for a minute, but I think you all should just check out the tunes.
Amanda Diva - SupaWoman
Amanda Diva - 40 Emcees on Def Poetry
As always, you know the criteria to make Queen’s Counsel. These ranks are only held for those who take this ish seriously. Top notch emcees. It is not a game. Amanda Diva, keep shinin’ Queen.
SUPPORT GOOD HIP-HOP!
I always love to hear new music. If you think you or someone you know needs to be on this list send a message to my inbox or email queenscounsel@kandicole.com
