FSD: I looked on at a website for a show you were headlining, and in the artist description they wrote “female rapper” next to your name. How does this make you feel?
Psalm One: I feel it’s unnecessary. I like for people to discover me, if they don’t already know me. Gender is superficial.
FSD: Have you ever thought about asking promoters not to do that?
Psalm One: Nope. But that’s a good idea!
FSD: Is sexism present in Hip Hop music? How do you function within that context?
Psalm One: Sexism in life will never die, so of course in rap it’s here to stay. I know that if I’d had sex with certain folks in the industry my career could be bigger now. But I have to feel right in my soul about ME. It sucks that so many men have so much say over the fate of women, where women aren’t generally being respected. But I’m a strong woman and I demand respect. If you can’t fuck with that then I can’t fuck with you.
FSD: What was your worst experience in rap because of your gender?
Psalm One: Not being able to make a record with a dude because he wants to fuck and I don’t.
FSD: Has it been more “difficult” to be a rapper because you are a woman?
Psalm One: I’ve never been a male rapper so I have nothing to compare my experience to. I think being a woman works to my advantage because it gives me a unique voice. Certain people have it easier because of many factors. I try not to dwell on the difficulty.
FSD: So, it can be an advantage to be a woman in rap?
Psalm One: Absolutely. Our voices are sorely needed. Hopefully the world catches up sooner than later.
FSD: At what moment did you realize that some (maybe most) people see you as “female MC” rather than “MC?”
Psalm One: When I kept seeing the articles and the press dwell on my gender, I knew it was a bigger factor than I would have preferred. But I just have to roll with the punches because I will always have a vagina.
FSD: Wikipedia says “Psalm One began to take part in battles, many time as the sole female”. How did you feel, being the “sole female”? How did it influence and fashion your artist identity?
Psalm One: It was crazy. I got called every derogatory name in the book, and then some. It’s also interesting to notice how people treat you in the business based on gender. With that said, it’s very hard to offend me personally; I learned early that some folks are gonna dislike you or try you simply because you’re female. It just keeps me hungry. I like to wake people up. I also like to earn my respect through my work and my art.
FSD: What do you think about shows that have only women performers?
Psalm One: I have mixed feelings about all women shows because on the one hand, if they didn’t exist there would be way fewer opportunities for female rap artists to gig. On the other hand, it tends to be corny to have to do it. Co-Ed shows are just normal, if you think about it. What I don’t like is the notion that you can’t have more than one female rap act on a bill. That’s some utter bullshit.
FSD: What do you think is the reason for only one “main stream” woman rapper right now?
Psalm One: I’ve heard many discussions about this. Some say that mainstream radio believes the public confuses female rap acts, so only one at a time can get shine. If this is true it’s ridiculous. I just think it comes down to money. Money and ass. And we all know who has that on lock right now.
FSD: What kind of woman rapper will it take to transcend that barrier and become the “second?” Does making a “third” or “fourth” fall on her? Or does she, by default carry the torch for ALL women?
Psalm One: If you’re the woman in the spotlight it depends on your mentality. Are you on that community tip or are you selfish? Does your label push you as “the only one”? Do you collaborate with other females? Do you embrace the culture or just your own pockets? It would take a rapper who is smart enough to know she’s not the only one, and embrace the future of the game. And invest in it. Like a true Queen.
FSD: People often say women are “catty” and this is why they can’t work together. What do you feel about this?
Psalm One: That’s bullshit and whoever says that should get their eyes clawed the fuck out! Nah just kidding. Some women are catty but I don’t work with them. Some men I’ve worked with, on the other hand, have been huge catty divas. So it ain’t just us chicks!
FSD: Are men the “gatekeepers” of rap? How do you continue to display agency and autonomy in rap, despite gender/sexism?
Psalm One: I don’t know who “gate-keeps” rap. Might be Obama. Might be an alien. But as long as I can get my music to my fans through traveling and the Internet, I can continue the mission. I gain new fans daily, and that’s the point.
FSD: Is rap’s misogyny affecting women rappers?
Psalm One: It affects us tremendously. We have to understand that it’s not cool to be generally degraded.
FSD: We’re all bitches and hos… At least, that’s what it seems. What do you think a male’s perception of women is? Of women in rap is? How can we change that? CAN we change that?
Psalm One: I’ve heard foul things said about women rappers in general, and I’ve heard greatly inspiring things, all from males in the industry. The only way to change the negative connotations is to put those positive images out there. It’s just known that in such a youthful culture, it’s customary to be rebellious and even vulgar! Rap just has more growing up to do.
FSD: What do you feel about the word “bitch”, as used in music by men currently?
Psalm One: I mean, how can we get rid of it? Within the context, the word can have extremely negative connotations, and everyone (regardless of gender) can be a bitch. Being generally referred to as one is terrible, though. Very disheartening.
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One of the best articles I’ve read on FSD! Keep them coming! And Psalm One is an Amazing emcee!
Thank you, Prof. Pickle. So glad you enjoyed! Critical journalism is something I love deeply. Keep reading, ‘cuz they’ll keep coming. 🙂
Great read. I usually get bored with most music articles, but this one definitely kept my attention. Now I have some new rappers to check out! Peace
Word. Thanks for the reply, Righteous, and for reading the article! People don’t read, like REALLY read, anymore. We can all learn something new and change the way things are currently. Much love.
Great article. Great topic. Great questions and amazing person to be your first interview. Positive views and romodels are so neccesary. Especially in Chicago… Girls listen to Nicky Minaj and wanna fall in love and shake that ass ass ass ass ass. Instead of continuing education and expecting respect. Its like its easier for some to get treated as hoes bc their favorite rapper clearly calls them hoes herself. I enjoy listening to all kind of music. As long as it has great lyrics and meaning i can dig it, sadly the rappers i hear on the radio who are woman dont catch my attention much bc they sound like dudes as far as Putting woman down… Thats just dumb to me. But anywho sorry for the on and on-ness? Lol… Your article (s) catch my attention but not always able to comment! Love what you stand for and what you believe!!!!!!!