FSD: What do you think of the current state of women rap in Chicago?
Psalm One: Great question. I’m aware of a good amount of females repping in the Chi. But I know there are soooo many more I’m not aware of. Hopefully we continue to inspire each other and get good opportunities to expand our audiences.
FSD: What do you think will be the future of women rap in Chicago?
Psalm One: We have a difficult future but there is one for us. We gotta keep working on that quality music and performances though. Can’t try and be like the boys. We have to do our own thang.
FSD: How do you empower/pave the way for women?
Psalm One: I don’t always think about how I might be paving the way for women, but just by being serious and deliberate about my work I know I am. Just by being me and not conforming to trends makes me special, and I know people are watching.
FSD: How do we spotlight women musicians, without marginalizing them?
Psalm One: It’s difficult to try and get one without the other. If you’re spotlighting female artists and not males, you’re automatically marginalizing us. The need to marginalize is there, until the playing field becomes equal. So while I don’t think we can spotlight without marginalizing, we need to spotlight women in a positive light. It’s important because so many of us are shown in a light of ratchetness.
FSD: What advice do you have to future rappers, especially women?
Psalm One: It sounds corny: be yourself! Don’t degrade yourself for a temporary shot, and have fun 🙂
FSD: Moving forward, are there any projects/shows we should be looking forward to?
Psalm One: I’m going on tour with Hood Internet and Tanya Morgan starting 7/25, I have a few cool videos dropping for features I’ve done, and the “Child Support” album I did with ASCAP is dropping in September, with a tour planned. Oh and there’s always new music up on regularblackgirl.com!
With strong and autonomous women like Psalm leading the way, it’s clear that Chicago Hip Hop is in good hands for the ladies. Some would even argue that the women are putting in more work these days than the men are. But, until they are viewed as functioning on the same level as men, and until the idea of separate yet (un)equal is eradicated, these conversations about gender and rap will and need to continue.
I would like to thank Psalm One profusely for her insight and input into Windy City Women, for being a strong and insightful example to women rappers.
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!!!!!!!