FSD: Now this Windy City Women series intends to look deeply into the women of rap and why it’s so different for them. How sick are you of being asked about your gender and how it has affected your music in interviews?
Tink: I do get sick of that question in every single interview. It gets irritating. It’s like people are separating us from the guys. Like they measure us on a different scale. And, I understand it’s hard. To get a guy to want to ride in his car to a girl‘s music, we have to appeal to them too. But always being asked about being a girl gets old.
FSD: Seems silly, right? No one asks men what their male experience has been. Why do you think that is?
Tink: I think because the pioneers in rap were males. The industry was dominated by guys. I guess also because rapping is kind of hard core; it’s different from R&B. There’s a masculine feel, so they don’t expect a female to be able to do it.
FSD: At what moment did you realize that some (maybe most) people see you as “female MC” rather than “MC”?
Tink: When I dropped the song “Fingers Up” I was singing and rapping. I think the fact that I can sing gave me an advantage, because singing is a female trait. But that’s when people saw me and started asking me about being a woman in rap. The singing helped me, but I still had to start answering questions about being a girl rapper.
FSD: Has it been more “difficult” to be a rapper because you are a woman?
Tink: It has been hard because people don’t expect females to spit. They don’t really take us seriously all the time.
FSD: What do you think is the reason for only one “main stream” woman rapper right now?
Tink: Honestly I think females are copycats or followers, with style and clothing and even rap. They don’t like to branch out and be themselves. Everybody is following after Nicki Minaj’s footsteps, and it doesn’t set them apart. She is different and unique and is always going to be the best at it because no one is different from her. I understand why Nicki has it right now, but if I keep at my work and stay true to myself – they’ll come around
FSD: What do you think about shows that have only female performers?
Tink: I think those shows and mixtapes are dope and there need to be more of them! Females can make good music and put on the same kind of show as the guys. I think those all women shows and mixtapes show how much we’ve grown and how versatile our city is. There are a lot of girl rappers in Chicago.
FSD: People often say women are “catty” and this is why they can’t work together. What do you feel about this?
Tink: (snickers) I’m gonna be real, it’s true. I mean it’s not true for everybody. I’ve always reached out to other rappers and the end of the day we’re gonna need each other. We can be catty, but we come together on things that are important.
FSD: What do you think of the current state of female rap in Chicago? What do you think will be the future of women rap in Chicago?
Tink: Right now I think female rappers are coming up in Chicago. We have a lot of the attention for the music. I don’t know if anyone has been signed yet, but that’s what I want to see in the future. Female artists getting signed from Chicago.
FSD: So, there are a lot of girl rappers from Chicago, but not one with a deal. Why?
Tink: Labels are looking for the whole package. The lane is so narrow for us that you have to have something outstanding and amazing. Our lane is small. They’re looking for a powerhouse. I think it’s coming soon.
FSD: What do you feel about the word “bitch”?
Tink: Honestly, some people might get offended by what I have to say. The word bitch is negative, it’s nothing you should praise or be proud of, but it doesn’t hold the same weight as it did before. In my generation things have different meanings. Bitch can mean my girl, my homie, my sis. Our generation is different. Chicago is different
FSD: How do you empower/pave the way for women?
Tink: I think I empower women by letting them know it’s okay to be yourself. Everyone thinks that female rappers have to sell their body for attention. I want to pave a way where really it’s okay to be yourself. Where you won’t do things just to get attention.
FSD: What advice do you have to future rappers, especially women?
Tink: My advice is you really have to stay working. Keep writing songs, there is no time to stop because once you stop you open the door for someone to pass you up. And, don’t be afraid to try different stuff. Stay versatile and switch it up sometimes. You can’t stop. That’s how you progress, really.
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