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Beyond the Kingdom Walls: What it is Exclusive Interview with #V2

April 03, 2014
Beyond the Kingdom Walls

 Fall Into the mind of woman who has seen it all. Lived through moments that would make the big screens in Hollywood. But, this was no movie, no actors, no cuts. See how she rose from the pain. Forgave the past and wrote out her future with a pen and a pad. Her lyrics are bold, authentic, a queen with no one to serve but her own passion, Music. Travel through the kingdom gates to understand the life, mind and music of "What it Is" The Exclusive Interview only at Viralvoice #V2






#1 -Tell us who is What It Is?




That’s one thick-skinned, pretty smile having, sometimes pompous, sometimes timid, straight forward and double edged, she’s a multitude of elements. CEO of King Ace Entertainment, Hip Hop artist and idealist.

#2 -First off what inspired the name?

I was writing a song called “It Is What It Is” which was first recorded over Lil Wayne’s “How to Love” instrumental and it’s a song about how I grew to overcome adversities. In writing that song, I realized who I was as an artist. I’m not animated, bias, or unforgiving. I enjoy breathing life into the mic by speaking from experience. So you will hear no buttering up or sugar coating, just “What It Is”. 
 
#3- You had complications when you were born tell us about that?

I was a full term baby with pre-mature symptoms. I was also diagnosed with a very rare blood disease that caused my body to reject my blood. This meant blood transfusions and several surgeries before my 1st birthday. Doctors were always surprised to see me the next day because they really didn’t expect me to live being that I weighed less than 4 pounds at birth. Even my mom had braced herself for the worst, but thru grace, and purposed position in this world, I’m here, with no complications!

#4- You had some horrific things to happen to you as a child you want to speak on that. And what would you say to any young person going and been through that same ordeal?

Sadly enough, me being molested as a child is such a common thing in our community. It affected me in a lot of ways. For one, I’m not able to trust people, especially men, when it comes down to being in my space. It made the process of discovering womanhood more confusing, which meant I had to dig deeper to love and trust myself. I stopped being a victim when I tapped into my spirituality. When I decided I wasn't going to let the past continue to hurt me while those people have moved on with their lives, I found out how much I liked me. I got tired of being angry and secluded, so I stopped being angry. To someone who shares the same experiences, I would say, your past doesn’t define you in a negative way unless you allow it to. Just know that every day is brand new and yesterday will never come back again once you allow yourself to move on, by forgiving.


#5- So what was that moment that got you into Hip Hop to where you said this is it?

My “this is it” moment was when I was 14 years old and learned the lyrics of 8Ball & MJG’s song Mr. Big. I had always written poems as an outlet, so when I recited the lyrics for the first time without looking at the paper, I fell in love with the way I felt while I was rapping. So I wrote me some lyrics and start rapping to the beat as they rapped (there were no instrumentals). Then I started calling in to the radio station and rapping on the Stan Bell’s, “Role Call” From that moment I knew I would be doing this for the rest of my life.

#6 - For the people who haven’t listened to your music before describe to them your style.

My music is a Hip Hop infusion, sometimes it feels good and other times it’s angry. It’s also sexy sometimes, but I mostly keep it turned up. It’s all about the way I’m feeling at the time because I like to put my real emotions in my songs.

#7- Do you feel that the female M.C.’s of today would stand a chance against yesteryears?

As far as hustle, no. Simply because back then, there weren’t any social media or technology avenues to shortcut with, so there was no such thing as being discovered on YouTube. The fans judged different, so for a female to make it mainstream they had to really grind like the big boys. As far as the talent, very few can compete with the females of yesteryears.


#8- So take us through what it takes for What It Is to come up with a verse, what’s your process?

When I’m brainstorming for an idea, I’d listen to some Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, and Anthony Hamilton etc. And I don’t listen to any rap music. When I actually write the song, I listen to the feeling of the track and say whatever the track says to me. After that process I figure out the order of the lines, last I write the hook.  

#9 - So are you signed and how’s the label life?

Of course, I represent King Ace Entertainment which is in its very initial stages of operation. I have more than a ton of work to do but in a minute we’ll be household status. So “label life”, it’s hard but it’s fair and it’s what I love to do.

#10 - So you recently jumped into IMBL(Iron Mouth Battle League) how was that experience, and when is your next battle?

My first time ever battling was phenomenal. I’m such a huge fan of the culture. Once my producer introduced me to the YouTube videos, I found myself watching battles around the country, but there’s a lot that you can’t see until you step in the ring or attend a live battle. It’s a different kind of freedom in this art but most of all its fun. It took me by surprise a bit at first but I think I adjusted wellJ. With that being said I look forward to becoming one of top tier MC’s in Memphis. My next battle is on August 10, 2013.


#11 - So tell us about your future endeavors, moves your making in your city and new things you got going on?

I’ve teamed up with Veeyi-p, who is the CEO of Da’ Sewer Productions, and we’re working on some new material for my upcoming mixtape, self-titled “What It Is” which will release in mid-September. We’re also drawing up a campaign to service indie artist and labels, as a one stop shop for all promotional materials: high quality videos, flyers, business cards, professional press kits etc. so you’ll see a lot more of King Ace Entertainment and Da’ Sewer Productions real soon.

#12 - Where can the people of Viralvoice find What It Is, and any shout outs?

Definitely shout out to IMBL for providing a platform in Memphis for battle rap and networking. All the battlers in IMBL, Da Sewer Productions, Merlina, my biggest fan! And all my supporters and ESPECIALLY my team!!

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