Featured artist: Deborah Jane (@Retro_Raptress) - RAP GOES RETRO WITH THE NEXT LAURYN HILL
Below is a short interview with the upcoming underground artist Deborah Jane (@Retro_Raptress).
How did you decide to become an artist?
Deborah Jane (@Retro_Raptress): I fell in love with hip-hop at 16-year-old when my father bought me The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I was raised in an all white suburb in Orange County. I had no black friends. I discovered hip hop dance, theatre and rapping. Hip-hop became the portal to my black culture and roots.. That's why I became an artist. I'm droppin' my first mixtape – a remix to La La Land. So, I'll tell you through rap:
"I think about the day, I turned on 106 & Park
And first heard hip-hop play, felt like an electric spark…
Of something so divine,
the music playing in my mind…
For the first time!
My dad gave me a thrill!
Bought me the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill!
It was my 16th Birthday,
I wore out that CD, I knew just what I had to be… Be an MC!
And now I go hard on my retro/actress
More powerful than 2 Cleopatras
Drop bombs on a Doo-was song,
Retro Raptress
If I'm the FIRE, hip-hop's the MATCHES!
Spit heat on a broadway beat / move your feet
Don't sleep! In La La Land / Count them sheep!
I thought I couldn't RAP, cuz I wasn't STREET enough, hip hop was the HOPE when the pain got deep enough"
(- Deborah Jane, #Rap La La)
WATCH Behind-the-Scenes of music video #Rap La La: http://youtu.be/_z7IfPfqAk8
My style is to mix vintage retro sounds, with cinematic storylines, and dope hip-hop-my ultimate passion. I mix it with Broadway and screenwriting to create hip hop musicals. (Like the next Hamilton). I studied writing at Stanford University and USC Film School. Finally, I live in another vintage time period. So you put it all together and you get… (drumroll) the RETRO RAPTRESS!!!
"If you can't live without it, DO IT."
What about concerts? Do you play live?
Why dahhlin', I sing and rap live with backing tracks! I also perform concerts with my retro girl group, The Pin-Ups (@VampandVixen.Webseries). We performed for Harley Davidson and The Rockabilly Fest. We've also been featured in Delicious Dolls Magazine.
Best punchline you ever wrote?
If I'm the FIRE / Hip-hop's the Matches.
What are you currently working on? Did you release something in the past?
I am currently working on my mixtape "A Retro Raptress Musical". My first single is a remix from La La Land the movie, #Rap La La. My second drop is a single called "Fight Like A Girl". I am also writing my first album, "Do You Love Me Deborah Jane?"
Last but not least: Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
I would sign a collaborative record in the style of Janelle Monae. I have a company, House of Deborah Jane, and I would partner with a major record label such as Def Jam or Roc-a-fella.
Any last words?
Shout out to my Mom and my Dad – two of the greatest immigrant pioneers I know. Shout out to my friends, my girl group, The Pin-Ups, and my Strange Fruit; The Hip-hopera team!
Where can we contact you?
Deborah Jane (@Retro_Raptress): https://www.instagram.com/retro_raptress/
Thank you for your time. We wish you and your career the success it deserves.
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This interview opportunity has been provided by RapBeats.net, the digital marketplace for urban production music .
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