I have a hard time with this, so I never blame others who can't pinpoint me. I tend to do whatever suits my fancy and that's taken my music into some really dark places, some very intellectual arenas, some playful sounds, some erogenous zones... I am a malleable person and this is definitely reflected in my music.
You also sing and rap, which do you prefer?
I definitely prefer to rhyme. I love to sing. I have a pretty unique sound, but I'm no powerhouse and I definitely want to train vocally before really attributing "singer" to my repertoire. I can carry a tune, though, which helps because some beats call for melody and I'm usually too lazy and vain to get someone else to do it.
What type of beats bring out the best in Phee?
I am in love with anything that will move you or make your head bob. I love Flying Lotus-esque beats and grimy bass laden hip hop tracks. On the flip side, I'm really feeling dub step, broken beat, and house and I am having a lot of fun experimenting. I get a lot of help from producers like
Brother Aten with this direction.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
I would love to work with names like Flying Lotus, Mr. Invisible, Bugz in the Attic, Afrikan Sciences, Muhsinuh, Koop, Grizzly Bear, Vikter Duplaix, and it would be a dream to collaborate with a group like Radiohead on something one day.
Do you still collaborate with Nameless?
I do. Life and technical difficulties have held us up a bit, but he's one of my best friends and I do my best to rock whatever he sends my way.
Getting back to the future, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I see myself on the cover of Vibe, Essence, and Fast Company! I want to develop Ronin Records further to truly be an artist friendly, technology based label. I don't want to worry about distribution so much as media and web notoriety.
Where do you see hip hop in 5 years?
Hip Hop will always be here, but I think over the next five years it's collective sects and pieces will learn to meld. The rifts, regions, and rivalries of the past are so minuscule now in the face of music's globalization with the internet.
What would you say has been one of your greatest accomplishments as far as music?
For myself, honestly just realizing that I'm capable of it. Also, being accepted into the community even though I don't feel I fit the image that's expected or stereotyped of female rappers or hip hop heads in general.
What has been one of the worst experiences you've had so far in the industry and how did you learn from it?
The closest I've come to "industry' is doing shows. It's difficult when they're not promoted properly, when they're disorganized, or when basic necessities (ie - proper sound systems) are not functioning or non-existent. This is why I find it best to take on as much as I can. Suggestion to other artists... Act like the venue, promoter, or other artists are not going to do anything. Do as much of your own marketing and promotion as you can. I'd even like to be able to have my own sound boards and mics, (laughs). Micromanage much? I know. Shut up.
Is there anything else you would like to plug, any shout outs?
First and foremost,
Maf Maddix and
Luse Kanz of
n'DangR Species. Also, my buddy
Esko, an ass hole but a great MC (laughs). Just so happens
Mr. Invisible is in the deck as we speak, and please support your local bloggers, photographers, musicians and artists! I never regret when I do. I'm always amazed at
Marcus Kiser,
Potter's Field Emcees,
Moire Photography,
Oblivion Sector,
Jasiatic,
God City,
Psyoptic Records,
John Hairston,
Black Flag Records,
Bush Broads,
ChdWck... TOOOO many to name. Uncover your local scene and you will surely be as blown away as I am.