Exclusive Interview with Quanna MC + First Listen to 'Queenie' EP
We recently linked with FemaleCentric Quanna MC to speak about her new EP. Check out the interview and listen to her latest project
It's our first time hearing the word QUEENIE. What's the meaning behind that? How can someone become a QUEENIE?
QUEENIE is the name of a Haitian immigrants Madame St. Claire who moved to Harlem during the prohibition era. She set up one of the first numbers bank, sold liquor and created revenue for poor communities. She spoke out against corrupt cops getting some fired from the force . She made a way during a time when women bosses were unheard of.
To become a Queen or call yourself QUEENIE you must make a way out of no way. Speak for people and never give up
Why did you make this album ?
I wanted to tell about my journey to NYC after college. I wanted to highlight some of the trials I faced and tell the story to inspire others.
What inspired you to make this album?
I was inspired by the original QUEENIE, Myself and uplifting women of color
What is your goal as a hip hop artist and artist in general?
My goal is to become one of the greatest artist of my time. I want to make timeless music and create movements people want to follow.
When did you know you wanted to make music?
I've known since I was 10 but not many people from Savannah, GA ever made it. When I was 19 I decided I wanted to do what makes me happy for the rest of my life. So after college I made a plan to move away and go for it
What is your dream now that you just accomplished this dream?
My dream is to go on tour . Reach millions of supporters. Inspire women and grow my kegscy.
Who helped make this album what it is? Writers,Producers,Muses, Support system, etc
OG Beats my producer from GA Sat with me and we came up with a sound. Lightupp helped me piece it all together and become comfortable with myself as well asthe content I was trying to make. On the song "Mike Brown" I needed someone with a powerful voice over the eclectic beat by producer Taavi. I metNyla Rose, we Vibed then made magic . Qu'ality was a huge help too. He helped me make a sexy track and gave good advice.
What is your favorite track? Why
Mike Brown because I dreamed that song. I fell asleep looking a Melissa Harris Perry and dreamed that I was him getting up from the grave and seeing what a mess his case ones. Then I thought what if he had a chance to tell his side. So I closed my eyes and wrote from his point of view . Nyla Rose has become one of my favorite singers and her vocals took it to the next level. Mike Brown was a story that had to be told.
What is one bit of advice you can give females pursuing a dream?
Never give up. Don't think it's gonna be easy and please please do not rely on your looks to get ahead . Everything has a price. It's best to work hard and cultivate your talent, have patience and the right opportunities will come to you.
NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2016 – Today Quanna MC, a Brooklyn-based rapper, released her second EP “QUEENIE,” a nostalgic and future-forward journey of finding purpose as a newcomer in the city that never sleeps.
Inspired by Queenie, the most carefree woman of the Harlem Renaissance, “QUEENIE” chronicles of a modern-day carefree black girl who is not afraid to leave behind the comforts of life in Atlanta to build her own lyrical renaissance in New York City.
“QUEENIE” is laced with hard-hitting beats influenced by both southern flow and aggressive New York style. The seven-track EP opens with a forceful yet sophisticated recount of a vivid memory of early days astray in the city. The remaining tracks open with a calm and collected intro before seamlessly transitioning into an upbeat rhythm that sets the tone for her hustle.
The EP highlights Quanna’s arrival onto New York’s independent rap scene (“Queenie”), to falling for unworthy men and seeking vengeance on their creeping ways (“Creep”), to addressing the unnecessary and unjust actions spurred by America’s broken social justice system (“Mike Brown”), to representing the multi-faceted perspective of being a bad country girl, a college girl, and now, a city girl (“Carefree Black Girl”).
“QUEENIE” was executive produced by Mr. Lightupp with support from other notable artists. OG Beats, a Savannah-born producer; Solar who is known for his work on T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment; and Qu’ality, a New York based rapper and producer who will be featured on Hot 97’s “Who’s Next” showcase on Thursday, Jan. 28.
A Savannah/Atlanta transplant, Quanna is a blend of down home yet hustler, college-educated yet street smart, socially conscious yet undeniably social – everything that represents the modern-day Queenie, the unapologetic carefree black girl.
Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram at @QuannaMC.