Hot Yella: I think the good in every situation out-weighs the bad, I try not to focus on problems- but rather the solutions. I do feel sometimes that I have to work harder, image-wise than a lot of male rappers as a lady, my hair, make-up, nails, heels, skin, jewelry all must all be on point. There are so many products that go into the beautification process, and it can be a long process! I am not saying that being a girl isn't amazing and a wonderful experience, but we definitely work harder on our image, so that's a little unequal in my opinion.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Has there ever been any specific situations that tested your desire to be a hip hop artist?
Hot Yella: I will always be creating music, it is not only a creative outlet and habit, but it's also my job and I'm not a quitter. I think the battles, situations and setbacks inspire me to strive for betterment as a hip-hop artist and personality. To me it's the 'tests' that make me want to study, and I want all A's!
Bama Boys Entertainment: What do you think has been the key(s) to Nicki Minaj's success?
Hot Yella: Her unique lyrical ability and delivery has a lot to do with her success. Also her image and style helped her become a female rap icon. Oh yeah...and her voices! She's very animated, different from most female emcees I've heard lately.
Bama Boys Entertainment: What emcee is the male version of you?
Hot Yella: I have been told Nas, Jay-Z, Fabolous, Eminem and even Pac. Personally, I cannot answer this question, I'd rather leave it up to the listener. I have a difficult time perceiving what I look like or sound like to others.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Finish the following sentence: In 2011, I will_ _ _ _ _ .
Hot Yella: ...continue with the same work ethic as December 31, 2010! I will wake up every morning of 2011 as I normally would--striving for mental clarity and strength, as well being focused on making musical strides.
Bama Boys Entertainment: What is the most personal song that you have written thus far? (briefly describe it's content).
Hot Yella: Each verse or song is a piece of me, I would be a traitor to one song if I said another was more or less me than the other. At this moment I would say my new single "Dream Too Much" is personal because it is a sneak peek into my mind. The content of the song is very playful much like myself, but it also has deep meanings about life and growing up as an artist and person. It's for young people, especially those who are misunderstood. I absolutely love this record and cannot wait for the world to hear it! Keep yourself updated on http://www.hotyella.com/ it will be released soon. ;)
Bama Boys Entertainment: If you could work with any one producer, who would it be and why?
Hot Yella: I like working with a variety of different producers, including up and coming producers. They too are hungry, talented and creative. I would not limit myself to only working with platinum selling producers just because they are a platinum selling. I would say one day a record with Swizz Beatz would be bananas thought, so I'll say, "Swizz, Let's talk beats!" ;)
Bama Boys Entertainment: What do you think it will take to get music to a place where all the regions in the U.S. are poppin' at the same time?
Hot Yella: Power to the people, as they say! I think its is up to the people to fall in love with an artist and their music--whatever type of regional genre or sound that entails, I really couldn't answer that. I'd just say it's up to the people to decide what's good music.
Bama Boys Entertainment: Where's the weirdest place you have ever performed?
Hot Yella: There is no such thing as a weird place to perform, the world is a sage! I can say performances that may be slightly awkward are when they happen during family BBQs or cookouts for example, when my family or friends want me to rap or sing for them. It's spontaneous, but I am always down to perform, it's my gift and I like to give!
Bama Boys Entertainment: Describe your creative process when writing a song.
Hot Yella: Concepts come out of the blue, at any moment I can become inspired. The key is being continuously inspired! I also listen to tracks when I'm writing because a hot record must have a hot beat. Also, when I am writing a song I prefer to be alone, in my own comfort zone, not forcing my thoughts or lyrics.
Thank you Bama Boys Entertainment for taking the time to interview me! I also want to thank all my fans, supporters and all the DJs, radio stations and bloggers who have helped me share my music with the world! Contact my management, 26Talent at 704.910.9185 or 26Talent@gmail.com for anything you need from me or check out HotYella.com!
