The Fembassy

By: Glennisha Morgan

In the documentary Roxanne mentioned that it was her 1st time touring with all females. Was it your first time too?

I have to think about that. It definitely wasn’t my first time rockin’ with females on an all-female bill. I get booked for those all the time.  It’s like, part of my bread and butter, but it was definitely my first time being on the road for almost a month with only women for sure.

What was your experience like touring with all females?

Two words sum it up: Beyond Expectations. I was a little nervous going into it just because I knew it’d either be a really good, or a really bad experience.  But when you get a bunch of women together who are all extremely intelligent, confidant, nurturers and not territorial… you have an amazing tour. And that was our tour. It was one of the highlights of my life, to date.

In your experience what’s the difference between touring overseas vs. in the U.S.?

The European market appreciates classic hip hop more. They appreciate Hip Hop legends more than the U.S. Of course I’m generalizing, but from what I’ve seen they also can appreciate an emcee without knowing “the hype” or “the cosigns” or “the buzz” that comes along with the emcee. They just appreciate a solid show and solid musicianship.  They’ll give u love if you’re dope, no matter what.  You don’t have to earn their love any other way like in the U.S., where I feel you have to jump’ thru a lot of hoops to be noticed.

Do you have any rituals or specific things that you do to prepare for touring? If so, what are they?

Yah – get my merchandise game up!! (Laughs) That’s the first thing I do, but because I’m ballin’ on a budget I usually scrounge together my merchandise like a day or two before I hit the road. So I’m busy doing inventory and trying to fit 100s of T-shirts and CDs in my luggage, 24 hours before I fly. Other than that, I write down all the outfits I may need, so I don’t over pack. You know, lay everything out on the bed and make sure I don’t have too many heels packed when I need more sneakers or something like that. I’m a professional packer, you have no idea.

Are there any rules that you have as far as what not to do before or while on tour? (Health wise)

I’m blessed with a really strong immune system (knock on wood) However, all three years I’ve been out to Europe I get hit with this fever / flu thing for 48 hrs on the road. EVERY TIME! I don’t know what to do to avoid that, I think it has to do with climate change.  But anyways, other than that I just make sure I pack some multivitamins, some vitamin C, make sure I eat lots of fruits and vegetables on the road, and I go. My work out is my stage show. Believe me.

What advice would you give to upcoming artists about touring?

Always scope out the venue. I’m always immediately looking for where to set up merchandise, where it’s a high traffic area that the audience can’t avoid.  Your merchandise table has to be well lit. It can’t be too loud where you set up, or you’ll be yelling to try and hear your fans over the music and you’ll lose your voice while on tour.  It can’t be too close to the bar, or everyone who is drunk will be stumbling and spilling drinks on your table. So these are all things I scope out at sound check. So I know when I walk into the show, we’re good to go. I do all my own merchandise, although people help me sell. I do more than perform; I work my ass off all night.

Did the tour play a role in inspiring, influencing, and or supporting you in any new endeavors?

I think tours always help do that, in one way or another.  You’re always meeting people at every show: journalists, artists, managers, potential promoters that may want to have you back. And most importantly: the FANS that will buy your music and rep you like crazy. I’m always honored when I meet fans like that; they are familiar with my music. That’s crazy.  Yea, if you’re organized when it comes to the business cards and emails you receive at every show on every night you will have a world of future opportunities open up for you.

Are you currently working on a new project(s)?

Yes. I finished this album with MoSS, “AT LAST”. It’s ridiculous. It features Joell Ortiz, Termanology, Reef the Lost Cauze, Rah Digga, Lady of Rage, Jean Grae, & more. I just want it to come out, if that’s God’s will. We’re working on it. I also have an album 75% completed with Apathy of the Demigodz. Its ridiculous too, very different than the MoSS project.  We have to finish that, once again if that’s God’s will.  My life isn’t my own anymore. It’s His. (God’s)

Was there anything that you learned from the older or more seasoned artists during the tour?

Most definitely! I wish I had a recording device, or had written more down. My brain was buzzing everyday off the conversations we were having as a group, all of us.  Shante was like the Momma of the tour. She taught us all, but in love.  She taught me a lot. I feel like her main goal with me was to show me that I don’t have to make apologies for who I am or what I do. To be more confidant that I am ‘one of the best’ (her words not mine).  She called me the ‘flower child’ of the tour (laughs) because I never like to see bad in anybody even if they’re bad for real.  It was also very eye-opening to tour with a fellow Christian (Bahamadia).  We had a lot of deep conversations about our faith. That was amazing. Invincible and I were roommates on most of the tour.  She is so passionate about what she believes, she works effortlessly, and she just never stops. So her work ethic and drive really taught me as well.  Shortee is just a perfectionist. She’s not one to brag about anything, or up-talk herself. She just shows and proves.  Rockin’ with her was such a breeze, because I knew she had my back and would never slip up.  It was just so perfect. The energy of all of us, all around, to be honest.

During the documentary while at the radio station there was a huge discussion about being a female emcee. How do you feel about being labeled as a “female emcee” vs. just being called an “emcee”?

I think it’s a necessary evil. Although, it gets tiring at times.  I mean, I think its annoying when your gender (or race, or sexual orientation, or anything like that) is referenced alongside your job or skill set.  That has never made sense to me.  That being said, I understand why in Hip Hop we are always relegated to ‘female emcee’ world. It’s still so different than the dominant view of Hip Hop, what the general population sees you know?  So yea – I get it – the novelty, the ‘newness’ of it, the slant for the media.  And also the ‘balancing of the scales’ that needs to happen (i.e. Female-centered events, until all promoters book dope female emcees along their male counterparts for any huge tour… a la Rock the Bells).  But yea, until the point where the scales are balanced whatever day that is, if it ever comes. I guess the term “female emcee” is a necessary evil.  Although I look forward to the day when I can be called an “EMCEE”… period.  I’ve only been saying that my whole life. (laughs)

As we all know it’s a bit harder for female emcees to succeed in the industry but, I think everyone on the tour has been successful in their own right. What inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?

Rapping and writing songs is as natural to me as breathing & eating is for other people. So I wouldn’t consider quitting that.  I would definitely consider leaving the ‘industry’ and not pursuing a career in rap, for sure.  One day, that may be the only option.  But when it comes to creating music I have a feeling I’ll always be involved in that, somehow.  In terms of inspiration, I think the demand inspires me.  Like there’s mad people, I’ve lost count how many, that express to me they don’t want me to stop. That they want new music. That what I have to say has touched their lives personally.  That really keeps me going.  If there’s no more demand for my music, I’ll definitely duck out. No Problemo.

What advice would you give to upcoming artists as far as being successful and building their own brand?

I don’t like the term ‘brand’, although I understand it’s necessary.  It’s just like: Are we Artists, or Business People? (I know I know, don’t answer that (laughs).  At any rate, my advice would simply be: Know Yourself.  Be Yourself.  Stay Humble. Accept Criticism (especially from those you admire or respect, that do it out of love). Work Hard. That’s a start, at least

THE REVIVAL from EMERGENCE Media on Vimeo.