HUSTLE.PRAY.LOVE | Interventionview with Femcee "Bella" on Hip Hop's Contribution to Society

'I don't believe in sugar coating, we can't fix a problem until we acknowledge there is one'

5K got the chance to sit down with On The Rise Artist Bella, Who caught my attention via twitter. Bella is definitely fiery, fierce, glamorous, and most importantly socially aware. An ATL transplant via Cleveland OH, at the age of 22, Bella is ready to take the world by storm. She has survived a life threatening car accident, undergone 4 fatal surgeries and is still ready to give the music industry her BEST foot forward. Not only has she proved she can stand tall in the face of adversity, the fact that her icons are prestigious civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X is HIGHLY impressive. Even more impressive is her hit single "Came To Party" which will take you back to hip hop's golden days in the 80s. Not only did she join us to showcase her talent but also she gives a wonderful in depth view on Hip Hop's Contribution to Society all i can say..is get familiar..

INTERVIEW BELOW

5K: When did you decide you wanted to pursue the music industry?

Bella: When I was 10 my brother (Chief) put me on the hook to one of his tracks. I always loved music but at that point I had connected physically with it & I just knew this was for me.

5K: You have a VERY dope single "came to party", how did that come about?

Bella: Thank you! Lol I was actually joking when I first started writing the hook to the song. It was when I began the verses that I realized it was real to me. I like to enjoy myself when I'm out, save the drama for the soaps, ya know? So that's basically where it originated from, just wanting to have a good time & enjoy life without the nonsense.

5K: What's the number one problem being a female artist for you?

Bella: For me, (in past experience) it's not being treated as an equal when it comes to my opinion. Most female artist are categorized as "Hardcore" or "Sexually Explicit". I'm much more than that, though I have those moments, I don't want to be boxed in.


5K: In your opinion, why is there a shortage of female rappers?

Bella: Because of the strong male influence on who female artist should be in this game. Not to put the blame solely on the guys, but in my experience they try to give you a "voice" and "image". Why would it make sense for men to dictate what a "female artist" should be spitting to a "female audience"? I'm a woman, I relate to women, allow me to express that freely.

5K: Hip hop or Rap?

Bella: A balance of both, but honestly you'd have to ask the people.

5K: To you, what's the difference between hip hop and rap?

Bella: In my opinion, Hip Hop substance, more lyrical content, messages, story telling and purpose. Rap is the ability to rhyme. Not to take away from rap though, they're both art forms.

5K: What's the difference between being a rapper or being an MC?

Bella: I think a rapper can rhyme an MC can intrigue you with words.

5K: Do you think it's possible to be a socially aware artist and mainstream?

Bella: Most def! Balance is EVERYTHING to me. I've lived in the hood, I've lived in the heights so I'm well balanced in life. Artist, like J.Cole, also embody that balance you need to appeal to the streets and the schools, metaphorically. That's my goal. To remain socially aware and be able to successfully go mainstream.


5K: Talent or business?

Bella: 100% talent 100% business. I LOVE MUSIC, seeing genuine talent inspires me and that's what music should do; inspire you. But business is just as important, it protects you. Paul Stanley of the band KISS once said "It's very easy in this business to find people who are willing to put their arm around you and tell you how great you are. Unfortunately, their other hand is in your pocket."

5K: How do you feel about the context of today's music?

Bella: I think it has low standards. But as the people we have the power to change that. What we except determines what's put out, ya know?

5K: In order, which ones more important to you, lyrics, delivery or beat?

Bella: The Beat, because it speaks to me and sets the tone for what I want to write. Delivery, because the way words are projected can determine whether a person listens or not. Your lyrics lose weight if your delivery is wack. Lastly Lyrics, because they allow me to express myself in ways that nothing else does. Honestly, it's hard because you can't have one without the other and be great.


5K: Give us two bars of your favorite rap lyrics.

Bella: "I will not lose for even in defeat, there's a valuable lesson learned so it evens it up for me" - Jigga

5K: Who's your favorite Social or Civil Rights leader and why?

Bella: MALCOLM X, without a doubt! He inspires me in much of what I do. Musically I wish to be the equivalent of what he wanted to be for the black community. A leader and fighter for the people. ALL people.

5K: How important do you feel music is to politics and society?

Bella: Just as important as the news, if not more. Some kids learn through lyric. It's influence is obvious. What Queen Latifah, N.W.A, and Tupac rapped about was current to what was and wasn't being said on the news at that time. That's what the majority of todays music is missing and I hate that.

5K: What's your favorite socially aware song?

Bella: I'd have to say right now Wale "Diary" just because that song brings me to tears always. It really touched home with soo many young black females, including myself, it was a mirror for me.

5K: What will you bring to the table as an artist?

Bella: Hope. I felt like Obama saying that in my head lol. But, I do. I want to bring hope for change in this world, not just in music.

5K: If you could lead a national movement, what would it be?

Bella: I don't know what the title would be, but a movement for truth and peace. I don't believe in sugar coating, we can't fix a problem until we acknowledge there is one.

5K: Any last words?

Bella: (To the music critics/fans) Listen and let me earn your loyalty babe. Even those who hate me, love something about me.

Bella - "Came To Party"Listen

Contact Info:

Email: Bellarudegirl@ymail.com

Twitter: @PRETTIE_BELLA 

@PaperbOyATL 

 @hOmewreckazATL

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HUSTLE.PRAY.LOVE | Interview with Atlanta Promoter KD

I've got the chance to chop it up with KD,a promoter/designer from Brooklyn, living out his dreams in Atlanta. I'm simply amazed with this interview, very engaging. You'll want to read it over and over again. Nevertheless, be on the lookout KD is clearly going places.


5K: Out of all things, why a career in promotion, especially at a young age?


I am blessed to be involved with a lot of people around my age that have their sights set on having an impact, not only in the city, but worldwide. Although its just a start, promotion gives us the opportunity to enhance our network, and the skills needed to build it, it also opens doors into other fields allowing those interested to dabble in any realm of entertainment that they find comfortable.


5K: When did you decide you wanted to pursue the entertainment industry?


I decided this in my freshman year of college doing some light promotion for another entertainment company in the city called After money Entertainment. I started to notice that the entertainment industry is one where the work you do is directly proportional to the results you get. I knew then I have a strong circle of friends and business partners for my age, so we put our thoughts together and made it happen.


5K: I see your from Brooklyn, how was the move from NY to Atlanta? Do you plan on going back?



I was a kid, of course I didn’t want to leave my friends and what not, but Atlanta is a blessing. I wouldn’t have it any other way at the moment. I visit NY every year frequently so I don’t think I’m missing much, and I do plan on going back to live in the future.



5K: Your the CEO of PaperbOy entertainment, a promotion company based n ATL, how is that on a day to day basis?

Actually Co-Ceo shouts to my partner @KarlOfDuty. On a day-to-day basis things are more behind the scenes for me, a lot of phone calls, and decisions to make. I work closely with a lot of other CEO’s and often times my day is spent figuring out what we should do next with our weekly events to keep them fresh (Club Primal Thursdays Club Obsessions Friday and Primetime 2.0 Sundays) – Our current weekly lineup Had to throw it in there!


Its hard mixing it with school because I find myself at war over which is more important. I’m responsible for making sure everyone knows what events we have coming up, and thinking of new ways to brand our company. However I have a strong frontline that helps me out with anything whenever I may be in a bind.


5K: Promo is such a polluted industry. How to you rise above the competition?



Simply put, we are different than a lot of promoters, and it’s a new game. Without saying too much, I believe we rise above competition by being persistent, and trying to outwork the competition. Also, the name paperbOy holds it’s own weight and keeps people partying with us.



Also, our team is very diverse and it helps us to bring out different types of people anywhere we go whether its in a hood area or a relatively upscale one, we have the ability to draw from all crowds.


5K: I'm sure people would love to know, whats the difference between a REAL promoter, a FAKE promoter and a GREAT promoter, explain each and what do you consider yourself?



The difference between a real promoter and a fake promoter is consistency in my opinion. We have events year round, whether is hot, cold, raining, snowing etc!


Fake promoters on the other hand pop up every now and then with makeshift events trying to squeeze a dollar out. Some only do events in the summer because they don’t have too many worries about the weather. They do events at spots where we all know nobody is going regardless of how the party is promoted. Fake promoters are usually the ones who try to cut corners not realizing that the only way to see continual success is by giving your crowd exactly what they request.



Great promoters are established, have been doing this for years and have the network and the net worth to prove it. They have paid dues, and put in work that is undeniable by anyone else in the industry. Most important great promoters have a following that is reflective of all the time they have put into branding their companies and or events.


In all honesty I hate the term promoter and wish it wasn’t used for our field. It has come to have a negative meaning in Atlanta due to how saturated the market it. If I had to choose I’d call myself a decent promoter, I have never been able to give promo 100 % due to school.


5K: Do you have any other talents that your hiding or plan to bring to the forefront?



Hmmmm.. I write, and it’s solely for me, one of those talents that will stay hidden!



I am also the president/Head of Marketing for an up and coming clothing line based in NY and ATL named Charlie Appleseed follow the brand @charlieapplesNY


5K: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tough one. In 5 years I’ll be 26. I see myself finishing up a masters degree, beginning to see some of the benefits from our clothing line, and still doing what is necessary to keep paperbOy relevant.
I would like to start a family around that time but we’ll see.


5K: Any last words?


Our generation has a lot on our shoulders; if we don’t make the change there won’t be one. I think all young people should look into starting their own businesses of some sort especially those of African American decent. The world isn’t made in our favor, I always use this example when people ask if I would really pursue work in the corporate world.


“Why climb a ladder that someone else built and has the freedom to chop down whenever they please whether your still on it or not, when you could just build your own?

Contact Info: 

Phone: 404 671 7416 Kd

Email: kdrakes2@gmail.com

Twitter: @paperbOykd

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