While being a blonde white girl in the music industry that raps instead of shaking her hips to pop music is already pretty uncommon, being a blonde bombshell that raps about yoga, meditation, astrology and many other things of that aisle is pretty unique if you ask me. Well Kellee Maize is all of that, set to break down barriers one at a time with her unique approach to hip-hop. To be honest, judging by the pictures that was attached to the first email she sent me, I was not really sure of what to expect out of it, but I’m not one to be judging a book by it’s cover and glad I am not or I would have passed on Kellee Maize, and boy would that have been a mistake, because that girl can definitely throw down.
So with that said, here’s the interview I conducted with her as I wanted to dig a little deeper in the whole Kellee Maize phenomenon… enjoy.
Hello, well first of all, please introduce yourself for those who are still in the dark about you…
My name is Kellee Maize. I live in Pittsburgh PA….a very special place! I write, rap, sing and dance as therapy, as activism and for fun. (kelleemaize.com) I also run my own events and promotions company called Nakturnal.
With that said, how did you get into the whole music business?
My my mom said that I was “singing and dancing before I could walk and talk”. Music has always been one of the most important parts of my life. I have always performed in one way or another either as a singer on stage or doing gymnastics to music. I sang in rhyme and when I discovered hip hop at a young age I fell in love. I was afraid to rap in front of anyone until about 8 years ago but I haven’t stopped since and I still sing. Artists like Ani Difranco, Lauryn Hill, Madonna, the Roots, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, WuTang and Outkast have kept me going through all kinds of crazy life circumstances. I appreciate unique expression in all forms and music is by far the one thing I can’t live without.
When did you know that you wanted to make a career out of singing?
It was always a dream since I was very young but, I never really had the ego for it. My ego was more interested in being a self-defeating victim…which is just as bad as a pompous show-off who acts like they are better than everyone else! I never thought I was good enough. It wasn’t until I felt a purpose in my writing that I began to embrace my artistry in a way that gave me confidence and faith in what I am doing here in this life and why.
Is it hard for a female MC to evolve in the hip-hop game?
I have spent a lot of time in the past being intimidated to jump on stage full of men, record in a studio full of men, or entering a male dominated industry. But, then again, the world is also dominated by men. But from a spiritual perspective, the feminine qualities of cooperation, compassion, and kindness (in both men and women) will become more important and more respected within the next few years. The future of this planet and our children depends on everyone embracing their feminine energy.
The yin and yang will rebalance.
Who are you musical influences?
Well, I mentioned some previously, but the list is really incredibly long. I feel I have been influenced by every artist I have ever heard. Can’t say that I literally ever said, “I want to make music like him or her”, or that during writing I turned on a certain artist and drew inspiration. But, I have been inspired by so many artists at different parts of my life. In addition to who I mentioned above, I would also say Patsy Cline, Gnarles Barkley, Michael Franti, Erykah Badu, Cher, Notorious BIG, The Fugees, The Raiders, and Joan Jett. And I feel like I am leaving off ALOT of important people, but this is who I can think of right now!
What do you enjoy most about creating music?
I love the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and concerns that have helped me live a more aware and ultimately a happier, more productive life. My hope is that the content will help the listener. I also like to be able to inspire and make someone dance! At the core I think we all have amazing gifts and want to help others, I think our dreams usually mirror this combination.
How has it changed your life?
I think I feel more fully self expressed in my daily life. It has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing and inspiring people. I think when you do what you love there is an energy that you create and make more of as you connect with people. I also have really enjoyed the chance I have had to work with young people who enjoy what I am doing.
What ONE record would you HAVE to save from your house if it was burning down?
Wow, that is such a hard question. I will just choose what came to mind first….The Score by the Fugees. I can remember listening to that over and over again…it is such a classic.
What future projects can we look out for?
The makers of the movie Zeitgeist have given me permission to use their music and video from their films, so I will be releasing a song called Zeitgeist next month. I am also releasing music videos for the songs Yesterday and Big Plans in the next few weeks!
I’d like to thank Kellee Maize for her time and for even more informations you can head out to her very own website or myspace and you can also get two of her albums right here, free to download.
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download : Kellee Maize – Mothership
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download : Kellee Maize – City of Champions
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download : Kellee Maize – Godette
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interview,
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