KANARY DIAMONDS  (January 2011) | Interviewer Todd Davis

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Interview was done in January 2011

Questions Asked By: Todd Davis

Dubcnn: You literally just dropped your brand new, DJ Ill Will/DJ Rockstar hosted mix-tape, Diamondz, Boys & 808's -- Explain to me the significance behind the title of this new Kanary Diamonds' project?

I wanted something fun and catchy, but something that also represents me. So, "Diamondz" represent the fun, light side of my life. The "Boys" represent the pain, struggles and hardships. In most women lives men cause the later, so I thought that was a great rep for that part of my life *She giggles* And, "808's" represent my love, my passion, my music -- Everything that makes my heart beat.


Dubcnn: For Diamondz, Boys & 808's you managed to corral a few dope collabos; Jay Rock, Crooked I, Krys Ivory, to name a few -- How did some of these even come to fruition?

Everyone on my mix-tape and I are good friends or have a great business relationship, so when I was creating they popped in my head like he/she would sound great on this.


Dubcnn: Noticeably absent from Diamondz, Boys & 808's are, of course, The Game and other BWS label-mates -- Why is that?

I've been doing music for a long time, way before I hooked up with Game. And, when he dropped The Red Room (mix CD) and people was like, "Oh, this chick is dope," I was happy but I wanted to prove I can hold my own in this male driven industry. So, with this tape I set out to do just that. Prove I can stand on my own without the obvious expected help from Game.


Dubcnn: Makes sense. So, I'm guessing that Diamondz, Boys & 808's is a precursor, of sorts, to your forthcoming debut -- What can you tell me thus far about your first solo effort? Title? Single(s)? Producer Credits? Cameo Appearances? And, when exactly can it be expected?

Yeah, I'm not too into it yet though, but I'm working with an amazing producer, Epik, out of L.A., and I'm lining up some huge features. But, I'm gonna keep those a secret *giggles*


Dubcnn: Let's talk your whole musical upbringing, when did you actually first become interested in it?

I always loved music. Hip-Hop has always been my secret love/rebellion. I grew up in a Christian home where I wasn't allowed to listen to Secular music, so I would sneak and listen to the radio and record it on a cassette tape so when my mom left I could listen. But, I've been a dancer since age 4, and I got into background dancing and choreography but always secretly wanted to be the front person. So, when I got the chance to be in a girl group, I went for it and started singing in a couple until the last one I started rapping. That obviously didn't work out, but I kept rapping and went full fledged with it.


Dubcnn: Growing up in a city most famously known for its notorious Riots of 1965, whose music did you gravitate more towards?

Dr. Dre and 2pac. I was in love with 'Pac! I knew I was going to marry him when I grew up *Laughs* And, I was a huge Nas fan growing up also.


Dubcnn: Where does your moniker, Kanary Diamonds, originally derive from?

Long story short...Because of the "canary diamonds" popularity in Hip-Hop many don't realize how rare it is. Just because there (are) yellow diamonds, doesn't make them a certified canary diamond, so I believe that's (the) equivalent to me -- I'm rare. I'm not your average female emcee.


Dubcnn: Now, initially, how did you even hook up with Game, and eventually sign with his Black Wall Street imprint?

Game hit me on MySpace years ago telling me he had heard great things and would like to work, but we never could seem to get our schedules to match. So recently we did, and started working and did all The Red Room stuff. And, it just snowballed from there.


Dubcnn: How does it feel being the "official" "First Lady of BWS?" And, what exactly does that (role) mean to you/entail?

It feel great! It means I'm the "Head Chick In Charge (H.C.I.C.)!" *More laughter ensues* Just kidding! I'm just happy to have such good guys to call my fam.


Dubcnn: Switching gears here...What are your future goals & plans for longevity?

Wow, I have so many! But, I just want to keep coming with great music and growing as an artist to deliver my best work every time. I think consistency equates to longevity. I plan to take the music industry by storm however God sees fit.


Dubcnn: Do you have any additional and/or outside aspirations?

Yes, before I ever got into music I was acting as a child, and I would love to get back into that. And, I want to secretly become this investment tycoon...Well, not so secret anymore! *She chuckles*


Dubcnn: Being a female emcee has never been a very easy thing in this industry, quite non-existent, especially nowadays. However, do you think with the emergence and popularity of Young Money's Nicki Minaj that helps or hurts the overall cause? And, that being said, what are your personal thoughts/feelings on Miss Nicki?

Yeah, being a female MC is not nearly easy, but I think it's getting better. I think Nicki's success has definitely helped the cause, yet I think it's going to take more than her to keep us around. I think Nicki is dope and I respect her grind. Being a female MC I know how hard it is, so I definitely respect her!


Dubcnn: Care to weigh in on this current Lil Kim vs. Nicki Minaj "BEEF" situation -- Thoughts?

I think it's craziness! Kim is a legend and will forever be! I definitely feel where she's coming from, but my personal opinion is she should just leave it alone. The truth always reveals itself. Sometimes you have to let life take its course.


Dubcnn: True indeed! Well, looking ahead, say, five or even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

In 5 years, I see myself being HUGE as a multi-platinum selling artist with a great fan base and team behind me. I will at least have 8 Grammy's and 3 major motion pictures! *Giggles again*


Dubcnn: As for the immediate, what's next for Kanary Diamonds?

Next is making Diamondz, Boys & 808's an international success, some more major features and locking down a solid label situation.


Dubcnn: And finally, is there anything else I either left out or just plain forgot to mention?

No, just make sure you go get Diamondz, Boys & 808's, and follow me on Twitter!

Dubcnn: Do you have any message(s) for the readers of Dubcnn?

Yes, thanks for all your support this far, it's really appreciated! Check out my official site, to stay up to date with what I'm up to -- Thanx!

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