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Dubcnn Exclusive – Mia X
By: Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay ..........................................................................................

Dubcnn: Some people may not be aware that you lost both of your parents shortly after the release of your album "Mama Drama." Obviously, your entire life was jolted and things changed dramatically for you, causing you to leave the music scene for a bit. How difficult was it for you to focus on raising your children while you were experiencing such deep emotional pain?

It was very hard for me, my sister, and the kids. We were all in pain because we were so close and bonded with my parents. But we stayed true to our faith that God was going to pull us through, and He did! The children are grown and doing well, working, in school, living on their own. And my sister is a doctor. We are blessed.


Dubcnn: Do you have any regrets about leaving your musical career behind for that period of time?

I have no regrets about putting my family first over my career.


Dubcnn: Yeah, it is freezing. So, let’s jump right into it. Who or what serves as your biggest influence?

Well, I would have to say that there is no better influence then life below the bar, you know what I mean?


Dubcnn: During your absence from the music business, you spent some time in real estate, as well as doing some ghostwriting to make ends meet. You're probably not going to clue us in as to who you were ghostwriting for (laughs), but can you give us a tiny little hint? Did any of the songs you contributed to do well?

I signed a clause to stay mum. However, I have ghost-written many songs that did very well for artists and gave them the staying power in the game. I am happy for them -- and for the checks!


Dubcnn: One of your first albums ever released was titled "Good Girl Gone Bad," the same title as Rihanna's third studio album, released in 2007. What are your thoughts on Rihanna's transformation over the past couple of years from "Good Girl Gone Bad" to her recently released album, "Rated R?"

My album Good Girl Gone Bad was released in 1995. I like RiRi, period. I wish her continued success. My dad was an Island boy.


Dubcnn: Other than physical sales, how do you feel that the industry has changed since your No Limit days?

The game has changed with the times. It's easier to be heard with the help of the internet and more dot-coms. Before, our pr people worked the phones and we had to do physical leg work to break and promote records. Now, you can email shit everywhere in a matter of minutes. How lucky! And, I'm happy to be a part of this new thing.


Dubcnn: Who are your favorite artists right now? Favorite new producers?

My favorite artist is Jean Grae and one of my favorite producers is S8ighty. But I love so many producers the list is too long.


Dubcnn: What does it feel like to get to the point where people actually start paying attention to your every lyric -- Like, actually picking apart your lyrics word-by-word? Is that kind of an empowering thing or does it make you hesitate sometimes when you put pen to paper?

I like that people pick my rhymes word-for-word because afterwards they usually say that I'm dope, and that makes me feel good. I never hesitate. I put my thought to paper or freestyle them, and what's done is done. My only hope is that the people can relate.


Dubcnn: Tell us about your newly formed record label, MusicLife / XL Productionz, A Partner Of Msn Music...

MusicLife is my baby! Music is my life. I hope that great music can come from this label. I want it to be a platform for true music lovers.


Dubcnn: You were born in New Orleans, and have since used your celebrity to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. What do you think of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who have contributed a substantial amount of time, effort and money to this cause, even so much as moving to the area?

Angie and Brad are the best! We love them in New Orleans. They are real people who love and want to help people. I wish we had more Brads and Angies in the world.


Dubcnn: This month, you're releasing a string of new songs. What songs are you planning to release, and when can we expect to hear them?

I am releasing my songs every month -- "Hush," "Grown Woman," "1Life 1Love", "Drunk Song", "Life After the Pain", "Where my Ole Man At", and "Whip Game." It's the usual raw Mia X, just for my peeps! So, I hope they are ready.


Dubcnn: What's your favorite thing about your life right now exactly the way that it is?

The most favorite thing about my life, the way it is right now, is that I am 100% comfortable in my own skin.


Dubcnn: You're gearing up to release your fourth studio LP, called "Betty Rocka Locksmith" -- What is your mind-frame right now?

I am back at the stove, whippin' up the dope, ready to give the world the package they been waiting on.


Dubcnn: If you had a gigantic eraser and a time machine, what would you go back into the past and change, other than the unfortunate loss of your loved ones?

I would erase wanting to play in the NBA from Master P's mind! [Laughs]


Dubcnn: Last words for Dubcnn?

Thank you Dubcnn for chatting with me. Thank you Mia X fans for being so true and patient. I know that you guys could be rocking with so many other artists, and just to have me in the mix is a blessing. I am so thankful and honored. I am working hard to deliver rap music at its best to you all. Holla at me on www.myspace.com/xlmiax, www.facebook.com/Miayoung, www.twitter.com/therealmiax. Much love and continued success on your grind, too!

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