Female Rapper Lady Sovereign

Lady Sovereign, who is said to have had an influence on Lady Gaga, is known mostly for her petite size and obvious hip-hop style. While she is creating a name for herself by her stage name, she is also known as Louise Amanda Harman. But as Lady Soveriegn, she is also known for her creative performing styles in a genre of music dominated by young males.

As a female rapper, originally from London, says she was influenced by her mother’s music habits and loved Salt-n-Pepa and Ms. Dynamite while she was growing up and began to rap when she was thirteen. Since then, Lady Sovereign had struggled to stay in school and continue doing what she really loved, rapping. She made her way into the American music scene when she signed with record label, Def Jam Recordings, run by Jay-Z, in 2005, when she became the first ever non-American female to sign with the label. After awhile, Lady Sov. went through a period of time where she was fed-up with the music system and began to feel like what she would consider to b a “robot.” She eventually left the label and made her own, Midget Records.

The new label not only puts her in the driver’s seat of her career, but also has made her creative side come out again with the release of her newest album, Jigsaw, which talks about her distaste for the female lifestyle in pop culture.

Much like Kellee Maize, Lady Sov. is breaking a mold set for women in the music world and neither are conforming to what is expected of them in the industry that tells girls what they are supposed to look and act like. These two female rappers are showing girls all over the world, what it means to be real, through their music and through their images.

-Chelsea Oliver

Female Rapper Salt-n-Pepa

Salt-n-Pepa

Salt-n-Pepa came into the music scene just as hip-hop was becoming a male dominated genre, making them not only stand out as artists but pave the road into the industry for more female rappers to come.

While Kellee Maize considers this group, made up of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandy “Pepa” Denton, to be one of her greatest influences. All of these women are a great influence to many young girls today. Salt-n-Pepa first became a hit in the late 80’s and was well known on both the pop and R&B charts, although they were criticized for trying to hard at times, the group continued to work and came out with their largest single to date in 1989 with the song “Let’s Talk About Sex,” which they also made a re-recording of to focus more on safe sex practices and called the second song, “Let’s Talk About AIDS.”

Since, they released their latest album in 1994 and became Grammy Award winners in 1995 for Best Rap Performance; Salt-n-Pepa has been spending more time in creating small acting careers. But even as they go in separate directions on a quest for other careers, Salt-n-Pepa will always be known for creating a way for women to be able to break into the rap world. Like Kellee Maize, they stayed positive. Their lyrics spoke the truth and they never strayed from who they truly were, even through criticism of their craft, which eventually led them to many music creators ultimate goal: the Grammy’s, but mainly into the hearts of many fans across the world.

-Chelsea Oliver

Meeting miss dig

I remember when I used to think that trying to find the Pittsburgh fashion scene was like trying to find a needle in a haystack: I knew that it was there but I just couldn’t find it. I knew there were boutiques. They’re everywhere! Southside, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, etc, etc, etc but WHERE WERE THE F****** DESIGNERS?!

Lucky for me, Kellee Maize came to the rescue and introduced me to some. Honestly the girl knows everyone in the city. She introduced me to miss dig who hails from Hometown Palm Dale, California.

Upon entering miss dig’s apartment, I noticed right away that the girl definitely had an artistic flair to her. There were painted canvases on her walls. She had her garments hung up on rails in a corner. Some beats were playing in the background. The room had an air of inspiration.

I dug into everything. I looked around at all of her clothes and all of the patterns miss dig uses to paint designs and words onto garments.

While stumbling around I came upon a pair of very small Nike’s that miss dig has had since . . . well when she was that tiny.

Angie: Explain your current project
miss dig: I’m trying to mass-produce while still keep my clothes one of a kind. I want to take the top 10 selling designs and screen print for cheaper but I’m still going to custom paint dig. clothing.

Angie: So. . . why dig.?
miss dig: I made a dress when my boy was at a beat down. I thought about painting “I love the Sole Vibe” on it but then I thought that’s just stupid. Then it came to me: “I dig the Sole Vibe”. People liked it and I thought dig was perfect. I dig hip-hop. I’m open to all music. dig just rolls off the tongue. We all dig different things and there are different ways you can dig something, literally and figuratively.

Angie: Tell me about a typical day in your shoes
miss dig: Hahahaha I have like 5 jobs! (Exaggeration) I’m the assistant manager of Wet Seal, the Babylon bartender, and I’m a radio show co-host. I’m usually working one of those jobs. When I get balk orders or have fashion shows, I usually sleep less. I’ll start painting at 7 pm after I get off work until 6 am in the morning.

Angie: What is your ultimate goal for your designing career?
miss dig: I used to want to open a boutique. Now I want to get into boutiques of all the major cities. I don’t want to sell out though. I don’t want to be like Sean John and have my stuff all over department stores. I want to be small and exclusive. I want big name entertainers to order dig.

Angie: What is your favorite hangout spot in Pittsburgh?
miss dig: Ava and the Shadow Lounge. It’s where I was introduced to a hip-hop lounge. Whenever I go I can always expect a relaxed and positive atmosphere.

Angie: What is your muse/inspiration?
miss dig: Hip-hop music, just the whole culture. It’s the way we speak, the way we act, from the graffiti to the break dancing, the fist in the air when you are watching the show, the feel, the good stuff, that’s what drives dig.

Angie: If you were Miss USA, what would your talent be?
miss dig: Dance. I’ve always danced. I was the captain of my high school dance team. I do hip hop and jazz.

Angie: Describe the typical customer for dig. clothing
miss dig: For girls: she would have attitude. I like to call them ‘dig bitches’. They’re confident, not trashy, sophisticated, smart, down to earth. They don’t need to ask someone to be okay with themselves. For guys: they need to have an air to them. They need to know how to dress. I like the layering, no more bagging. It’s okay to wear fitted items. Like the Philly or DC vibe. The majority of my male customer base are rappers.

Angie: Any last words?
miss dig: Remain positive, that’s what I do everyday. The break will come, patience is a virtue. dig.’s been around for 3 years. In the beginning, after the 1st year, I had a launch party and got featured in Genesis Magazine. Now dig. has made it into Time Bomb. I’m ready to sell!

Brooklyn, NY | Vox Pop Fan Letter

Last Wednesday I performed at a small cafe in Brooklyn called Vox Pop. I walked into a full house that was there for a movie night but when the movie ended folks quickly started exiting. There was some sound issues so by the time I took the stage only about 20 people remained throughout the cafe including one of my oldest and dearest friends jeannette. But, I have performed to smaller audiences, and I would like to think even if I touch one person it is worth my time. And already collected my free beer. I usually don’t drink at all when I perform but, it felt like a good choice on this particular evening.

I did about a half hour set and I could tell about 15 people were very into it. At the end of the set I mentioned I had brought CDs and if people wanted to throw me some cash for travel I would humbly accept in exchange for a CD. Afterwards, with a fury I had not seen before, about 7 people quickly approached me. I spoke with one girl about the U.S. social forum, she was mad cool. The rest handed out some flattering compliments along with some cash for my album. Lastly a young Indian man, maybe in his early 20s came up to me and said he really enjoyed the set and that he was a filmmaker if I ever needed one in NY.

About 20 minutes later the same man came up to me and handed me a note. I was a little confused and asked if I should read it now. He said to read whenever I wanted to. After I hopped in a cab I opened it and was really inspired and flattered by what he wrote. I plan to email him and tell him he is yet another reason I will continue on this path and never give up. It was a special evening I won’t forget.

Here is the letter:

Love and light to u all.

Hello Pittsburgh!

Heya yinz!

This is Angie speaking.

I live next door to the Spice Café on Atwood Street in Oakland. I am writing to you on a Tuesday night while listening to packs of drunken college kids scuffling down the road to grab a box of deliciously cheap pizza from Sorento’s or Antoon’s, which are both right down the street.

I am starting this fashion section in Kellee’s blog to write about my passion: fashion. Fashion is trends. Fashion is culture. Fashion is art. Art is everywhere and by everywhere, I mean Pittsburgh. Take a walk down the Jail Trail and you’ll find art in the form of graffiti (although much of it has been painted over) along walls, on the pavement, and Pittsburgh’s famous bridges. Instead of shopping at a mall, venture down East Carson Street in the Southside or Ellsworth in Shadyside. There are one-of-a-kind dresses that are college-student-budget friendly (not to mention, your best friend could never “accidently” wear the same dress at a party you’re both going to).

My point is that there are hidden treasures out there in Pittsburgh and I have deemed myself responsible for bringing them to you. Speaking of hidden treasures, let’s talk about Kellee Maize. I met her during one my shifts down at the Mad Mex in Oakland. It started off with small talk but eventually turned into a conversation about our hopes and dreams while Ke$ha was blasting in the background. I am a student with her heart set in working at a trend forecasting agency, while forever surrounding her life in fashion, art, and culture. She is a female rapper, emcee, dancer, CEO/creative director of Näkturnal but most of all a die-hard Pittsburgher.

So sit back, relax and experience fashion, art, Pittsburgh, and the random interests I fixate on due to my rather small attention span. Also make sure you check out all the other sections of this blog which discusses everything from new age philosophy to interviews with other female rappers, and has all the latest updates from Kellee’s world. Cheers!

-Angie

Female Rapper Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill

“We can’t plan life. All we can do is be available for it.”
-Lauryn Hill

“Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide.” Lauryn Hill, one of the greatest music artist in the industry. Her flow is tight, and her rhymes are phenomenal. Critically acclaimed inspirational. A touching African American voice to humanity. Bringing transformation and enlightenment to the world, she sought out her dream. Like any person on this planet, she has had her ups and downs, yet she continues to rise to the top.

Lauryn was brought into this world on May 25, 1975 in South Orange, New Jersey. She is the daughter and sibling of a very talented family. Her mother, a high school English teacher, Valerie Hill played the piano. Her father, a computer programmer, Mal Hill sang at weddings, and her brother, Malaney Hill played the guitar, saxaphone, drums, harmonica, and piano. Music was always a centerpiece in the Hill household. One of her first performances, as an Amateur Night Contestant in “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” she sang her own version of “Who’s Lovin’ You” by Smokey Robinson. The night was not a success and she booed off the stage. However, little inconviences like that did not put Lauryn down. In 1992 Lauryn lost the Columbia High School talent show to rock band Southern Cross. This small loss would eventually lead to the production of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”.

The Fugees came to be after Prakazrel “Pras” Michel approached Lauryn in High School about a music group he was starting. She soon met Wyclef Jean, and adopted the name “L Boogie” as she produced her poems and writings into Rap. Lauryn’s singing acquired access to worldwide fame with the Fugees’ remake of “Killing Me Softly With His Song”.

During her time in the Fugees, she was known to date Wyclef Jean openly. She soon was introduced to the late son of Bob Marley, Rohan Marley. Rohan and Lauryn soon had a child, Zion, whom Wyclef thought was his own. She kept this a secret for a long time and continued to let people believe that it was Jean’s child.

After her fling with the Fugees, Lauryn soon branched out and produced her solo album. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. The album was inspired by “The Education of Sunny Carson”. The album featured other artist such as Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Carlos Santana, and the then unknown John Legend. Soon after the release of this album, Lauryn went MIA. She took herself off the map and away from society. Only to come back a few years later and release MTV Unplugged No. 2.0. The Album featured her deep and powerful lyrics mainly performed with an acoustic guitar.

Lauryn Hill, a musically inspiring person. One particular person she inspires deeply, is Kellee Maize, who is also on the up-rise in the music industry. Kellee connects with the voice of Lauryn deeply. She also knows what transformation is about and what is needed to transform ourselves more than we think. Id have to say that these are two very powerful female rappers who are making a difference in the world.

-Roderick William

Kellee Maize Big Plans Video, Pics, Lyrics & More!

I have big plans and big dreams.

I always have.

I have watched those dreams materialize so I feel like anything is possible. It takes a village and I am just doing my part but now I am ready to really commit to my purpose. The most important part of my quest though is to live in the moment and be present to the synchronizations that come with life.

That’s what the song Big Plans is all about … here’s my video, which introduces my archetypes as well.

I hope you like it! It was directed by Adam Buncher.

OK, so here go the lyrics to “Big Plans” – If you have any questions about the lyrics, I encourage you to click on the links whenever you can … or just comment on this post and i’ll be sure to respond!


Lyrics to Big Plans

I’ll be living in the now
Making everybody, everybody say wow
Never saying never I’ma show you how
Your divine so am I bl bl bl blaow

Repeat Chorus

I put down my drink ‘n
My third eye started blinkin
And then it got me thinkin
The booze got me sinkin
The smoke it had me twisted
Enough that I was listed
As alien and gifted
Evolution I assisted

I’ll be living in the now
Making everybody, everybody say wow
Never saying never I’ma show you how
Your divine so am I bl bl bl blaow

Repeat Chorus

Couldn’t get enough and became a fiend
Now I’m off in a new galaxy
And I got big plans and I got big dreams
Get up in my spaceship and I’ll show you what I mean
And I stop big scams and I still get cream
Miss Apocalypse I got a female team
My girls are tough and their never mean
Uniting everybody is Nakturnal’s dream

Something that’s bigger is talking to you
Something that’s bigger through me it gets glue
To stick to your trigger my aura is blue
Throat chakra is pulsing I know what to do
Something that’s bigger is talking to you
Something that’s bigger through me it gets glue
To stick to your trigger my aura is blue
Throat chakra is pulsing I know what to do

I’ll be living in the now
Making everybody, everybody say wow
Never saying never I’ma show you how
Your divine so am I bl bl bl blaow

Repeat Chorus

Letting go of the sad girl, I do not mourn her
Integrating all my selves and I’m getting warmer
To the masses I will be celestial informer
Love me I am you’re chameleon transformer

I’ll be living in the now
Making everybody, everybody say wow
Never saying never I’ma show you how
Your divine so am I bl bl bl blow

Repeat Chorus

Couldn’t get enough and became a fiend
Now I’m off in a new galaxy
And I got big plans and I got big dreams
Get up in my spaceship and I’ll show you what I mean
And I stop big scams and I still get cream
Miss Apocalypse I got a female team
My girls are tough and their never mean
Uniting everybody is Nakturnal’s dream

And my crew be unruly and my mind is clear
Now you can’t fool me cause my spaceship’s here
I’ll be gone in a flash say I love u dear
Yeah my man Will Rock bangin in your ear
Take it in and out, get up in my maze
I can feel your vibes, got me in a daze
And I hope this aint just a silly faze
Call me by the name say it Kellee Maize

I’ll be living in the now
Making everybody, everybody say wow
Never saying never I’ma show you how
Your divine so am I bl bl bl blaow

Repeat Chorus

Which Beat Should I Choose For My Next Song?

Before I begin, check out my latest single, entitled Mind Right, which is a remake to Lil Wayne’s Bedrock.

Because I’ve gotten so much amazing support from bloggers and fans all over the world, I’ve decided to let you all be a part of my next song. I’ve learned so much from you all due to the incredible feedback you’ve given me, and it’s helped me grow as an artist.

That’s why I want you to help me choose the next beat that I write to. I’ve chosen 3 producers that have created 3 diverse options for you.

The first beat is produced by King Tutt of Baltimore’s Unruly Records. He produced 6 other tracks on Aligned Archetype, including Mothership and Future.

TAKEOVER by KelleeMaize


This next beat was produced by Classik, who also produced Third Eye. Classik hails from New York City.

Kuti by KelleeMaize


The final beat for you to choose from is by a producer I just started working with. He created the beat to my next single entitled “I Insist.” He is the owner of ReggaetonBeats.com and has produced for Reggaeton artists such as Jowell and Randy and Arcangel.

Hasta Abajo by KelleeMaize


Thank you so much for listening. To vote, just comment on which beat you like the best!

I will choose a winner by April 25th.

Peace and Love,

Kellee