Dominique Larue on life as a female hip hop star

26-09-2008 14:02

There is a serious void in the Hip-Hop world for competent female MC’s who exude substance and an ability to achieve respect.For Dominique Larue her vision has never been more clearer. She is very aware of what she has to do for the female demographic and is quite happy to stand up and take the mic for the gals.Hailing from Ohio, she talks to FemaleFirst exclusively about how location can hinder, how the lack of estrogen in Hip-Hop can help and how hard work truly does pay off.

How did you discover you could rap?

I was 7 years old when I first discovered that I could rap. My friend and I were talking on the phone and out of the blue she wanted to make a rap song. So of course I was down to do it and she even gave me my first rap name that was D Money.It's so funny now that I look back on it because it feels like she had it planned out considering the timing of it all plus she pretty much orchestrated the whole idea of the song like right on the spot.Unfortunately I can't remember the song but I know if it wasn't for her then I probably wouldn't be rapping today.

Being a female is it harder today with the lack of female representation in Hip-Hop?

Yes, it is so hard. Let's start with people having this perception that ALL female MCs suck, therefore making it hard for me and others to get on.

Nobody wants to give us a chance plus the label execs wants us to sell ourselves as sex symbols which is BS in my eyes. But at the same time, it adds fuel to my fire because when someone glances at me and already feels that I'm wack when they haven't heard me, when they do and realize how wrong they were and they're in shock, I love it.

And there have been plenty of people who told me that they weren't going to pay me any attention until I grabbed it.

What do you think it takes to get noticed today?

Well first and foremost you have to stand out. If you’re just a carbon copy of another artist then you can only go so far.

You have to be your own artist, being original should be a high priority because people aren't going to take notice if it all sounds the same.

I also feel that one has to make moves meaning creating a fan base that will grab labels attention. If someone can create enough buzz whether it's their single playing in rotation in multiple major cities or doing shows in cities where A&Rs are or even going to different music events to showcase your talent in front of record execs. There's ways to get on, trust.

Do you think location plays a big part in a person’s success today in Hip-Hop? You know if you are not in a major city it is harder to get on?

Yes, most definitely. Where I live for example is one of those cities where I feel I cannot get on.

I've been doing shows here for 7 years and I know if I were in New York or LA or Atlanta with the same track record I would be signed bottom line. That's why it's best to travel as much as possible and that's what I do.

Who have you been inspired by?

Lately I have been inspired by success stories. Like Jay-Z's story, how nobody wanted to give him a chance but look at him now.

That's how I feel, I've been shot down to where people told me that there is no lane for a female rapper and I should just give up. So again that just adds fuel to my fire to make it in this business. Musically I have been and still inspired by, and these are not in any order; Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Def Squad, Jay-Z, Rah Digga, J.Dilla, MC Lyte, Minnie Riperton, Busta Rhymes, Fugees, Wu Tang, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nas, 2pac, Stevie Wonder, Ludacris, and Marvin Gaye just to name a few.

What are you currently working on?

Right now I am working on an EP titled "From Ohio With Love" and the concept comes from my love for movies and in this case James Bond movies (especially From Russia With Love) and this project is going to showcase talented producers from all over the world and give everyone a dose of genuine timeless music.