It lowers the standards… blocks the minds… and puts a bad curse of what a female mc is supposed to be and represent. But… I do believe a woman can be sexy, classy, whit a sick ass flow like Lauryn Hill, Rah Digga, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Left Eye, Da Brat. There’s many more you know that but I don’t think that’s gonna last long, this whole sex sells whit female artists thing. It’s gonna be there always, but people want something new… and that’s all you see now when you turn on the TV. Too much man too much.
You are from South Carolina, how is the music scene there?
Very down south. A majority of our sound is based on hard 808’s, two- stepping grooves, and catching club moves. There are many artists like my self who have a wider view of music and their style is classic… but it’s what it is.
You have been busy performing show, what is it about performing that you enjoy the most?
Watching the people react to my flow. My confidence is lifted when I grab the mic and I love it. I love to see young women, older women, men, children, whomever, inspired and filled with enjoyment because of my music… that’s the best.
Does extensive travelling to perform have a knock on effect to your work as a choreographer?
Yes and no. Whenever I’m not looking for a show to perform at I practice… I studied some at Columbia College and plan on finishing as a dance major. I make time for it always. It wears on my body though… I am so exhausted sometimes.
Your album Acronyms is a very solid introduction to you as an entertainer, how was it recording that album and how long did it take?
It took close to a year. It was a artist development process also just trying to touch all aspects of who I am trying to be. It was exciting, frustrating, but also nervous because I didn’t know how people were going to react to me.
What would you say has been your biggest hurdle to clear so far in your career?
Getting respect as a female mc with hip hop being the way it is now. Staying encouraged to keep on going despite surroundings staying true to classic art and not selling my self short. Promoting and getting the funds to push my self and my camp out there. Money money money money !!!!!
What is the future for TLM?
Seeing the world. Rocking many stages. Making good music. Inspiring people through the art form of hip hop and dance.
Melanie Cornish