Q. What lead you to pick up the mic and start rapping?
I used to rap a little back in the day, at the college gates. A bit of hype talk with a dash of realness thrown in. Nothing super tasty or wholesome. Just sweets! I had no real character/personality or agenda as such. I wrote a little, but rap was something that just faded away. I went to NASS Sports Fest in 2010 and for the first time there was a little hip hop stage. I jammed there, enjoyed the moment and fell in love with hip hop again. By now I’d matured as person and had a lot to express and share. I started writing and recording in 2011 and here we are.
Q. How has the support from other male mcs been? Do you feel they treat you differently from male mc’s?
The support from everyone has been great. I can’t say there’s been any difference regarding male/female in terms of support or the way I’ve been treated; apart from the fact that some feel obliged to bring up the fact I am female lol. I guess people may be a little more enthusiastic towards hearing my music just because it seems there are fewer female artist in the scene.… but were defiantly about! Lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce like the lionesses we are haha. Na we are defiantly about, just keep a lookout!
Q. Most of your tracks have a political message. Why did you choose to go down this route with your music?
I can not say it was intentional. I just rap about what I feel or what I feel to share. I think all music is political, whether you are rapping about the government, social issues or going out on the lash. I guess some artists are aware that their content is political and others are not. Maybe the ones who are aware are more inclined to intentionally discuss politics with the intent of raising awareness or sharing common concerns. Those who are unaware that music can have a political foundation and implications, may be more predisposed to promote materialism, vanity and ego. It’s all politics.
Q. How do you plan what you are going to rap about in a track? Do you have a set method on each track or does it vary from track to track?
It alters each time. The intensity of structure fluctuates. Sometimes I get super methodical and take a topic I’ve had in mind and bullet point certain issues I want to throw in, maybe jot a rough structure and then work from there. Or I might have finished reading an interesting book and I’ll use some of the notes, (yes I am nerd and take notes) to create something. Other times it’ll be real organic. I might have a little 2–4 bar rhyme in my head when I’m out and about and see where it goes (and how much I can remember) or I’ll jot it down and get back to it when I’m home and just go with the flow. No pun intended, but it’s nice when it happens.
Q. Apart from rapping are there any other parts of hip hop that you are involved in?
I like to spray play. Blank walls are tantalizing. I like to mix sometimes when I’m vibing at night. Do not expect me to be rocking a set anytime soon. I skate sometimes, wish it was more. Now I have moved to London that is definitely on the line up. A lot might not class skating as hip hop but for me, and others, it definitely is. It was what introduced to real hip hop in the first place. Most importantly, the vital parts peace, love, unity and having fun – I am involved in all!
Q. What can we expect from Oracy in the future?
Expression, progression can not say I’ve got a direct direction. (Unintentional but inevitable rhyming). I’ve released a fair few collaborations now so trying hard to get a solo project sorted. I’ve got a couple tracks done and topics and beats ready. Just enjoying and going through the motions. As yet it’s untitled but soon come 😉 I’ve got a couple tracks being released soon to look out for.
Respect for the interview and shouts to everyone who’s enjoying my music and sharing with me. Thanks to everyone that supports and shows love. I am grateful. Love back.
Peace,
Oracy x
@ORACYmusic
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Arash Sharifi
