The Last Unicorn?

So I'm at the Rhyme Culture Show and 2 dudes and a chick hit the stage. One thing about my Rhyme Culture Fam is that they always make an attempt to find a fresh woman or several to rock the mic. So as she gets on, all I keep saying to myself while gazing at her is "Come on...spit. SPIT." Personally, I hate that "put u in background and you can come and sing my hook" bullshit (even tho I've done it-lol). But tonight  I was rewarded with a bangin ass 16 bars from this Jersey girl, Tre-L,and a new comrade in arms. Later when she got off we would introduce ourselves and gave pounds promising to have each others back as we moved forward in the game.

One of the things that came up during our convo was how the crowd and emcees sometimes react when a woman hits the stage and spits. I mean after the dudes stop checkin out your ass and chest, they stare at you like a deer in headlights. I told her "Yeah, its like we the last unicorn 'n shit." We laughed because we both had been there and knew EXACTLY what I was talking about.

I mean, its crazy. We all over the place yet no one knows our names.  I got people in RI asking me " Are you the only female emcee?" Even after they have been at shows and seen us represent. The answer: NO. So in order to bring in my new resolution for 2012 (be a part of the solution, not just a hater)- I will present to you the weekly  (F)emcee 10 list, in no particular order. I will be giving you some of the hottest women in hip hop that I know, have worked with, or just come across. I have the F in parenthesis, becuase some women HATE being called a femcee- but that is next week’s article ;) For now tho, to keep it real, Ima start with those near my hometown and sistas In my circle ;) Click on their names for links and feel free to add more women below and/or go to 5th Elament Radio to add your own ladies that rock the mic! LEeeeeees GO!

1. B-mor 7: Yo this chick is str8 fiyah. Not only is she my Isis Storm sister, but she is one of the emcees that constantly makes me want to go back to the books- both as far as emceeing, and academiks. With this lady you are getting a constant lesson of life and self, mixed in with Raw and gritty lines. LOVE HER. GET IT IN B!

2. Ghislaine "Tiger Lilly" Jean-Mahone: Also an Isis Storm sista & Half of the husband/wife team "Riders Against The Storm (R.A.S."-this sista be gettin it in on and off the mic. With a beautiful voice, her lyrics and melodies have the potential to make you rethink your current mindstate, relieve you of your mind-racing, or help you to validate your existence. SO FRESH.

3. Emerald Stone: Yes...an Isis Storm sister as well....All I can say is thank goodness she released her mix tape. Emerald Stone took every industry track I couldn't stand to listen to and recreated them with creativity and meaning. A emcee, director, writer, and mother-this women has a fierce mission to wake us up. She has also produced her own music videos and is in the process of writing a book.  U GOT THIS FO SHO EM!

4. Russian Roulet: The first time I saw her on stage solo I loved her sincerity. She talked about real issues but wasn’t afraid to get raw. She has passion and dedication, and yes- Lyrically she can be as dangerous as a gun with one bullet in the chamber. Take your chance ;)

5. Shevon "Muffin" Young: Not only an emcee but one of the major promoters of hip hop in Rhode Island, Muffin holds it down on both sides of the track. Balancing the personal story with a societal message, she covers her bases. But don't sleep- if she gotta get grimy, you should probly count on bowin down when she done. She is also holdin’ it down as a mom. Go 'head Muff!

6. Anjelly Nice: Also a mother and the director of the AS220 Hip Hop program, This lady is all about keeping the artform on point while also rippin up the mic.  Holding integrity in the game and making others wake up to their own self respect through teaching and doing workshops, she is amazing. Anjelly's rapid and breathtaking flow makes you think twice if you were about to say "Girls can't rap." Uh- Yeah. She make you swallow that shit. U my Girl Anjelly!
Tre- L: Doin her thing big in the Jersey- this is one lady who you do not want to miss. I love watching her because she just reps who she is and lets you know that above all else she is an EMCEE first. Also, if you run into Tre-L, and you real, she will have your back. You can feel that in her delivery. I am looking to be building with her in the near future-so Check her out!

Queen Yonasda: Native and Black and fierce, this emcee takes her journey through life and puts you in her mocassins. I promise that by the end of her lyrics you will feel those mocassins are yours. Not just an artist but an activist, Yonasda takes her music to a whole other level. Needless to say- I’m feelin you sis!! Keep it MOVIN!

Tiye Phoenix: Half Woman Half Amazing has to be one of the most slept on hip hop classics of our time. This album is one of those rare albums that you can play from beginning to end. Her lyricism is some of the tightest to come forth from a man or woman. An emcee, producer, activist, and educator, Tiye Phoenix shows us what women in hip hop can do. I love ya Tiye!!

  AtLas’: An organizer and maintainer of the site Hip Hop Sisters, this woman is the illest. I got the gift of meeting her in person when we both did the Rapathon- 28 hours of straight free-styling. She coached me briefly and gave me gems in a matter of moments that I will not forget. Not only can this woman hold down the freestyle realm but she truly understands the power of hip hop and of women in hip hop-while fully embracing our brothers. 3 words to describe this sista: Skills, integrity, and love- this new mom is an emcee you must check out.

AND YOUR BONUS!
THE EMPRESS
Ok. So I just couldn't Resist one more. This woman is not only an amazing emcee but a friend and amazing woman. Genre Crossing and blending and rocking with Tem Blessed and Blessed energy she can hold her own with a band and by herself on stage with just her and a mic. She is also an activist and amazing human being. When you get a chance- CHECK HER OUT.

Well there we have it. So the next time someone says some dumb shit like "Where are the women in hip hop" just send em this page and let them know. WE ARE EVERYWHERE. Yes in our own way we are all beautiful and unique Unicorns...but we are certainly not the last of a dying breed. WE ARE THE BALANCE FOR HIP HOP.