TheVoice

TheVoice, a powerhouse Hip Hop and Neo Soul performer from Denver, Colorado, is rapidly becoming one of the most vital outlets of creativity in the independent scene. As a emcee, songwriter, vocalist, music producer and record producer, TheVoice has defined not only what it means to be a dynamic artist, but what it means to be an empowering, uplifting woman in the industry.

Hello TheVoice! Before we get into it, please introduce yourself to the people.

Peace and greetings. I am TheVoice, female emcee from Denver, Colorado.

Who were your Hip-Hop idols when you were growing up and why?

My Hip Hop idols were Rakim, KRS-One, LL Cool J, Mc Lyte, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Common, Lady Of Rage, The Cookie Crew, Scarface, Poor Righteous Teachers, Das EFX, EPMD, Tribe Called Quest, Yo-Yo, Roxanne Shante and the list goes on. These are the pioneers and legends of Hip Hop and I grew up in that Hip Hop Era. These emcees became my idols because there were about their skills and craft and they were always expanding and staying true to true Hip Hop.

What is special about you as an artist that people should check out your music?

I don’t feel as though there is anything “special” about me, however, I am from the Old school, as I stated I grew up in the era when Hip Hop was at its rawest form. I’ve truly lived it and I have the roots. Grounded. What’s different about me is that I am not a new comer. I am a Hip Hop Pioneer in my city. I’ve been emceeing for a while now. The world is just beginning to know me. What’s unique about me and my music is…Me. There’s not another me and nobody can tell my story the way I tell it. My story is my music and my music is heartfelt and soulful and at times hard to categorize. I have my own sound, style and flow and even though I can come across raw and/or with no filter I consciously choose sustainable substance; something you can resonate with.



Major artist wise, who would you say your style is comparable to?

I try not to compare myself to anyone, however, I’ve been compared to Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Floetry, J Cole, Nas, Meshell Ndgeocello, Lecrae.

Musically, who do you look up to? Who’s that one recording artist and/or mogul you look up to and say, “I want a career similar to his?”

I look up to all of the former singers/activist artist such as Bob Marley, Gill Scott Heron, Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone. If I had to choose one I would say Nina Simone.

Let’s now focus on your overall swagger. As far as sound, style, delivery and appearance what makes yours so different from the rest?

I was created different. I have my own fingerprint, meaning there is nobody like me nor will there ever be.

Nowadays, a lot of musicians are operating independently. Are you currently seeking a record deal?

I am open to whatever opportunity presents itself as long as it is alignment with Gods higher purpose for my overall growth and success.

It’s difficult to come up as an artist these days, what is your formula for success?

My formula for success starts with a strong spiritual foundation. A grounded relationship and communion with God first and foremost. Then, discipline towards my craft, authenticity, sacrifice, hustle and grind, surrounding myself with positivity and people who support my climb and believe in the dream as much as I do.

What is your opinion about the music industry? What would you chance if you could?

In my opinion the music industry has changed from how I knew it to be back in the 90’s. It is now more about the money and or gimmicks to make the money more than it is about the talent behind the music. If I could change anything I would change what is being played and or circulating through the airwaves/social media. I’m also really disappointed with the music industry and the lack of representation of strong, positive women, with dignity. I hate what the world is seeing. The lack of variety is depressing. There are a lot of women and/or female emcees making great music but you don’t see them mainstream. There are too many great women/female emcees for there to be only one or two getting all the shine.

What are your plans for 2017?

Right now I am currently working on an album in which I plan on releasing towards the end of the year. No title as of yet. I also plan on touring, doing shows outside of my own city.

Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

It’s time for a new movement in our music industry. Open your hearts and minds and gravitate towards something new, refreshing and soul fulfilling, Artists with substance. - YoRaps Magazine

Denver rap diva, TheVoice, has seen enough and she’s not gonna stand by quietly. Instead she gives voice to original songs that not only decry our “narcissist nation,” but offer inspiration and encouragement. Since she’s all about the message, TheVoice wisely sets her flows to beats and tracks that are spare, simple and uncluttered. “Nay Shun” nails our societal shortcomings to the wall and pleads for a higher consciousness. “Hater Syndrome” defiantly attacks Internet “sickness.” Most affecting is “Sista” on which, over a soulful Roots remix, the artist gives hard-won advice and encouragement to younger, vulnerable women. TheVoice is a welcome antidote to a poisoned, self-destructive society. - Music Connection

What is your name and what city do you rep?

My name is TheVoice- I Rep Denver.

What is unique about you and your music?

What's unique about me is that I am not a new comer. I am a Hip Hop Pioneer in my city. I've been emceeing for a while now. The world is just beginning to know me. What's unique about me and my music is...Me. There's not another me and nobody can tell my story the way I tell it. My story is my music and my music is heartfelt and soulful and at times hard to categorize. I have my own sound, style and flow and even though I can come across raw and/or with no filter I consciously choose sustainable substance; something you can resonate with.

What shaped your music?

My life experiences, my beliefs and thoughts.

When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?

I don't know if I "realized it" as much as I just became it. The people around me in my early stages of creating music realized the professional opportunity my talent/music presented and pushed me in that direction. Even so, over time while attempting to pursue music as a profession but still working for corporate, I became exhausted and got depressed because I wasn't doing the very thing that I loved full time...MUSIC it was more like a hobby. So, I guess I would say I decided to make music professionally when I finally noticed my passion for music was truly my purpose.

What type of music do you listen to?

When I do listen to music, I listen to anything that draws my attention. I prefer music that inspires me, that resonates within my soul and spirit and or ignites my mind in some way or another. I listen to different genres of music, Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, Neo-Soul, Roots Reggae, House, Trap, World Music, some Classical, some Rock, Music from the 60's -90's and anything eclectic.

Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?

Ok..I might get some noses turned up on this one but I think that Nikki Minaj is undervalued. A lot of people don't seem to like her and feel as thou she is over-rated or that she's just a "Character" but I think her flow is tight and so is her word choice. I think she doesn't get enough credit for her creativity and versatility as much as she gets criticized.

Let me also take advantage of this question and say that I think most of the "underground artist" are undervalued. The ones you barely know of because they are not mainstream.

How do you prepare for your performances?

I visualize the type of crowd I will be performing in front of; the intended setting and the mood of the environment. Then I pick which of my songs will match the visualization or what I want to convey to the crowd. From there I perform those songs by myself in my own space as if I were in front of that crowd. Leading up to the actual performance I increase prayer, meditation, visualization, drink lots of water and isolate myself from anything outside of myself. I refrain from social media and unnecessary conversation. I keep contact with the outer world to a minimal.

What ignites your (song) writing flow?

A calm environment, incenses and a tight beat paired with my life Experiences; things that I am going through or have overcome and ready to release. My writing is truly my Therapy. It's my way to express what I would otherwise repress. Social events also ignite my writing flow and listening to other artist's that just aren't satisfying my taste of music, word choice and/or subject matter. It kinda irritates me so it's like it forces me to get on the mic or write.

What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?

When I am not doing music I am passionate about mentoring the youth. In my leisure time, I teach a Hip Hop/Creative Expression culture class and I am also a Wellness Practitioner teaching others to practice Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit through Meditation and Reiki healing. I am also passionate about spending time with family.

Success to you is…

Knowing who you truly are and not being afraid to be just that. Completing anything that you have set your mind to complete. Being yourself and doing whatever it is that you are passionate about that brings you true joy, peace and prosperity. Making a difference in others’ lives either by example, word and deed or just by being present. Truly.

What do you wish you were told when you first started rapping that you think would help anyone recently starting artists out?

I wish someone would have told me that getting into the rap game/music industry is not just about flow/talent. It's about knowledge, perseverance, commitment, sacrifice and hard work and above all it is a business. Learn the business and conduct business appropriately. Nothing is personal. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with others who believe in you.

And above all don't sell yourself short... Respect yourself and always stay true to YOU.

Any upcoming projects?

Yes. Working on an album (untitled at this time) for 2017.

Where do we find you music / music project?

You can find my music on any of the following links:
Website: www.thev0ice.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlxETDCDst62IXjI2S4Q0g
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thevoiceislyricist
ReverbNation: https://www.reverbnation.com/iamthevoice - Thisis50