Q&A With Maryland Based Artist Marie
What was the earliest hip hop memory you can recall?
The earliest hip hop memory I can recall was when I was about 10 years old and I heard Biggie Smalls, Juicy, for the first time. That record was beyond amazing. After listening to that song, I then listened to Big Poppa and One More Chance. Though I had no business listening to those songs at 10, those songs really inspired me to want to write rhymes.
When was it when you realized that rapping was for you?
I realized rapping was for me when I was 14. Though I wrote my first few raps at 10, the first moment I decided to be an artist was when I was 14. I was in the 9th grade, and my friends and I were writing a song as a joke. It took me about 2 hours to do my verse. But I fell in love with it. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to take it serious. It was like day and night. But what made the decision hard was that I never told anyone I wanted to take it seriously. I feared what people would say. But as of today, it is obvious I didn’t let that stop me.
Where did your moniker originate, Marie?
Marie is my middle name. I’ve always loved my middle name, so I just chose to make that my artist name. Pretty simple. No amazing back story there.
What was the title of your first track? Is it still out?
The title of my first track I released is called ‘Prayer.’ Yeah it’s still out on all platforms.
How are you coping with this whole Covid 19 situation? Has it delayed any new music production by any chance?
I’ll be honest. At first, COVID 19 made me a little nervous. I did not feel comfortable going to other artist’s studios anymore, nor did I feel comfortable going to the studio I was always go to. But once things seemed to calm down where I live, things went back to normal. I had a ton of material I needed to record. I’m always working on new music.
Please breakdown the creative process of your new EP “Syllables of Life”. Tell us a little about the album cover concept!
I started recording the album back in 2019. I knew I wanted to improve from my previous project, Chronicles, and have a better well put together project with a story. I wanted to “step it up” production wise – listening to different sounds and expanding as an artist. Once I started recording this project, I started to develop my sound. The
inspiration for this album was based on my life. It was an autobiography, talking about the different experiences I’ve had – from my upbringing to my early adulthood. I called it “Syllables of Life” because everyone experiences different seasons in their life. Each season makes up their life and who they are – just like each syllable makes up a word. So I put it together to make “Syllables of Life.” Even how I did the track listing took some thought. I wanted to start with my single “Truth” to express some of the hardships I experienced, and then work my way to my final song “Takeover” to explain how blessed and ambitious I am now.
Who is your personal favorite all-time best Hip Hop producer? Also, who is your ultimate MC collabo?
To be honest, that’s a hard question to answer. I love too many producers from Timbaland and Neptunes to Kanye and Dr. Dre. If I had to choose, I would say Timbaland. His creativity is insane. The work he’s done with Aaliyah, Missy, Justin Timberlake, Jay Z…it goes on. He can’t be touched. The ultimate MC to collab with for me would be Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick is one of my favorite MCs. He also inspired me. If I could work with him, it would be a dream come true.
Any new music we can expect for the rest of 2020?
That’s a possibility. What I will say is I released my EP, Chronicles, earlier this year, and now my album, Syllables of Life, in September. Plus my single, Truth, in August. I believe in quality over quantity, so I most likely will take this time to work on more music and perfect my craft.
We have to ask, with all this social discourse and revolt, protesting and rioting, exposed police brutality toward blacks and BLM, how do you feel about this? We would love your perspective on the climate we are living in right now.
I will say that I am hurt that we are still dealing with police brutality in 2020. However, I am grateful that it is being exposed to the point where people are finally listening. As a young black woman, I’ve had my own negative experiences with police officers. Things need to change and it’s going to take a lot of work from all of us to make that happen.
What is your definition of “underground hip hop”?
To me, underground hip hop is culture. It’s culture with music that has substance, music with a message. It speaks to you. It’s not only about money, cars, clothes, and sex. Or even appearance. It’s about impact.
Where can people find you on the web? Drop all the vital links.
I can be found on:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iammarie_2020/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iammarie_2020
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/iammarie.2020
