Spinners Not Spinsters: Ladies & Tables

DJ C’est La Vie is one of California’s most appreciated female disc jockeys from the Los Angeles to the San Bernardino County, and she is certainly the one spinning the Hip Hop I’m interested in. Let’s get to know the soft-spoken, apparently reserved lady of the tables.

SONDRIA: How long have you been spinning records and where did you get your start?

DJ C’EST LA VIE: I purchased my turntables in 2005, and made my first “official” DJing debut in Nov. 2008. I got my start with the help of some great DJ friends (NAMEDROP: DJ Joelskee and DJ sourMILK ) who helped me pick out the right equipment, helped me dig for vinyl at record stores and showed me how to spin. I am definitely thankful I started with vinyl records. Most DJ’s starting today will not have the experience of digging for vinyl and matching records without a computer. It’s an experience I cherish and the reason why I have so much respect for DJ’s who paved the way before computers were involved. (SORRY FOR THE TANGENT haha)

SONDRIA: Tell me about your shoe fetish.

C’EST LA VIE: I [love] sneakers and heels and my most recent fav’s, wing-tips (people should not hate on the wing-tips).

SONDRIA: From kicks to hits, are you in love with everything Hip Hop or is that a misconception?

C’EST LA VIE: I think its pretty clear that I do love hip-hop, and the culture. I feel the biggest misconception is that I am ONLY “hip-hop”, but there is so much more to me musically.

SONDRIA: Who are some of your musical influences? Favorite artists? Independent and Mainstream.

C’EST LA VIE: I feel like this list could go on forever. I am constantly meeting new people who inspire and influence me musically. Most of the people who influence me are those that I know personally. My list of favorite artists can go on forever as well. Depending on my mood, there are many artists that are my favs. Lauryn Hill (mid to late 90’s), Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Little Dragon, Bjork, J. Dilla, Flying Lotus, Coldplay, Portishead, Bob Marley and more than a handful of IE/LA independent artists (Too many to list).

SONDRIA: Why do you spin records? What perception of music do possess that makes you think it’s important for your to interpret that to the people.

C’EST LA VIE: I spin records because I love it; that simple. I perceive music as a dichotomy of stillness and motion. As a DJ, most of the time, it is my job to get people from one extreme to the other. I truly believe there is an art to playing the right songs at the right times. It’s what separates Great DJ’s from Good ones. It’s definitely something that I am always working on.

SONDRIA: What would you say your “purpose” is? What do you think you’re life is supposed to be dedicated to in order to contribute to the Common Good.

C’EST LA VIE: I believe music is just as potent as any drug; instead of your bloodstream, it shoots straight to the soul. So I would say my purpose is to get you high, off music. As long as I am dedicated to doing what I love while simultaneously creating something others can relate to and feel good about, then I am definitely contributing to the Common Good.

SONDRIA: What keeps you diligent when pursuing a goal?

C’EST LA VIE: Passion! When I set goals, it’s always something that I am passionate about. When you’re passionate about something, it’s very hard to lose focus.

SONDRIA: Tell me about kung fu flicks. What’s your favorite? What was your first?

C’EST LA VIE: I do have a love for Kung Fu flicks. I don’t have just ONE favorite. I’d have to say Bruce Lee classics like “Fist of Fury” or “Enter the Dragon” along with Jet Li’s “Fist of Legend” and Tony Ja’s “The Protector” are some of my favorites. I cannot remember my first flick, although I’m sure it was something from the Kung Fu Theatre show that aired on tv back in the 80’s.

SONDRIA: How’d you get into watching them?

C’EST LA VIE: My Father would record the Kung Fu Theatre show on VHS and he’d sit around and watch them. Being the daddy’s girl that I was, it was only a matter of time before I started watching them with him.

SONDRIA: Are there any other aspects of Asian culture you find yourself gravitating towards? If so, tell me about them and why.

C’EST LA VIE: I can’t say that I am. Although; they do have a beautiful culture.

SONDRIA: If you could have anyone mentor you—historically or presently—who would it be and why?

C’EST LA VIE: I cannot choose anyone that I do not know. All of the people who have mentored me thus far, I would not trade for the world. =)

To find out more about DJ C’est La Vie, including upcoming events, follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJCestLaVie.

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

Hostile Woman in an All-Boy Band

Whether you’ve seen Meeso via the web on her Youtube freestyle video or in-person rocking the stage alongside the gentlemen of Hostile Environment, each time you see her, it’s an experience. We know that she’s the only female tough enough to stand between Ramone Jones and M16 and be not only noticed, but heard as well. Let’s find out some of what we don’t know about Miss Meeso: The Hostile Woman in an All-Boy Band.

SONDRIA: First things first, How did you come to be a member of the Hostile Takeover and who are all of its members?

MEESO: I became a Hostile member when Ramone (Seis One) Jones heard that I rap through other mutual friends and once we hooked up and he believed in my skill the rest was history! Hostile Affiliates: Ramone Jones, M-16 The Great, Critical, MeeSo, Sosa Rose, Flash Gordon, Krusafix, Shaheed, and Moss.

SONDRIA: What is the earliest experience with music you can remember? How did you know that music was something you wanted to do?

MEESO: My earliest music experience dates back to me being 3 years old. My dad used to collect tons of Records from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s and I would sing along and choose records to play with my dad everyday. I can remember being dropped off in elementary school with my dad knocking 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound etc. I knew that music was something I wanted to do after recognizing my talent (for myself) I took it seriously. Once I realized the opportunities and I started to receive so much support and positive feed back from people I looked up to musically, I knew my dreams were unstoppable.

SONDRIA: Does your musical appetite expand beyond Hip Hop? What type of stuff do you listen to? What type(s) of music are you most interested in creating?

MEESO: I’m into lots of different music genres. I listen to Oldies, Techno, R&B, Pop, Jazz, Rock, Blues, and MAYBE country if I’m in the mood. LOL.. I want to create relatable “feel good” music that expresses how I feel at THAT moment…I let the music talk to me

SONDRIA: Who are some of your favorite emcees/musical performers currently? Independent and Mainstream.

MEESO: Some of my favorite independent EmCees.. Yancy Deron, Ramone Jones, M-16 The Great, Sosa Rose, CT Tha Prince, Young Giants just to name a few. Mainstream favorites; Erykah Badu, Beyonce, Andre3000, Wiz Khalifa, Drake (CURRENTLY SPEAKING that is..)

SONDRIA: What do you want people to take away from your music and apply to their own lives?

MEESO: I want people to be inspired by my music! Not only women, but anyone! If that means sharing personal trials through lyrics to help someone who’s facing the same issues, or an up tempo song before the club, or even some empowerment with positive words. People should apply the fact that there is always someone else that shares the same views/issues and can relate to them even if it’s only one person, it exists to justify the way they feel.

SONDRIA: What do you think your purpose is? As far as the goal of your life and how you intend on accomplishing it?

a. Is music a part of this goal?

MEESO: TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD! LOL. Kidding! My purpose is to give my daughter/family the foundation for the BEST opportunities that life has to offer. I will attain this goal by keeping God first and acknowledging that he is the creator of my talents and I am simply a vessel and continue to focus and kick walls down until I face my success. Music is definitely a major role in my purpose that’s why I take it seriously and view each move as if it were a “Franchise” that I’m building. Financial freedom gives LIMITLESS opportunities!

SONDRIA: If you couldn’t do music, what would you be doing?

MEESO: If music was no longer a career option I would most likely be involved in some entertainment industry occupation, and if not, maybe motivational speaking for Teenagers who aren’t on the best road in life. I’m also licensed through California’s Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician. (I have plan B &C)!! LOL

SONDRIA: Where are you from? Where were you raised

MEESO: I was born in Indiana the city of Michigan, Moved to Washington State city of Tacoma at age 2years old, then moved to California city of Westchester at age 4 where I was raised during early childhood and I’ve been in the Inland Empire city of Fontana since age 12 to the present.

SONDRIA: Brothers and sisters? Only child? Both parents?

MEESO: No Biological Brothers, 2 younger biological sisters (same mom and dad) and tons of extended family. And I’ve had BOTH parents in the household my entire life.

SONDRIA: Have you set a timeframe for accomplishing your goals or are you taking steps daily and accepting what comes?

MEESO: I usually set dates when I have certain goals for myself just to keep me aware of what I have to do, at the same time, I’m always open to the twists and set backs that can happen daily, I try to stay focused more than anything else.

SONDRIA: Who are some artists you would like to work with? Independent and Mainstream.

MEESO: I would love to work with Keri Hilson, Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Outkast just to name a few, the list goes ON and ON! The independent side, ANY DOPE ARTIST WHO’S REALLY TRYING TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN THE GAME.

Okay, so maybe she’s not that hostile. More like organized, focused, and determined. Some additional information about MeeSo is that her immediate camp was originated in Pasadena, CA and they go by the name “AK-TIV”. (Hostile is her I.E. family)

She has some upcoming projects: An AK-TIV compilation mix tape to be released this summer, An EP with Hostile, and a few other feature projects also coming in the summer.

You can find additional information about MeeSo by visiting the following sites:

www.RamoneJones.com

www.WeAreUnderdogs.com

www.twitter.com/MeeSoFli

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria

Feminism in Hip Hop with BLISS

FEMINISM: Organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

Ever since I saw Bliss perform at The Common Ground’s “More than a Housewife” show in promotion and appreciation of the women in art, I’ve been optimistic about the female role in Hip Hop. There’s no room for vacant stares and bubble gum popping in Bliss’ music. She lyrically steps in the faces of her audience and reminds them, eye-to-eye, that THIS IS PIMPIN’.

SONDRIA: Bliss, tell me, How did you get your name?

BLISS: How did I get my name, well the funny thing about it is that its really cheesy and corny but it’s the truth, lol, my son’s godmother actually gave me the name Bliss. Before that I was going by the name Suga because I’m sweet (corny) but it wasn’t sitting well, so, one day while chilling at my house we was having a lil session and we got on my name and she said that I should go with Bliss. She said it fit my style and personality. Everything about me, and I took that as a major compliment and ran with it. So it’s been Bliss since. Miss Bliss if you nasty!!! Lol

SONDRIA: How long have you been rhyming?

BLISS: I’ve been rhyming since I was 20-21. I always had a love for music and the art of speech. I write a lot of poetry still, but I began spitting around 20-21 and took it serious around 23, and it’s been on every since.

SONDRIA: To what or whom do you attribute your independence and confidence? Have you always been this confident?

BLISS: My mother. She raised me to be independent and confident. To love me for me no matter what anyone else said or thought. I was very athletic in school. I was the girl next door. Good grades, played sports, and I was popular but after I gave birth to my son at 15yrs old, I lost a lot of confidence. I went from weighing 150lbs for years to weighing 225lbs in 9months! So I struggled with weight issues for a long time especially with the fact that all my friends were 125-145lbs. It took time, but I had to find myself and understand who I was and know that my weight had nothing to do with who I was a person. It didn’t define Shandrea Lewis, only if I allowed it too.

SONDRIA: We know women wear several hats on a daily basis. Who are you when you’re not an emcee? What role is most important to you right now

BLISS: When I am not an emcee I am a mother before anything else. My son is 11yrs old. So besides me working a full‑time job from 7am-5pm. I still come home with even more responsibilities because not only is being a parent a full time job, being a “single” parent is double that! So you can say Im something like a Jamaican! Lol. But my most important role right now is being me. Staying grounded. There is only one me and im being pulled in 10 different directions at one time, and I feel if I can at all time know my role in my life and with God, all else will not fall. Im the core of my life, without me functioning properly nothing in my life would.

SONDRIA: What do you hope to accomplish through Hip Hop?

BLISS: Through Hip-Hop I hope to accomplish making great music that women all over the world can relate too. No im not a male basher! I’m a man eater! Lol. I love empowering my divas. We need that so I hope to help put WOMEN not females but women back on the map. And a different look you know. I want to restore the class in the industry with women. It’s ok to be sexy, freaky, kinky, hood, gangsta ect. Just have some dignity and pride with your shit. Present and conduct yourself as a woman. I mean no one is perfect but work towards perfecting the art and beauty of being classy, the best.

SONDRIA: Are there any other goals you’d like to share with us?

BLISS: I would also like to start a non-profit organization for girls and women ages ranging from 14-40, to help with your everyday and life necessities. As far as, hygiene, self-esteem, the do’s and don’ts, parenting classes, financial situations, schooling, career planning, just any and everything you should need to know about being a women and how to advance to the next level. I think that’s what we are missing now days, guidance.

SONDRIA: How do you think you differ from the ladies of Hip Hop’s past?

How do you plan to contribute to Hip Hop’s future?

BLISS: I’m different from the past in a way that is rare from anyone else’s perspective. I watched and observed these women. I’ve taken some of their good qualities and their flaws and learned where I want to stand and how I should go about it. So you can say I’m a revamped version of all women of hip-hop, because without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. But I am what the future holds. I contribute independence, confidence, sexuality, morals, pride, and intelligence. I’m a DIVA. And a diva is a female version of a hustler so all I can say is WATCH ME WORK!

Check Miss Bliss out on the following social networks to stay updated on her upcoming shows and musical releases!!

www.myspace.com/BLISSTHADIVA

www.youtube.com/MISSFNBLISS

www.twitter.com/LetsGoBliss

LOVE & WATER,

Sondria