Tell us about your name - where did the name "Abyss" come from? 

The definition of "Abyss" is a depth that you cannot fathom. My interpretation is a comparison to myself as a whole. Like the abyss, I remain a mystery inside of an immeasurable existence of love for hip-hop.

When and how did you first become interested in music? 

At the age of eleven, I stepped into a different atmosphere, as far as school and friends are concerned. I started to acknowledge TV and radio, at the same time recognizing and becoming intrigued by so many female artists holding it down in a male-dominated industry. I love to sing but hip-hop felt natural. I fell in love.

How long have you been playing music?

Thirteen years.

Where are you originally from? 

Originally I'm from Williamston, N.C.

Tell us about Plainfield!  What's it like to live there? 

Plainfield is home. Comfortable. Known as the "Queen City", like any other city, has its good and bad sides. For the most part, it's peaceful. A few clubs and a few lounges. A small town.

Tell us about the music scene in New Jersey. 

The music scene isn't as heavy as it should be in Jersey. It's so much talent out here, but we need to come together in order to make a powerful impact. The only way to the top is humility and compromise.

Where do you perform? 

I've performed at the Iguana Club, Vonfence Radio, the Clayton Powell State Building, and Club Cache.

What are your musical influences? 

My life experiences, things I see every day, ill beats, and the passion built up from the MC's of the old school.

Does anyone in your family play music?

My dad plays bass guitar, and my uncle plays saxophone in their band, "force of Attack".

What else do you do besides play music? 

Spend time with my four year old son, get tattoos, or draw.

Your song "Poppin" shows a ‘softer' side of Abyss - it's a very hot and sexy jam!  I love that song!  Tell us about the creation of that track. 

The producer of the track, Prime-Airy of 5mics ENT, was letting me hear tracks he had done for other people. When I heard the beat, it stood out because the young lady singing didn't give the track life. So, I decided to give it a go and show my vocal skills.

You get a chance to show of your singing and rapping skills on this track - do you consider yourself an MC that can sing, or a singer that can rap? 

I consider myself blessed with great talent.

What your favorite thing about this song?  Is it about a real person?  If so - tell us who it is! 

It's seductive and catchy. It shows my potential as an artist to give the fans what they want to hear.

Let's talk about your track "Hip Hop Rise".  I love the inspirational message in this song.  While the track is nice, it's the lyrics of this song that really make it stand out!  Why do the lyrics of this song mean so much to you? 

Because it addresses what's going on in hip-hop from my standpoint. I feel that it's a head banger that will also make people think. That side of hip-hop is seldom heard.

The "epidemic" mentioned is about those who aren't signed yet, but are very arrogant: those who are not really for hip-hop just want to rap for the money and material things.

You came really hard on this track!  What is your favorite line from this song? 

"You know anybody that loves to keep repeating/tell‘em they on a quick warpath to be deleted".

While "Stop Wish'n Listen is a kick in the chest, your song "Trash Out" is a shotgun blast!  Damn Lady - did you really have to hit‘em up like that? 

I feel like I absolutely had to because there are so many individuals doing the same things. Females included. It gives me a headache.

Nowadays, it seems like most female MCs are afraid to show that straight-gutter-hard core style that you let loose on this track - why do you think that is? 

In this male dominated industry they feel like that's the only way to get attention. They feel like sex sells and basically they've been brainwashed.

Call them out!  Who are some of the artists you're talking about in this song? 

Those I speak about are so obvious that anybody can fill in the blanks.

What does it take to write and to play a song like that?

It takes great passion, strength, knowledge and what I call, zero tolerance.

How did you develop your lyrical style? 

Throughout my life I've been very inquisitive and very alert. Listening and watching hip-hop for so long, it's just natural.

Of the songs we have discussed, which one means the most to you personally? 

I would have to say "Poppin" because it was done in a period of growth. It's really amazing how love can empower the mind.

You've battled through a lot of difficult times in your life.  How have those difficult times impacted you in your career as a musician?

Like any true soldier, the difficult time made me stronger. I realized you have to stay humble and speak your mind as well as listen and pay attention to your surroundings. Get in where you fit in or you'll get left behind. That's how I maneuver every day.

Tell us about your win in Remy Martin's Power 105.1 16 Bars contest!  Congratulations!

I got a phone call from Tone telling me that out of about 1,000 entries, I had gotten chosen along with 15 other artists to come to the Fashion 40 Club, in New York City, to see who the winner would be. And what do you know, it was ya girl ABYSS!!! They played my track in the club, took pictures and posted everything on their site for a month. I met Malikah Malett, DJ Suss1 and Dominick Dirasmo, marketing for 105.1. It was a great experience that made me realize that people are really listening.

"Heartbeat" is definitely a track for the ladies - you tell a story in that song that a lot of ladies out there can relate to.  Tell us more about this song - if it's about a real situation, tell us about it. 

It's real; it came from a broken heart. A man that promised to be there through it all. My best friend for 2yrs. Before we became lovers. A man that I felt could never hurt me. We were invincible. I adored him. We were together for a year and 5 months and in a blink of an eye, he was gone. With no reason, no explanation.

You make a lot of references to rappers that are ruining the music.  Tell us specifically what makes you different from the rest of the hip hop artist out there. 

What you see is what you get. Nothing is sugar coated or phony. I talk how I walk. I bring meaning, I want to give back instead of take, take, take.

These songs are from your first demo, entitled "1^st Fathom" - which was released in May and has earned a ton of plays on MySpace.  Tell us about your next demo - "2^nd Nature." 

My second project is an evolution of ABYSS, not as hard as the 1st. but still very potent.

What makes this kind of music "good" to you?

It is about expression which makes it real. I feed off the energy of the track and my pen just flows. It makes you think and move.

Why did you choose to play this kind of music?

I feel like the Industry is missing out on real music, real HIP-HOP.

Tell me about a time when you felt like giving up on music 

I've never seen that and I know that I never will.

How do you feel about the music that's on the radio today?

There are the long term artists that will always hold it down. But the rest are just pointless.

Where do you get your ideas from? 

I get them from life experiences and thing I see on a day to day basis.

What is a normal day like for you? 

When I'm not doing a show or in the studio, I get up at 6am. Get my 4yr.old son ready for school. Go to work, which is slavery. Then pick up my son from school, help him with his homework. Try to network and write and about 10:30 or so, hit the sack. Pretty boring actually, but that is it.

Do you have any pets?

No, but I do love animals and nature.

Who is your "famous" favorite musician and why?

If I have to choose it would be Patti Labelle. She is so beautiful and you can see her spirit, her passion. She's full of expression, elegant and yet spicy. Triumphant, nothing holds her down.

Who is your favorite musician friend? 

Lady Gemini, we're one in the same.

What motivates you to create? 

Just knowing people need real music and hot tracks. This is my passion. My life.

Does your family influence your art? 

Mainly my son, he's always dancing and singing to it. I love to see that.

Is there anything tragic that has influenced you art?

No.

The Men (and some of the ladies) want to know!  Are you married, single or in a relationship? 

I'm very single. ***wink***

If you're single - tell us what does Abyss look for in a man? 

Stability, belief in the most high. Business oriented and a strong passion for his family. Must have street and book smarts. Laid back, humble and must have a great sense of humor. I want him to be: outgoing, sensual, sexually aggressive and not afraid to express himself, open minded. Someone who'll let me be me.

What type of man does Abyss try to avoid? 

Loud, obnoxious and full of themselves.

If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why? 

Africa, just to experience the beauty and the pain. Just to take it all in.

What is your dream?  Where do you want your music to take you? 

My dream is to make a huge impact on hip-hop. Take it International and into the hearts of many.

Tell us about your most embarrassing moment as a musician. 

Wow, I had to perform at the Iguana Club in Manhattan in front of about 60 people. It was my first time at the venue and I forgot the words to a song that I knew like the back of my hand.

Tell us about your proudest moment as a musician. 

When I realized that I had grown as an artist. I had to perform for Vonfence Radio's party at the Clayton Powell State Building in Harlem. The entire crowd gave me incredible feedback and Afrika Bambata told me that he will always remember me. That right there felt real.

What is wrong with the world today? 

The world is full of hate, vanity and selfishness. There is a lack of empowerment in our families and communities. Everybody wants to be rich but not enough people are willing to give back when they reach that point. Man has experimented far too long with nature and with humans that has caused so much to happen. We also need more passionate teachers and better role models for or kids to look up to. AND MEN, IF YOU ARE MAN ENOUGH TO MAKE A CHILD THAN BE MAN ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILD.

Tell us one thing about you that would shock the world! 

I grew up a tomboy and I can't cook, but I'm taking classes.  ***smile***

What do you do for fun? 

Taking care of my son, friends, shop, movies and I love tattoos.

Other than MySpace, where can we find you and your music? 

http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/1andonlyabyss
and
http://www.loud.com/yabyss

Tell me anything that you would like the world to know that we haven't asked above. 

That's about it, thank you for your time.

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