SAVE THE RAP CHICK is the battle cry of Mi$$ Knockout - a true Queen from the streets of Queens! This rap chick has done it all - and will do it BIG in '08! For now - just enjoy a taste- show some respect - and try not to get KTF-Out!
Tell us about your name – where did the name Mi$$ Knockout come from?
In grade school myself and 20 of my dudes used to have sessions in the lunch room displaying our rhyming skills. They would always tell me I had a unique voice and style; and if I ever took rhyming seriously I was going to knock cats out the box. It wasn’t until later that I add the Miss. After going back and forth with a guy that took my name off a showcase flyer I hosted, I decided to give knockout a feminine edge. Since a lot of people already knew me in the industry, I wanted to make the statement that I am still a lady although I contend in a man’s game.
When and how did you first become interested in music?
When I was 14 years old the world famous Johnny Quest taught me how to deejay. I was good at it and I learned a lot of tricks. But I had a wild imagination and an undeniable gift for writing. This mixed with a unique voice and rhyming style influenced my choice to emcee.
Where are you originally from?
Farmer’s blvd, crazy Queens in the building!!
Tell us about JamaicaQueens! What’s it like to live there?
I lived there up until about 6 yrs ago. Queens is like any other hood there were good days and then there were days you had to step out your house and fight a fair one. I always hung around older cats so I could get into places and experience things I wouldn't get to do with my peers. Queens was like an unforgettable movie to me; and because of it my story is so incredible I plan on writing a book. Every year I go back for the holidays we sit around and tell stories of the funny and crazy times we use to have.
Tell us about the music scene in Queens.
Jamaica Queens is the home of allot of great emcees, the list is incredible and indisputable! If youtook every borough and listed rappers from each, Queens would win hands down!
Where do you perform?
Wow, I’ve performed in some legendary spots!!! But I will just name some of the most memorable. Recently I did Harvest Fest, which hosted 10,000 + music fans. I loved it!! The M-5 lounge downtown Manhattan, the owner said I was the only hip hop act to perform there. I have done a lot of battles, Lyricist Lounge, State Building in Harlem, Nell's, Club City, SOB’s, and E V's. Man I can name stuff for days, you wouldn't even have time!
What are your musical influences?
My music influences are in no particular order. 50 cent, I love and admire this man that's why he is first. He has had so many challenges but has maintained and rose to the top. 50 is a marketing genius and his style is hard but melodic and creative at the same time. Jay Z is someone who came from nothing. I remember when he used to stand around the tunnel and beef because the deejay wouldn't shout him out, now look at him. LL Cool Jay is hip hop, he changes and keeps up with the time, that's a challenge allot of emcees from his era couldn't do. Sean Combs went from a dancer to promotions, but who knew he would learn so much about music to be one of the biggest moguls in the word. Russell Simmons is a legend, period. If you notice I like leaders, not solders.
Does anyone in your family play music?
No.
What else do you do besides play music?
I've done some acting, a lot of people remember me from the commercial I did for BET's coming to the stage show. I have done videos and a lot of feature rolls; I’m in the process of stepping that game up a notch as we speak. In the past I took classes with Tracey Marabel she trained Eve, Buster and a lot of hip hop heads to act.
Your song “Get It” is a super-sexy reggae-styled jam! I love that song! Tell us about the creation of that track.
Well Francky, Serial sounds my producer from France gave me a lot of beats to write to. I chose that one because form the moment I first heard it I said this will bang in the clubs. I knew it was a hit before any words were said on it. I just put the cherry on top.
Was that you singing the hook on that track?
On the hook it’s me and Gazuza saying the guys part. But if your talking about the intro and the bridge, I got my homie Yulan to add to the authentic flavor to the song. She is straight from the island of Jamaica. I told her what I wanted and she sang it.
What your favorite thing about this song?
We tested it in the club with DJ Self a top NYC DJ, and I noticed the crowd kept dancing to it like it was familiar. Usually they would stop if they heard an unfamiliar song. From that moment I knew it was something special.
Let’s talk about your track “If the Rap Chick Dies”. I love the classic rock sample and the break beat drums. Tell me about the production work behind this song?
That song is a cover of Nas's "hip hop is dead", produced by Will I Am. I just flipped it to raise awareness from a rap chic’s perspective. This leads us into the “Save the Rap Chick Movement” that you’ve created. Tell us about the goals of the Save the Rap Chick Movement.
It's a mentoring program to change the attitudes of young women any race coming up in the hip hop game. But more important the movement is a platform to get more young girls involved in music. I want to start with the kids, because they can be molded since most of these young girls are not yet set in there selfish ways. I want to teach them that jealousy, envy and hurting each other is not a good look. I believe that the universe doesn't like negativity and if you put that energy out there you will be punished.
What inspired you to start the movement?
I went through a lot coming up in the game and my true long time friends always mentioned to me how they admired my courage. Professionally and personally I found no matter what people have to say about you, you should always keep your eyes on the prize. I want to teach young girls to have that same determination and drive to follow your dreams. They should know how to handle the Jedi mind trick as I like to call it, lol....
You and Sean P really tore it up on that song “10”! How long have you two been working together?
Yes indeed, and don't forget M 1 from Dead Prez, Raze, and Lex from Cali on the hook. I have seen Sean P in passing but never formerly met him. I just did a show with the M 1, he's a real cool man, I've known him a few years.
You came really hard on this track! What is your favorite line from this song?
My favorite line is “I’m from round fifties way so that makes me a dime and if anyone gets in the way ima stomp em ten times!" And I meant it; you can steal from me before you get in the way of my music business. Your song “Headbanger” is just damn HARD!! It seems like you just let it all loose on this track – you even mixed in a little Pavarotti!! Tell me what was going through your mind when you wrote this track?
That track was done by M.T aka Mike Starks. He is not only my childhood best friend, but had a deal with Profile and Buffy from the Fat Boys who produced his album just before he passed. Mike combined opera with his original beat and when I heard it I couldn't come anyway but extra hard on this track. Opposites always attract and I wanted people to see my real capabilities to put that head out on a track. You get to see me go from song writer to straight slaying in zero point one second. A lot of freestyle battle rappers don't have the talent to do so, but I know and recognize the difference.
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?
I believe the industry has changed so much that females do not know what image they should represent. Unfortunately there wasn't enough trial and error in the past to know, if we should wear a skirt or thug it out. If I'm too hard you say I'm gay or mannish and if I'm pretty you say I'm fake. I learned you have to be fearless and take risks. Evil D another world famous Dee jay was talking to me on the phone and it always stuck in my head, he said, “just be yourself you have a unique personality and don't need a gimmick because the people will relate.” I think most females are scared to take risks and they stay in a safe zone. The so called hard girls are hard for no reason without any method to their madness. They stay in the chitterlings circuit where nobody sees them and nobody cares.
Why is this song special to you?
The head banger is special because I've never heard that degree of opera developed into a song, it was pure genius.
How did you develop your lyrical style?
I don’t think that’s something you can develop. Either you have it or you don't; or you just spit “hot fire” lol........
Of the songs we have discussed, which one means the most to you personally?
If the rap chic dies cause it has a strong message and a funky beat courtesy of Nas.
You’ve battled through a lot of difficult times in your life – losing both parents at an early age, living in group homes, and surviving in the streets of Queens on your own since the age of 16. How have those difficult times impacted you in your career as a musician?
Like Kayne say's "whatever don't kill you will make you stronger". It impacted me in a positive way by putting me in survival mode and teaching me not taking anybodies crap. I got thrown out there and was around a lot of dangerous people. I quickly learned to be cautious and more observant of my surroundings.
You are an all-around hip hop warrior. You’ve won freestyle battles, DJ’ed parties and clubs, worked behind the scenes as a writer and producer, you name it. Now that you’re strictly focused on making songs, which one of your previous roles do you miss the most?
I miss Dee jaying and always think about it, but it’s not the same as it was back in the day. It's all computers now and vinyl is phasing out. But I will be getting equipment at some point, maybe Dee jay again. Tell us about your clothing line.
Tell me about a time when you felt like giving up on music.
Never, music is my first love.
Where do you get your ideas from?
I pull from every where especially life experiences.
What is a normal day like for you?
I get up and I grind hard everyday all day, no matter what my day is full of you better believe I'm working.
Who is your favorite musician friend?
Black Rob, he was a brother to me. Rob, I miss you where ever you are.
What motivates you to create?
Beats, life, my love for music!
The Men (and some of the ladies) want to know! Are you married, single or in a relationship?
Single!! Just staying focused.
Tell us what does Mi$$ Knockout look for in a man?
I look for some one who simply adores me, is driven, and is an intelligent communicator. Most importantly he must be sensitive to my needs.
What type of man/partner does Mi$$ Knockout try to avoid?
Men in the club are the worst. Especially, the slick talking dudes.
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Japan, because they love hip hop so much.
What is your dream? Where do you want your music to take you?
My dream is to get my music to the people for them to enjoy the fruits of my work. I want music to take me just through life's ups and downs. I'm down to earth so I never cared for the material things; I just want to be at peace with life.
Tell us about your proudest moment as a musician.
When my manager told me who was feeling me, I was proud that my long grind was going to finally have true meaning
What is wrong with the world today?
The world is full of selfishness, greed, and people who do not share their appreciation for one another.
Tell us one thing about you that would shock the world!
I love to watch "That's So Raven!" I luv her!!!
What do you do for fun?
I go to different events around the city, shop, and spend time with my people.
Other than MySpace, where can we find you and your music?
Well, right now I'm in the process of setting my game plan in motion. I want my EP to get the right push and marketing which could only come from a major label. But definitely keep your eyes and ears open for me and my music. The album will be coming soon.
"SHE'S DANGEROUS LIKE LAILA ALI!" Brought to you by
VIZION MANAGEMENT & PULIC RELATIONS
VISION MUSIC
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.vizionincnyc.com
Write Comment
Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article.
Personal verbal attacks will be deleted.
Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed.
Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button.
Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
The Music 
SAVE THE RAP CHICK is the battle cry of Mi$$ Knockout - a true Queen from the streets of Queens! This rap chick has done it all - and will do it BIG in '08! For now - just enjoy a taste- show some respect - and try not to get KTF-Out!
Where are you originally from?
My music influences are in no particular order. 50 cent, I love and admire this man that's why he is first. He has had so many challenges but has maintained and rose to the top. 50 is a marketing genius and his style is hard but melodic and creative at the same time. Jay Z is someone who came from nothing. I remember when he used to stand around the tunnel and beef because the deejay wouldn't shout him out, now look at him. LL Cool Jay is hip hop, he changes and keeps up with the time, that's a challenge allot of emcees from his era couldn't do. Sean Combs went from a dancer to promotions, but who knew he would learn so much about music to be one of the biggest moguls in the word. Russell Simmons is a legend, period. If you notice I like leaders, not solders. 
Black Rob, he was a brother to me. Rob, I miss you where ever you are. 
I love to watch "That's So Raven!" I luv her!!!
Quote this article on your site
Comments (2)
