Interview with Lady A of DTA
Lady A: The Triple Threat
Interview By Boston McKay
Rep ya hood.
Lady Assassin: East Orange, NJ.
So the Oranges sent Lady A to rep huh? I can dig it. Tell the readers what the initials DTA stand for and what makes you the QUEEN?
D.on’t T.rust A.nyone “Outside Our Circle” is what DTA stands for. I think every woman should see herself as a queen because that’s what we are. I’m the Lyrical Queen because of my word play in my lyrics. I’m D.T.A. RecordZ 1st Lady.
Nice. Where did it all start for you with the music?
Ever since I was a little girl I loved music, all types of music and singing brought me so much peace. I learned to play the clarinet, saxophone & the drums in school. I also was in the glee club. But music to me was a lot more personal, you know? It was a way to release my emotions and escape to a better place. People told me to pursue a career but I never thought it was possible. Then one day Verb wanted me to sing on a hook and I loved the way my voice sound recorded & the response from people was crazy so now I’m giving it a try.
And who’s Verb??
He is the owner, C.E.O. Of D.T.A. RecordZ & a rap artist. Verbal wanted to take his music career into his own hands and help other upcoming artists in the process; he had a vision to not only build a record label but a family. We all work together to build the DTA brand. We come from many walks of life & everyone has a job to do. We all hold each other down to the death.
Do you write your own music? I’ll tell you why I asked after you answer!
I write ALL my own music and I also collaborate with other artists inside and outside the team.
The reason I ask is because whenever someone talks about a female artist its mostly “she hot but I don’t think she wrote it”. It kind of frustrates me a little. I mean you never really hear of dudes gettin’ questioned about who wrote their stuff!
Yeah I know, as a female artist its very frustrating. Its like men don’t think a woman can flow like them. I stand very firm on writing for yourself, nobody can explain your feelings but u. I feel that’s what makes the complete artist, you know? Verbal pushes us to write too. Don’t get me wrong it’s a great thing to collaborate with other people but writing is very important to my career.
I’m with you on that. What would you say is the toughest obstacle for a female mc to overcome that you’ve noticed?
I think the toughest obstacle would be for us to be taken seriously in an industry geared more towards the fellas.
I mean I know a lot of female emcees that would put sum of these male artists to shame.
You and me both! It just seems like if you’re not the only female in a crew full of dudes then your just another chic trying to rap! Do you feel the love and support from your female peers?
I know. It’s a real shame. The structure of DTA is very different cause I’m not the only female mc on the team and there’s no competition between us. We’re just two female mc’s that go in but it’s more than the music, like I said we’re family. I definitely feel a lot of luv & support from my peers, we all genuinely show each other lots of luv & support…we’re trying to lose the stereo-type of ladies always beefin’ & bickering over stupid shit. We’re all not like that.
Tell me about this “Femme Fatale” that you were apart of.
The Femme Fatale Concert Series was put together by The Exponent Blog. It brought female singers and femcees together on one stage and I was glad to be a part of it. The love and support that all the ladies showed each other from start to finish was amazing. It was a great event and it was again to show the unity amongst us ladies. There will be another one coming soon too and I will be performing again. It all started off my female takeover idea. I just got so tired of all the beefin’ so I just got together with a few other artists and it just grew from there.
So dope! I think we need more of that. So what are you currently working on?
Yes we do! Right now I’m finishing up my new cd “Lyrical Queen” which I’m looking to be finished by April. I’m also working on the DTA Promo CD, a few out of state features, I’m doing shows too of course. I never get tire of that. I LOVE PERFORMING. I’m always working in some way shape of form. I stay busy between working on my music and puttin’ in that work in the office. At the end of the day it’s a business and you gotta keep your business right.
Very true. If you could put together a 5 track demo with you and 4 other Femcee’s who would they be?
Well of course my lil’ sis Doobskii Bad Asz. I would really have to say Jazzy V, Nina Foxx & Candice. I love them ladies!
Jazzy, Nina and Candis are also featured on the site as well! Shout out to Doobskii! From what you’ve learned so far in the game, If you could have given Lady A advice when you first started what would it be?
I love it! That’s a great question. First off, not to trust many, a lot of fakes. Second, outside of family, its always business, never personal. A lot of people are leeches and are out to gain everything they can. Make sure all your paperwork is correct. Always stay two steps ahead. Never conform to what anyone wants you to be…be yourself. Make music that will stay relevant & never lose the love for the music. On the good note, I’ve met a lot of great people. Networking is very big for your career just be careful.
Excellent advice. What do you enjoy more… singing or spittin?
That’s a hard choice to make for me. Me and singing go way back, I love singing, it’s so natural to me and it has gotten me through some rough times. It brings me so much peace. Then spittin’…OMG I love spittin’ too, I have so much fun doing it! I can express myself in a different way, you know? I find a lil’ more freedom in it. I don’t know, I guess that’s why I do both.
When I leave this earth I want the world to know…
I may have stumbled a lil’ along my journey but I had nothing but love and compassion for all people & I expressed it through the gift that God gave me. And if they haven’t listened 2 my music then they need to because it’s not just R&B, Rap or Hip-Hop, I’m very eclectic. I made music that made me feel good & if I help one person thru any of my songs then I’ve done my job. This is what I say 2 my self every morning: WHEN I STAND BEFORE GOD AT THE END OF MY LIFE, I HOPE THAT I HAVE USED ALL THE TALENT IN ME & CAN SAY, “I USED EVERYTHING YOU GAVE ME.”
I truly enjoyed this interview love. Final Note?
Of course shout out to the boss man Verbal Assassin, my lil’ sis Doobskii Bad Asz & the rest of my DTA Family. Shout out to my Grindahz Family for all the love & support. Shout out Waist Deep Promotions, The Exponent, RTO Films & everyone else we’re working with & will be working with. Most def. A big shout out to all our fans, friends, & supporters.. It’s DTA RecordZ…We Make Real Music For Real People.
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