By Matthew Bridge
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
The game is filled with some new names who are coming in and playing big roles in the game. Among the ladies who are making moves is Monay, an artist who has come a long way, in distance, to arrive in Atlanta. Since, Monay has begun to work with some major forces in the game.
All of this work has come in preparation for her Shackles Off mixtape. Earlier this week, Monay released “Off Them Bandz,” a record off the mixtape. Boasting a unique experience and outlook on the game, this new project is one to look forward to simply based off this new view.
Before Monay drops her new project, she took time out to talk to Hip Hop Vibe. She spoke on her influences and, of course about the new mixtape. With Shackles Off coming in exactly a month, Monay discussed the project and the experience she has had getting immersed in the Atlanta hip hop scene.
Read the entire interview below:
Most artists cite guys like Jay-Z and Nas as their sources of inspiration, but you have cited figures such as Afrika Bambaataa and Michael Jackson, what is it about those guys that inspires you? Afrika Bambaataa is the reason I got into hip hop. Because he changed the community and made hip hop positive instead if negativity. As a teenager I was going through some things and studying Afrika Bambaataa helped me find my way through music. Michael Jackson others use when it comes to me. But he did inspire me to work hard. His father Joe Jackson reminds me of my manager which is my mother. But in a good way.
Can you talk about one of the singles you are pushing, “Off Them Bandz?” “Off Them Bandz” was a freestyle that I created along with the beat in the studio playing around.
Along with the single, you have the full mixtape, Shackles Off, coming on November 10, how excited are you about the mixtape release? It’s finally my first mixtape after all these years. It’s about me no longer being a little girl, but now a lady. I can say what I want without any boundaries. I was held to not be able to be me for so long.
What type of sound are you going for with this new project? My new sound from this point on is to be me and not allow anyone to change that ever again.
Now that you are living in Atlanta, who did you get a chance to work with on the scene from there? I’m now working with trap artist from east atlanta. Main one being Mojo which is Gucci Manes best friend. Who is now an artist as well. He is featured on my mixtape. I worked with J Dub Walker formally bad boy producer. I met several artist did radio interviews but I feel like my career is just starting.
What is it like living in Atlanta, as opposed to Tacoma? I was born in Tacoma, but grew up in Hollywood. Living in Atlanta made me stronger, because I went from being around a mixed culture to a dominant black culture.
Can you let the people know where to find you on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? All social media is @iammonay.
