MisFit
Misfit became a household name after her appearance on the White Rapper Show on VH1 earlier this year. Having received the support of Eminem’s late best friend Proof, his guidance and encouragement are to this day what this female lyricist believes have put her on the right path. It is hard to deny the natural beauty that Misfit displays which explains why its not unusual to see her in your monthly glossies. But when asked would she trade the booth for the catwalk in this FemaleFirst exclusive, Misfit is quick to put us right. Talking Dior, her all female team and a world tour you get the distinct impression that Misfit is a actually a true fit for her role as MC.
When exactly was it that you decided that you wanted to be an MC? How did you discover your talents?
At an early age I was a huge NWA fan, but becoming an artist always felt more like a fantasy rather than something I could do as a serious career. When Eminem first came out I started to really look at him and see my love for the music and performing.. and how all of that could possibly be a reality for me. I felt as though I could really relate to Eminem and his struggle. I began to study all the classics and practice my flow. At this point, I hadn't really developed a style, I was still learning. Proof though was really the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams of music after I had learned the the art of it. He also gave me my name 'Misfit'. He helped me find my own style and continuously gave me the confidence to let people hear me. I owe him a lot for any success I've had or have and miss him everyday.
Being a female in the music industry is sometimes difficult, have you ever faced any hostility or ostracizing because not only are you a female, but you are attractive too, which to many is a double threat and to a few a double strike?
Being a female in society has its frustrations, as is, but yes, being a female in this game definitely has its difficulties. Back in the day, I used to get told I should sing like Britney because of my blond hair. I used to feel as though maybe I should dress like a tomboy and would almost always have a bandanna covering my face with a fitted hat.
I've always been aware that how I am inside contradicts how people perceive me on the outside. That might even be the reason why I got so many tattoos. Maybe somewhere I was trying to rebel stereotypes. I'm more confident now as an MC, so I dress how I want to and say 'fuck it'. I'm an MC with style, who happens to be female.
Now you are represented by women, management and PR, this is very rare, do you feel women need to represent themselves better by working together without the 'catiness'?
Yes, I think having two female managers is rare in this industry, in a sea of male sharks. Not only are Speed and Maya my managers, but we are team of strong, honest and prideful, business women. We respect each other and have respect for each other, so there's never any 'catiness'. We're too grown and have too much money to make for any of that.
A lot of females in this game don't big each other up, rather they try to compete or knock each other down. That's why guys are running this industry. Most women don't know how to make moves together. We do.
How instrumental was The White Rapper Show in your search for a record deal?
The White Rapper Show was so unexpected when I first got it. The creators had seen my picture and heard my music on Myspace and literally gave me an hour to decide if I would do it or not. I found out two days before entering the house.
Before the show, my career was always headed on the right path. I had some buzz in the UK and in Detroit and NYC. But the show gave me such a broad fan base and recognition, I've always felt very lucky to have had that opportunity.
The love that I have received from all over the world has been overwhelming. My fans are the best. The show might be the reason why I'll get my foot into a door or office, but at the end of the day, its my music and artistry that's keeping me there.
If you had the chance to do a reality show such as that on TV again, would you?
I definitely would. Even though its a lot more invasive than it comes across on television, I love being able to reach that many people. Actually, I have been approached about something along those lines.. I just can't talk about it yet. But I'm really excited for 2008.
English artists don't seem to garner the attention that their American counterparts do, yet are in most cases as equally talented. Why is that?
I'm not really sure. I guess its because hip-hop originated in America and has been ingrained in the urban culture longer. An international artist has to work harder to gain that credibility because the industry isn't quick to co-sign something foreign. I don't mind it though. It’s kind of like living in New York. You have to live here for a few years before your considered a New Yorker. People want you to put in that time to earn their support in this game.. and that's fine with me.
You have been featured in a few major mags, Complex and Inked ... Would you trade the booth for the catwalk if the possibility came about?
I wouldn't trade the booth for anything. There is nothing I love more than making music. Although Dior comes a close second! [laughs] I grew up modeling and have done a lot of runways, billboard campaigns, commercials and TV work, so that world is something that I've always been involved in. I'm obsessed with fashion and hope to someday walk down my own runway with my own clothing line.
I've been very lucky to have gotten press in magazines, but it feels even better now to be in there because of my music rather than my appearance. I would love to do some more modeling, but all the elements have to be right and no matter what its going to have to play second to my music.
I just finished an independent film name, 'Arc Of Light', directed by Greg Bartlett. I have such a passion for acting, as well.. it felt good to be able to use some of my other talents.
Do you plan on coming to the UK to do shows etc?
Definitely. We're actually planning that out now, for once I finish all my obligations in The States. My international fans have been amazing and I can't wait to be able to perform for them. My team is planning a mini-world tour for 2008, so I can to hit Europe and Asia.
Melanie CornishMisfit became a household name after her appearance on the White Rapper Show on VH1 earlier this year. Having received the support of Eminem’s late best friend Proof, his guidance and encouragement are to this day what this female lyricist believes have put her on the right path. It is hard to deny the natural beauty that Misfit displays which explains why its not unusual to see her in your monthly glossies. But when asked would she trade the booth for the catwalk in this FemaleFirst exclusive, Misfit is quick to put us right. Talking Dior, her all female team and a world tour you get the distinct impression that Misfit is a actually a true fit for her role as MC.
When exactly was it that you decided that you wanted to be an MC? How did you discover your talents?
At an early age I was a huge NWA fan, but becoming an artist always felt more like a fantasy rather than something I could do as a serious career. When Eminem first came out I started to really look at him and see my love for the music and performing.. and how all of that could possibly be a reality for me. I felt as though I could really relate to Eminem and his struggle. I began to study all the classics and practice my flow. At this point, I hadn't really developed a style, I was still learning. Proof though was really the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams of music after I had learned the the art of it. He also gave me my name 'Misfit'. He helped me find my own style and continuously gave me the confidence to let people hear me. I owe him a lot for any success I've had or have and miss him everyday.
Being a female in the music industry is sometimes difficult, have you ever faced any hostility or ostracizing because not only are you a female, but you are attractive too, which to many is a double threat and to a few a double strike?
Being a female in society has its frustrations, as is, but yes, being a female in this game definitely has its difficulties. Back in the day, I used to get told I should sing like Britney because of my blond hair. I used to feel as though maybe I should dress like a tomboy and would almost always have a bandanna covering my face with a fitted hat.
I've always been aware that how I am inside contradicts how people perceive me on the outside. That might even be the reason why I got so many tattoos. Maybe somewhere I was trying to rebel stereotypes. I'm more confident now as an MC, so I dress how I want to and say 'fuck it'. I'm an MC with style, who happens to be female.
Now you are represented by women, management and PR, this is very rare, do you feel women need to represent themselves better by working together without the 'catiness'?
Yes, I think having two female managers is rare in this industry, in a sea of male sharks. Not only are Speed and Maya my managers, but we are team of strong, honest and prideful, business women. We respect each other and have respect for each other, so there's never any 'catiness'. We're too grown and have too much money to make for any of that.
A lot of females in this game don't big each other up, rather they try to compete or knock each other down. That's why guys are running this industry. Most women don't know how to make moves together. We do.
How instrumental was The White Rapper Show in your search for a record deal?
The White Rapper Show was so unexpected when I first got it. The creators had seen my picture and heard my music on Myspace and literally gave me an hour to decide if I would do it or not. I found out two days before entering the house.
Before the show, my career was always headed on the right path. I had some buzz in the UK and in Detroit and NYC. But the show gave me such a broad fan base and recognition, I've always felt very lucky to have had that opportunity.
The love that I have received from all over the world has been overwhelming. My fans are the best. The show might be the reason why I'll get my foot into a door or office, but at the end of the day, its my music and artistry that's keeping me there.
If you had the chance to do a reality show such as that on TV again, would you?
I definitely would. Even though its a lot more invasive than it comes across on television, I love being able to reach that many people. Actually, I have been approached about something along those lines.. I just can't talk about it yet. But I'm really excited for 2008.
English artists don't seem to garner the attention that their American counterparts do, yet are in most cases as equally talented. Why is that?
I'm not really sure. I guess its because hip-hop originated in America and has been ingrained in the urban culture longer. An international artist has to work harder to gain that credibility because the industry isn't quick to co-sign something foreign. I don't mind it though. It’s kind of like living in New York. You have to live here for a few years before your considered a New Yorker. People want you to put in that time to earn their support in this game.. and that's fine with me.