Ever since I heard her murder the track “Still Dope” on Doom’s new Born Like This album, I’ve been digging for information on (Empress) staHHr. Luckily, she’s been sweet enough to give me a minute of her time. Keep reading to learn all about the Atlanta femcee’s history: when she started rhyming (day one), who she’s been influenced by (pretty much everyone), and even her thoughts on the elusive supervillain Doom.
Buy Almost Neva Was
Check out her Myspace
SvG: How long have you been writing, rhyming, making music?
staHHr: I’ve been writing [rhymes] since phone calls cost a dime. I’ve been authoring and expressing myself musically literally my entire life. I was in chorus and band in elementary school, and have been creative writing since I was seven. “Active/intentional” rhyme writing began at 14, free styling around 15, 16 and I recorded my first song in 1996.
SvG:What was the process making your debut EP Almost Neva Was?
staHHr: It was the anti process. I took a bunch of songs out of what I had recorded so far and said “I gotta do something with these or quit rhyming”. It wasn’t intricately planned out at all; no sitting in a basement sweating under a police light or anything. I liken it to cramming for finals the day before and still making an “A”. I picked what I liked the best and called [John Robinson] like, “I need to eat, can we put this out?” I was starving son!
SvG: Can you tell me a little about what you’re working on, and who you’re working with? Also, what’s inspiring you right now?
staHHr: I’m featured on DOOM’s “Born like This”, OzyReigns “Exciting Times” street LP, and Boog Brown’s upcoming album “Dope Girl Magic” on this joint “Dope Girl Magic (Rmx) with her and Invincible. I recently began working on a new album with producer Floyd the Locsmif; we are very much in the zygote stages with that. The Funkman himself SirDZL (Del) just laced me with some heat as well. That’s all I can divulge at this point, can’t give it all up on the first date. Ha! My most fundamental Inspiration right now is the blessing of being alive, seriously. Giving thanks to the Creator every time!
Now, what is inspiring me? 1.The eminent resurgence of original, creative, quality hip hop music. 2. The positive feedback “Still Dope” has been receiving, 3. My two year old, 4.The passing of good friend /brilliant emcee Jax (Binkis Recs) last year. I went from major writer’s block to writing almost daily after that. The hip hop paradigm is about to shift in the favor of emcees with lyrics and that’s got me very inspired, motivated and focused on creating right now. In terms of WHO is inspiring me; here’s the long short list from the iPod: Sha Stimuli, Boog Brown, Eagle Nebula, Stacy Epps, mikeflo, Mojo Swagger, Ekundayo, most of the Atlanta hip hop scene right now, too many to list, The Reminders, K’naan, John Robinson, Murs, Elzhi, Invizzibl Men, the golden era legends and FTP/MOBB for the work they putting in communities nationally and globally.
SvG: You rep Atlanta pretty hard. How has the city shaped you as an artist?
staHHr: I’ve lived here 20 years; Atlanta is the mold all the elements that comprise the amalgam I am today were poured into. I have been exposed to people and music from all over the world living here. My lyrical influences were heavily East Coast and West Coast emcees, so I’m typically not pegged as sounding like a “Southern artist. This is where I fell in love with hip hop, started rhyming, etc. Atlanta has produced so many talented musicians of various genres, being exposed to this environment and the resulting experiences had no choice other than to culminate into “staHHr”. Living in Atlanta has sparked a craving for vibrations that are universal, versus being pigeonholed into regional stereotypes. Straight up, I’m the equivalent of a middle finger to those who think there is no diversity in the South. I am g.r.i.t.s. to the bone (girl raised in the South); born in Memphis and raised here; yet I can thrive in any environment. As an artist, I have found it more challenging to come by a paid show in Atlanta. The silver lining is this is a wonderful place for exposure, networking and to hone your craft. We have a tight knit musical community here; great place to earn your stripes. For the most part, most of us genuinely support and have mutual respect for each other.
SvG: Ok, since you obviously have a diverse hip-hop pedigree, name your top five emcees and top five albums, in any genre.
staHHr: It’s so hard to narrow it down, but here goes, in no particular order: Ghostface, Del, Redman, Nas, Special Ed. Other include Andre 3000, Sean Price, MC Lyte, and many, many more. As for favorite albums that’s also tough, but I would start with anything by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Sizzla or Garnett Silk, too many to list, Aquemini, Urban Legend, Let’s Get Free, Illmatic, It was Written, Illadelph Half Life, All Hail the Queen, Dela Soul is Dead, Stakes is High, Buhloone Mind State, etc etc. . .
SvG: Last, I’ve got to ask your thoughts on the infamous supervillain Doom.
staHHr: Ah yes, the infamous DOOM. I don’t communicate with him as much as I’d like. I think he is incredibly talented and brilliant as an artist. He is unpredictable and unorthodox; a lyrical genius; an intellectual thug. I learned a lot from him and I appreciate all the doors he has opened for me and all of the gems he passed on. DOOM is like a big brother, and working with him was the driving force behind me really taking myself seriously as an artist. Definitely a wild roller coaster ride dealing with him; never a dull moment.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes yes….
Ya holding it down.
And Junkie leaves
Empress Stahhr is dope. She is a symphony yet to be completed.
Stahhr is a rare gem in HIP HOP; she is original with raw thought- provoking lyrics!! Big Ups Femcee!
DOPE!
Im suprised that there is no mention of her awesome feature “Visualistic” on Micranauts’ “Obelisk Movement” Album from most of the articles ive read about her. Truly gifted…
I totally agree with “BIEF” on the “Visualistic” comment. That is the rhyme that sold me on staHHr completely. Anyone who hasn’t heard that album should definitely attempt to acquire it and go straight to track 11. Support the sista and purchase ‘Almost Neva Was.”