First and Foremost introduce self to our readers online and around the world?
Somaya Boss Reece "La Jefa" is a survivor of life, an artist, a sister, a daughter, most importantly an inspiration to everyone. Especially those who don't let struggles stop them from achieving their dreams.
Tell me a bit about how how you got into music industry and how long you have been recording and performing for?
Musically literally saved my life! Some people don't know my story but I started music to get out of my violent and alcoholic abusive home. I was trying to find a way out into something positive. I stared playing the violin and singing chorus when I was 9. I tried my best to stay positive by using music as my outlet but the streets sucked me into a lifestyle of gangs. I lived a very dark life until I was 18 when I finally got sick of it and knew I had to change my life. I always had my music as my therapy though. It changed my life forever. When I turned 18 I was still living in the hood cleaning houses as a maid. I really wanted to record music but couldn't afford it. Naively, I would go to the library and post ads looking for producers. Mind you I had no idea how to even use the internet, nor did I know the creeps that lurk on there. As you would expect I encountered a lot of frauds. But I kept on. I then was found by Tom from Myspace and asked to join. Little did I know that would help pave where I am today. 31.8 million views later, a lot of heart ache, fraudulent managers/producers, falling flat on my face, making many mistakes and seeing many lies in the industry. I started to create fans by just being ME. Not selling them anything, just telling my story and being honest. Never fronting I am anything I am not. Frankly I didn't have money to make merchandise, I only had enough to ride to the bus to clean houses with my mom, until later when I bought a car. But I kept going because I had a vision. I kept pushing and finally started getting really great deals and big checks that I re invested into myself and properties. The labels finally took notice to my big viral movement. They would call Myspace before taking a meeting to make sure my stats were legit and not some kind of engineered program so gain a lot of plays. I was called into Myspace Records because my page was causing so much noise and response. The statistics were legitimate, after all they can check your page. lol They are Myspace Records! Between it all I would perform anywhere and everywhere there was an audience. I had to fall before I could get better at my performances. I feel comfortable now on a stage, whether it is 100 people or 10 thousand. The stage is where I belong. I am never afraid. I have seen the bottom and what's underneath that. I go hard for my dreams! For myself, and for the world. I did it respectfully, no one can say or prove otherwise.
Your new album which is has been set to be released later this year Titled "Miss Opinionated" has been well anticipated tell me about some of the people you worked with on this project and touch on the new single "Tramp" and what your fans can expect from you on this album?
Musically literally saved my life! Some people don't know my story but I started music to get out of my violent and alcoholic abusive home. I was trying to find a way out into something positive. I stared playing the violin and singing chorus when I was 9. I tried my best to stay positive by using music as my outlet but the streets sucked me into a lifestyle of gangs. I lived a very dark life until I was 18 when I finally got sick of it and knew I had to change my life. I always had my music as my therapy though. It changed my life forever. When I turned 18 I was still living in the hood cleaning houses as a maid. I really wanted to record music but couldn't afford it. Naively, I would go to the library and post ads looking for producers. Mind you I had no idea how to even use the internet, nor did I know the creeps that lurk on there. As you would expect I encountered a lot of frauds. But I kept on. I then was found by Tom from Myspace and asked to join. Little did I know that would help pave where I am today. 31.8 million views later, a lot of heart ache, fraudulent managers/producers, falling flat on my face, making many mistakes and seeing many lies in the industry. I started to create fans by just being ME. Not selling them anything, just telling my story and being honest. Never fronting I am anything I am not. Frankly I didn't have money to make merchandise, I only had enough to ride to the bus to clean houses with my mom, until later when I bought a car. But I kept going because I had a vision. I kept pushing and finally started getting really great deals and big checks that I re invested into myself and properties. The labels finally took notice to my big viral movement. They would call Myspace before taking a meeting to make sure my stats were legit and not some kind of engineered program so gain a lot of plays. I was called into Myspace Records because my page was causing so much noise and response. The statistics were legitimate, after all they can check your page. lol They are Myspace Records! Between it all I would perform anywhere and everywhere there was an audience. I had to fall before I could get better at my performances. I feel comfortable now on a stage, whether it is 100 people or 10 thousand. The stage is where I belong. I am never afraid. I have seen the bottom and what's underneath that. I go hard for my dreams! For myself, and for the world. I did it respectfully, no one can say or prove otherwise.
Your new album which is has been set to be released later this year Titled "Miss Opinionated" has been well anticipated tell me about some of the people you worked with on this project and touch on the new single "Tramp" and what your fans can expect from you on this album?
My first album will be called Miss Opinionated because I have a lot to say and alot of people to get at on my album. lol I am not in a rush to make the album. I want to create a demand for it, create a larger organic movement as I am now, then focus on that. The biggest mistake people do is rush to make an album when album sales are at an all time low. Singles and ringtones is where it's at. I'm focused on singles and my mixtape. Tramp was a song that originally was written as a rap song. But the producer thought it would be better song if it was a pop friendly song. So I took a risk and tried it. And a lot of people vibed with it, especially the message. It was very new to my fans though. The album will most likely done by K Mac (Soul diggaz) Seige (Detox/Busta/Missy) and Cito On The Beat (Joe Budden/Lil wayne/Fabolous) The sound to expect from my album is very pop/hip hop with a heavy Latin influence. I never compare myself to anyone however it has been said my label execs the sound is very PitBull, Missy Elliot with a heavy club influence. It's flattering to know that as they are some of my idols. My mixtape which will be presented by Diggy & Young Simmons DJ Spin King. It will be all hip hop with my Spanglish lyrics of course. This one will be not so radio friendly. Mostly lyrics, a lot of rap collabs, personal stories of my hihgs/lows, and my daily struggles. The mixtape doesn't have a name yet.
II'm aware earlier in your career Myspace.com named you the #1 female Rap Artist how has that success you had then transpired now to your present day movement?
A lot of pressure! If you are looking for a hardcore rapper. That is not me. I stick to what I love to do and being it is Spanglish it puts me in my own lane and i'm pop friendly. That is the biggest market with the most revenue to get into. I love it. I have endured a lot of struggle due to being named this. Because I am a female alone many people have either 1-slammed the door or 2-vibed with my movement. It took years to polish up my skills. I'm not a freestyle type of artist, I am a writer. Big ups to everyone that does it though. I prefer to do a more Latin influenced style of rap, not to be confused with Reggae Tone although I do get down like that. It is very americanized Ala' Pitbull. Because that is my culture, that is what I want to do. I'm bringing a whole new style/lane that is untouched and by far the biggest market I get into. Latino, European dance, and the American market. I love it. No one can touch what i'm doing. It's cultural yet worldly.
So as an actress you have featured in films such as American Psycho, The Scorpion King, and have been featured on hit TV series such as Entourage and Girlfriends some one so talented like your self was it easy transitioning into film oppose to making music and what's new with your acting career?
Low key. I did it both at the same time. I have a lot of commercials under my belt too. I started at the very bottom as an extra, then when organically grew into speaking roles. My commercials were an entirely different story. I just love the stage. I also do the method acting technique which is what I use to bring out these characters. I take my real life experiences and use them into a live performing art. I have studied acting for 9 years, right when I turned 18. I never had agent doing this which is the funniest part. I'm a hustler. I figured out how to get into the auditions, when I got in, I killed my audition and booked them. I just signed to my first legit agency. They are ex William Morris agents. The best of the A Listers representation. I'm excited. I am now up for very heavy hitting parts with credible actors you see out now. I'm excited about the future.
You recently where chosen as the model for the relaunch of PlanetPit.com how did that whole situation come about. And how was it working with Pit bull and the other members on that photo shoot and project?
I am not a model at all. I flew out with VH1 to meet with Pitbull and we set up a killer shoot with PlanetPit.com It was a great experience. Pitbull is so funny and such a great guy. He blessed me with a meeting that I could never even think would happen due to him being a super star. It was a blessing to finally meet him. He is my idol! Unfortunately there is not much I can say about this shoot as it is part of a VH1 project. However, let's not get it twisted I am an artist, not a model. He gave me a platform to be on his website. I am thankful as it has exposed me to many of his fanbase as well as I have promoted my fanbase to visit his website. Check out the shoot, it;'s fabulous!
How do you feel personally about the state of Female Rappers in Hip Hop right now?
I'm glad that we have females getting recognition on a worldly level. I plan on being in that lane as a Latina. I'm very much into girl power so you know i'm rooting for my girls!
I'm glad that we have females getting recognition on a worldly level. I plan on being in that lane as a Latina. I'm very much into girl power so you know i'm rooting for my girls!
Besides you being Latin what do you feel separates you from other female rappers in today's music industry?
My out of the box style, my honest story, ME. I cannot be duplicated!
How has the Internet impacted your career?
It's funny because the viral world is where it's at. For years I was clowned on the internet because people didn't see it was the future of everything. Music videos, artists are now breaking and discovered on the internet. I was ahead of the curve thank goodness. I am where many want to be at. Locking down the internet is not easy, I did it and benefit in many ways due to it. Television deals, record label offers, film scripts, campaigns etc etc
Whats Next for Miss Somaya Reece?
I'm currently filming with VH1 but I cannot mention what it is about. Except I am an artist on the show. I shows my struggle in the game. I'm brining the side of the game people are afraid to admit too. How hard it really is! Something all the underdogs of the world can relate too. As mentioned before I am working on my mixtape with DJ Spin King. I have many great features that have confirmed they will be on my mixtape. I am locking down a record deal now. I am making the decision to take it or wait a little longer. I am being featured on a lot of records for 2011 And of course. I am going heavy on my viral and campaigns I have in the works. My team and I are working on making Somaya Reece a household name. And it will happen, sooner than you think.
Before we conclude this interview any last words! please tell your fans where they can stay on top of Everything SOMAYA REECE!
Visit my website where I update content daily www.MissReece.com Everything is there, music, my bio, where I will be and personal video blogs.
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