San Jose rapper Lucy Camp told us about her first encounter with rap and her new hip hop new wave EP “Summer Camp”, released on the independent label Quintic Records.
When and how did you discover hip hop?
Growing up my uncle would play a lot of rap music. I remember the first rap song I heard was “The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground. That was how I became exposed to one of the elements of hip-hop.
How did you start rapping?
When I was 6 years old, I’d gather my family around the living room and put on my dad’s sunglasses to “rap” for them. Later down the line when I was 12 I started writing little raps in my notebooks. At 15 I took a hip-hop elective in high school and began writing full songs and recording my own music under a different name.
How would you describe your music?
My music is versatile. The Summer Camp EP I recently put out is very different from the music I’ve made in the past and totally represents where I’m at right now sonically. I’d say some of the tracks I make are poetic, others are more angsty while others are just pure vibes.
You just released your third EP “Summer Camp”. Who did you work with on this project?
I worked with Peter Anthony Red on the Summer Camp EP. He’s a producer in the label, Quintic, that I’m in. He completely captured the 80s vibes with the instrumentals, I’m in love with what he’s done on this project. I also worked with Africa from the band Neko Pink on the track Stars. I was lucky enough to have her send her vocals last minute for the hook portion. She killed it.
Your track “Disguise” has a strong new wave/Blood Orange/Twin Peaks vibe. What’s the story behind this track?
Peter played me the melody you hear in the hook and that was all it was, a melody with no drums. As soon as he played it for me I got this synthwavey vibe from it and suggested he add some drums of that style to the melody. As soon as he did that I kept thinking of the word “disguise” and I came up with the hook right then and there. The song is about falling for someone who isn’t who they say they are.
You come from San Jose, California. How is the female hip hop scene like over there?
Although I’m from San Jose, I’m not heavily involved in the music scene out here. I’m used to making music in my room and sending it over and that’s it. I do know that Snow Tha Product is from San Jose too, though.
Do you consider yourself a feminist? If so, what kind of feminism do you most relate to?
When I think of the word feminist I think of believing/fighting for equal rights between men and women. That is the feminism I believe in.
Who are your female role models and why?
My aunt Bella is a big female role model for me because growing up she gave me a lot of advice my mom wasn’t able to give me. She’s a strong woman who I’ve seen endure a lot in her life. I admire her strength and her morals because it’s helped shaped me in some way.
Another female role model I have is Dua Lipa. I appreciate her dedication to music and a healthy physique. She has abs FOR DAYS. It’s motivating.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have a debut album dropping in the fall which I am excited for!
What do you think of Madame Rap? What should be changed or improved?
I think it’s dope that Madame Rap provides exposure of female artists in hip-hop. It’s always great when women can come together to support and uplift other women. Keep doing what you’re doing!
