Since her first texts at the age of 14, Starrlight never stopped writing. Easily identifiable thanks to her sharp flow, the Dutch rapper told us about her journey in hip hop and her new album Planet Starrazoid.
How and when were you introduced to hip hop?
I actually got introduced to Hiphop by watching all the music videos on TV. And friends that were really into 2pac, Biggie, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, DMX.
How did you start rapping?
I started rapping when I was 14 years old. Hearing powerful queens like MC Lyte, Da Brat, Missy Elliot, Bahamadia, Heather B, Rah Digga (and the list goes on) do their thing, made me wanna try it out. At that age I was really just looking for a way to express my feelings. After practising martial arts since the age of 6, where you can physically express your emotions, I knew I needed something else where I can get everything out verbally. Cause I wasn’t really much of a talker. So what I did was, I used to listen to all the tracks I loved and just wrote down the lyrics and started spitting their verses. After a while I thought “Maybe I can write my own?” So I did. And I never stopped ever since…
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
I already named a few queens but if we have to add a few more + some of the kings: Lauryn Hill, Lil’Kim, Foxy Brown, Wu Tang, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharaoh Monch, Rakim, Xzibit, Ice-T, Ice Cube, 2pac, Biggie, Big L, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, DMX. I can go on for ages, but basically that REAL HIPHOP.
How would you define your music?
To be honest I don’t really like to define my music. Cause I don’t like to categorize or put things in boxes. I just make whatever it is that the beat is telling me at that particular moment. It mostly ends up including a lot of knowledge, haha.
How do you work on your flow? Do you use special techniques or routines?
I don’t use any techniques or routines for my flow. It just comes out when I hear the beat, it decides the way I will write to it. Since I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years, it just comes out naturally.
Who are your female role models?
I think role models is such a strong word cause we’re all perfectly imperfect. I have a lot of respect for ALL independent women out there.
Do you consider yourself a feminist? If so, how would you define your own feminism?
Although I truly agree with the fact that women aren’t considered equal in this society, and we absolutely should be! I can’t say that I’m a feminist myself. Simply because I don’t like labels and I don’t fight for women rights only, I fight for humanity!
What are your upcoming projects?
I just released an album Planet Starrazoid including the 1st video You Are Not Alone and I am now working on releasing multiple singles and finishing some awesome collabs.
What do you think about Madame Rap? What should be changed or improved?
I think it is very awesome that there is a platform that is focused on women. Because I still think there are not enough women in the scene. So, to give them a spotlight to shine is very dope! Much respect to Madame Rap.
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