With a single title like "I'm The Shit", one would expect new DTP artist LeLe to be a very arrogant young lady, but she is anything but. She is however, confident in her craft and determined to make a name for herself. MiddleChild spoke with the up and coming rapper about her project, her plans and what exactly makes her the shit.
MiddleChild: Well first of all I checked out the single, "I'm The Shit". (laughs)
LeLe: Yes sir!
MiddleChild: So the first thing I want to know is what makes you the shit.
LeLe: I'm myself and that's lost. I think that especially in this day and age people are not comfortable with being themselves so that's part of the reason that I made the song. To promote individuality and female empowerment. What makes me the shit is that I'm comfortable with being who I am no matter what that is...what that entails.
MiddleChild: Okay. And you're a new signee on DTP. How did that whole deal come about?
LeLe: I was doing some work in D.C. I been up there for the several years. And two different individuals from the label had heard some work that I did and contacted me and we been going from there ever since.
MiddleChild: Nice. What makes you different from the other rap females out right now?
LeLe: I think first of all because I'm from "Jack Town". Know what I'm saying? There's not too many people in the industry from any Gulf State to begin with, so to be a female coming out of Jackson Mississippi is a major difference. I feel like I give a different perspective on southern life because anybody who knows anything about Lousiana, Texas, Mississippi is totally different from say Georgia. So I think that in itself sets me apart from anybody else on the scene right now.
MiddleChild: So you're going to be like the poster child for Jack Town right now, so is that pressure for you or do you gladly take on that challenge?
LeLe: It's not no pressure whatsoever because my city shows me love. They hold me down and I hold them down. I don't feel pressure, I feel obligated and I feel blessed to have that oppotunity to represent them like nobody has so if anything I'm taking it on. I love the fact they hold me down so it's all good.
MiddleChild: I hear you. You're working on the album of course, so how is that going for you?
LeLe: It's going real good. I don't allow pressure to be on me so I'm able to take my time and make it right. I think when people sit down and really embrace the music, that's when the best comes out. So it's going real good. I'm taking my time and trying to get it right so that I can represent right. Know what I'm saying?
MiddleChild: Right. And who have you linked up with in the studio so far?
LeLe: I linked up with the homeboy David Banner. Working with Chingy of course. A lot of my label mates Willy North Pole, Small World... with some people from Jackson...Crime Family, Mob Street... John Boy, who is like the poster boy for southern beats right now. LT Moe. Working with some people from Zone 4...Polow.
MiddleChild: So David Banner...real cool guy. One of the best. I got to kick it with him a few times in the past and all of that. Since he is from Mississippi as well, has he given you any advice on anything?
LeLe: Absolutely.Just going back to the aura of my city, we're not natuarally haters so anybody that I come in contact with it's all good. From the first time I worked with David Banner, he's always been an open door. He's always encouraged me to contact him if I had any questions. So again, working with him has been a blessing. I just can't describe it. Everything is working out so well especially with somebody from where I'm from.
MiddleChild: Okay. That's what's up. So you have been doing this for how long before you in a sense got discovered?
LeLe: I been linked since I was a little girl. Like forever. So that's where I'm moreso a writer than anything and I've been doing that all my life. The rapping really came into play within the...I'll say 2001. So the past seven years. The rapping really stems from writing.
MiddleChild: And how is that different for you? How does the writing and rapping differ for you as far as your artistry?
LeLe: They work hand in hand. Of course the writing is preliminary. You feel me? I think that's the part I enjoy the most. Actually putting the words together and sitting down and taking time with it. But one depends on the other, just like both the writing and the rapping depends on the beat itself so everything works hand in hand. But like I said, I enjoy the writing and performing the most.
MiddleChild: So what would you say is the hottest track that you have completed at the moment?
LeLe: Ooh! I can't give you that right now. Uh Uh. I can't spit that information. Just know that it's coming though. For real for real. (both laugh)
MiddleChild: Okay. So as far as the "I'm The Shit" record, are you going to use that as a buzz record or do you plan on shooting a video for it? How is that going to work for you?
LeLe: We've been writing the treatment for awhile now. We haven't finished it yet. As far as the song, ain't nothing buzz. Like anything I do, I'm trying to put it out there. So if all goes well, which it will, we'll be shooting the video for it soon.
MiddleChild: Okay. Now how do you feel about the present state of the female rap game. For awhile it was so many and then it kind of fell off and then they return only to get pushed back or shelved...what is your take on it? Do you feel it will help you or hurt you?
LeLe: I definitely don't plan on it working against me because I'm stepping out on faith. Know what I'm saying? I'm staying positive with it, so disadvantage is not in my vocabulary at this time but at the same time the way I feel about women in the world is the same I feel about women in the hip-hop industry. We have to make our own way and hopefully I can be a catalyst in encouraging women to get together to get this money cause niggas do it all the time. So it's time to step up and stop being on the "hoe shit" and get together so we can get it together. Niggas manage to put their bullshit aside for the greater good of the music and women can't seem to do that, so again I look forward to being a catalyst and encouraging females in the industry to get together to get it.
MiddleChild: Do you feel the whole "female versus female" thing is rooted within the females itself or do the public and the media hype that up? Is it a plot?
LeLe: I think it may be subconcious. I wouldn't even be bold enough to step out there and say that's what it is. I think it depends on the individual and individually we as women need to make a decision to stop the hate and stop whatever it is that's preventing us from progressing in this industry.
MiddleChild: That's what's up. Well we should be looking for the video soon. I know you're working on the album and taking your time so when do you think we'll get to hear more records from you?
LeLe: You'll be hearing some more records soon. In regards to the album, I'm thinking late summer it will drop completely...officially. So like I said we're not trying to rush it. Just trying to get it together and make it right. At least you know that when you do hear it, it'll be right.
MiddleChild: Do we have an album title?
LeLe: I'm going to get it together for you. I want everything to come how it comes. I don't want to force anything because I feel like when people force it that's when it gets fucked up. Know what I'm saying? I just want it to come naturally so once I finish the album and once I look at all the songs I pick, I think I'm going to get the album title from that, but then again it could be self-titled. I don't know yet.
MiddleChild: Well that's the business. Well all in all we're going to show you some love over at MiddleChild Promotions...
LeLe: I sho' appreciate it.
MiddleChild: We definitely got you and I'll be checking in with you when the video drops, the album drops...all of that.
LeLe: Please do. God bless.
MiddleChild: Definitely. Stay out of trouble, aight.
LeLe: (laughs) Alright. I'll try.
MiddleChild: Have a good one.