They Cool Like That | ETERNIA

Have you ever stepped back to think how truly criminal our society is? In the most miniscule ways, we are all systemically sexists, racists, and flat out jerks. Now I’m not saying everyone is (on another topic, I may, but I’d employ Thomas Hobbes logic, then things get kinda graphic), but, when one steps back and says “Name the Top 5 Female emcees of all time,” and on another totally relevant conversation ask one to “Name the Top Emcees of All Time,” and 9 times out of 10 won’t include a female emcee in there, isn’t there something slightly subtly wrong in that? I can’t say I’m not guilty of this, I believe most hip hop fans and critics are. What’s my point here? My point is that Michie Mee was the first Canadian rapper to sign a major record deal with American label First Priority/Atlantic. Lauryn Hill damn near won every single Grammy she was nominated for with Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Eve, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott all claimed a Grammy for being a part of “You Got Me,” by The Roots. In hip hop, the success of the female over looked and tossed aside as another “whatever,” unless some excess cleavage is shown (See: my last article for iHD).
      Going beyond emcees and even further behind the music is the ironic forgetfulness of the DJ. This is ironic because without the DJs, who on earth would play the music? The all important role of the DJ has been relegated to a low-level priority for those not directly involved with the performance or show at hand. What we saw in 2008 though was resurgence; a return to the DJ. Keep in mind, in the early 80’s to early 90’s it was all about the DJ. Emcees would always refer to the man making the music and weren’t so enthused about feeling themselves all the time. Moreover, I recently wrote a piece for OkayPlayer regarding a masterful show I witnessed that involved 2 DJs and one beat-boxer (http://www.okayplayer.com/stories/music/scratch!-skratch!-scratch!-three-noisemakers-go-toe_to_toe-on-the-skriz_atch.-200912029387/). Skratch Bastid and DJ Starting From Scratch are Canada’s most prolific DJs, and the beat-boxer was Scratch, formally of The Roots crew. It was ultimately one of the best experiences of my life and it was remarkably refreshing having it, once again, all about the DJ.
      However, the DJs are still more often forgotten about. So imagine life for a female DJ, not only having things hard behind the scenes as it is, but being a female and having to work twice as hard for everything. I’ve always respected hip hop; the music, those who make them, and those responsible for helping to make them. To truly appreciate hip hop, we have to get to know the personalities behind the turntables, behind the SP1200, behind the microphone, and so on. Hence, this spotlight features three wonderful ladies who’ve contributed immensely to hip hop: Eternia, DJ Lissa Monet, and DJ Superfox. Over the next three weeks we’ll be showing off a little somethin’ somethin’ in terms of some words I’ve had with these three and their opinions on hip hop, ladies in hip hop, and the forgotten art of hard work!


Eternia's about to drop an album with a DJ Premier co-signed (and signed) producer, MoSS, entitled “At Last.” She’s been featured on numerous major hip hop websites (Hip Hop DX, NahRight, KevinNottingham, 2DopeBoyz) and really only receives positive criticism. The bottom line is that when you are as dope of an emcee as Eternia is, there’s nothing to complain about. Skyzoo even once said something along the lines of this girl being cute, but once she started spitting, nothing was cute. It was all gritty. Jeru Da Damaja speaks highly of Eternia as well, “She’s really a good emcee. She’s got flava.” The legends praise doesn’t stop there. The aforementioned DJ Premier gave her props, KRS One, Pharoahe Monch, Common, etc. The list goes on. So, why is it that not enough people have heard of this marvelous emcee? She can be seen sporting her “My Favourite Rapper Wears A Skirt” t-shirt from school to school on her Girls’ Rights tour (alongside another very overlooked emcee, Masia One) by day, and ripping up the hip hop circuit from East to West coast by night.

 iHD’s Sean Deezill got a chance to sit and chat with Eternia, and talk about certain obstacles she faces as a female in a man’s game of hip hop, as well as her views on the word “femcee.” And while she does talk about her upcoming project with producer, MoSS, we’ll find out what she thinks about the possibilities of a female duo breaking out. Without further ado, here’s a short, but sweet little interview with the very busy, the very delightful Miss Eternia.

SD: E, let’s jump right into it. As a female emcee, what obstacles occur that prevent you from working your craft at an ordinary pace/standard?

E: Hmm. Interesting wording.  I think sometimes my opinions, especially on technical stuff like mixing, or mastering, or production, is just… not taken seriously. But if a dude in the biz, who just happens to have the same opinion / musical preference as I have, states his opinion… then I’ve noticed that often his opinion is immediately weighed in, and viewed as valid and informed.  It doesn’t matter how many years I been in this game, or how many albums I’ve released independently, or how many good songs I’ve made… I often feel like in that area my opinions and views are unwelcome, which can put a serious dent in the recording, mixing or mastering process.

But that’s just one example, and by no means reflects every individual experience I’ve had with every individual person. It’s just a general experience.  And there’s many more examples that I could get into… just multiply not being heard in the studio with [opinions on] a live show, or with the sound man or even a business meeting or a video shoot with a male director, etc...  I’m just stating facts since you asked.

SD: Naturally though, you don’t “complain” do you?

E: I don’t complain. I do what I need to do. It comes with the territory.  But when I find people that actually value my professional opinion (key word: professional. I have 15 + years experience)… it’s a SUPER HUGE breath of Fresh Air.  I notice it when it happens, ‘cause it’s so rare.

SD: I recently made a short post on Female DJs and their, I guess, how they are so overlooked. As an emcee, what can you say differs the Female DJ from the Male DJ.

E: It’s hard for me to answer that, but I can tell you all the female DJ’s I know are exceptional perfectionists. Like DJ Shortee in LA, who I just toured with last year. She’s retarded. Her routine is ridiculous. And DJ Chela kills it.  Those are just a few. It’s hard for me to answer that question because I prefer to promote equality, not differences. Although, to be fair, I’m sure there are some differences. I’m just not the one to notice or highlight ‘em.

SD: How hard would it be to break into the biz as a female emcee AND female DJ/producer duo? Wouldn't that be wanted, considering how rare it is?

E: I personally feel that at this stage of the game, when the industry as we know it is crumbling and record stores are closing their doors, that any ‘risk’ with a ‘product’ is a risk labels or investors are too scared to take.  So, sure! A female emcee and female DJ duo would be amazing! What would be even more amazing is if they were both at the top of their craft, and just as good as if not better than popular male duos you can think of. It shouldn’t be about gender, it should be about the person best qualified for the job, getting the job, regardless of gender! Right?  It’s just a fact that some women are qualified! *smiles*. 

SD: Ah, so risk is at the core of this all?

E: Yeah… I think that forward-thinking, risk-taking, artist-developing Hip Hop labels barely exist now, just because the industry is in such shambles. I think if times got a lil more cushy again, especially financially, that labels would take risks. And myself, or a duo that’s both female, would be an example of one of those risks. You know?  It’s never personal. It’s always about the bottom line.  Unless you’re putting yourself out, independently. And if so: who cares what anyone thinks???!!! Ha.

-Sean Deezill

FREE Download From Eternia's "Get Caught Up" digi-mix by DJ Law, dropping for free on Dec. 15th, presented by 2DopeBoyz.com & KevinNottingham.com

Click on the link below to download "FOUL CHILD" produced by Ant B. aka Mr. Cincinnati http://www.zshare.net/audio/698056842c68c412/



For more info on Eternia:
www.myspace.com/eternia
www.twitter.com/therealeternia

Photograph's provided by:

First photo: Jessica Kaya 

Second photo: B.Fresh

Third photo: Helene E.

Fourth photo: Asa