Tag Archives: Kendrick Lamar
WondaGurl: Super Girl with the Super Beats
“I made my first beats on this really small Casio keyboard. There was these little tiny circle drum pads, these turbo drums on it, so I’d just make drum sounds and loops. It was kind of weird how it popped up and I just started. My mom was surprised, because when I was smaller I didn’t like music and I always went away when someone was playing music loud.”
“I notice that a lot of people will go on my Twitter and say, ‘Wow I really respect her because she is a female.’ Before all of the beat battle stuff I thought there were a lot of female producers. Now that I am in the industry, I see that there are none. It would be great to see more females in the game. You are never too young to just do it.”
If you want to hear some of WondaGurl’s music check out her SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/wondagurlbeats
Sources:
Welcome to the Bigbake Show
#1: When was the specific time in your life you fell in love with hip-hop and made a decision about pursuing a music career?
In 1996, I bought Twista’s “Adrenaline Rush”. This is what inspired me to start a musical career. It started out as poetry and morphed into hip-hop once I met my click (The Smokngunz) in the U.S. Army.
#2: You are the CEO and Co-Founder of Smokngunz Records. Can you give a little background history of how the record label was created? What do you think is the most prominent factor that has helped the record label last this long?
The Smokngunz was started in the barracks of 2-44 ADA in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Alexander Smith III (Smoke Digga), Haywood Clark (Wood District), and myself, Anthony Baker, Jr. (Bigbake) would have cyphers. Smoke Digga originally had the name for a group that he was rapping with earlier but they never used it. We like it so it stuck with us.
#3: Who were some of your most important musical influences growing up?
Music is my drug. I have kept it going on my own. Wood District is now a gospel singer and Smoke Digga is a family man. I just couldn’t give it up. I would do music for free if I would be able to live and prosper as well. I listened to music more than I watched television as a child. My mom used to blast Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, All of the Jacksons (together and apart LOL), Whitney Houston, and so many more. My father was more into bands. He played the guitar in a band when I was a child. Through him I listened to Prince, Maserati, The Gap Band etc. As I got older I listened to N.W.A., Rob Base, Salt-N-Pepa, Too $hort, Twista, Outkast, Tela, and waaayyy to many more artists to name. I have always been a music head.
#4: Do you remember the very first hip-hop song you ever wrote? If so can you share what it was about?
The first song I wrote when I figured out that music would be my journey was called “A Nigga Like Me.” It was pretty much about a paranoid soldier’s thoughts in the military. It was very angry.
#5: What many elements do you think that current hip-hop artists are missing from their music right now?
Before the era of Kendrick Lamar and cast ( J Cole, Wale, etc.) I felt that the game was in a state of no substance. Drake opened that door again with the more sensitive rap, which was an ingenious move, then Kendrick Lamar blew the doors down. Now me are (rap is) more conscious again.
#6: How would you describe your sound in four words? Explain the reason you picked each of those words.
My sound in four words: Real, Militant, Truth, and Raw.
Real because it isn’t loosely based on my life, its what was happening at that point in my life.
Militant because I like to preach a lot, give directives and examples.
Truth because it is true LOL.
Raw because before the Drakes, Kendrick Lamars, and a few others, people wouldn’t say the things I say.
#7: You have a blog on Tumblr (The Official Smokngunz Records Blog). Explain what information you have on the blog site.
http://bigbake01.tumblr.com/ is raw and random at the moment. It will be informative about the movements of my associates and I. LOL (don’t judge me)
#8: What gives you the most inspiration when you create lyrical content to your music?
Life gives me all of my inspiration. If I feel like being faithful or in love, that’s what I write about. If I feel like hopping in these streets and getting back to the grind, that’s what my music will focus on.
#9: What does the future hold for Smokngunz Records and Bigbake in the next 10 years?
I will be signing a few artists and releasing projects in the next 1 to 2 years. More signing at first. We will continue to be global. I will continue to push what we already have on the networks now, and simply grow and develop.
#10: Is there anything you want to share with the readers or your fans about any upcoming events to look out for?
You can check out the two singles that we already released:
Bigbake feat. Truth B. Told – “Hustler’s Anthem” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hustlers-anthem-feat.-truth/id604365673)
Bigbake – “Next Level” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/next-level-single/id590788950)
You can hit me up on ALL of the social media sites @bigbake01 (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, etc.)
Brittney Parker, Keeping the Visionista Movement Alive
Meet Brittney Parker. Model. Mentor. Vlogger. Actress. Wife. Mother. Visionista. For those of you who don’t know what a “Visionista” is Brittney defines it as the “act of power sensing with the eyes, mind, and heart. A driven woman with ambition, talent, and skill. All with a strut in her step.” I guess if I put myself in this category I would call myself a “Nerdy Visionista.”
#1: Explain to the readers out there what MissParkerTV is all about. What makes it unique than the many other YouTube channels that are out there?
MissParkerTV is everything I’ve ever wanted to capture. It’s unique because with the all the talent on Youtube, I have many opportunities to share who I am through MissParkerTV. Though, it’s a small portion of who I really am. I have not shared the rest of me yet.
#2: What do you think is the most important thing that you feel all women should possess and feel good about?
All women should feel good about what God gave them. Talents, gifts, and the privilege to be a woman. We sometimes overlook those simple yet complex things.
#3: You are a mother of a 5 year-old boy. How do you balance your motherly duties as well as your entertainment career?
Geeze. Where do I start? My boy is a talented individual and I think that’s where I hone my balancing skills. I say that because I taught him to understand that mommy has to work. He understands that my work is getting in front of the camera, or writing an article. But as a 5 year old — patience is not a virtue and he wants to play. It’s funny because there are times when all he wants me to do is watch him play a skateboarding game, so I can check out his cool tricks and I have my computer or phone. He tells me, “Mommy, no phones!” It’s a rule now for sure. And I’m okay with that.
#4: MissParkerTV has become extremely successful on YouTube since you started the channel about a year ago (If I am not mistaken). What are some of the most memorable vlog posts you have done (past or present)?
Oh man, I was just watching some of my videos a few days ago. I realized how much I’ve grown and how much of a slightly different direction things have gone. Some of my most memorable videos would be the ones I made with my good friend, Deshawn Raw and hosting Kendrick Lamar’s show.
#5: You are a woman of many talents. You are a model, mentor, radio host, event planner, interviewer, vlogger, blogger, actress, and dancer. Out those nine talents that you can do extremely well, which four do you feel stand out to you in representing who you are?
This is a good question because I’ve struggled with this. I can definitely say that acting, dancing and blogging really hold me in another place.
#6: You are also an AMBW spokesperson. For those that don’t know what AMBW means, could you explain the acronym and also share what your spokesperson duties consist of.
Alright, so to those that don’t know, AMBW means Asian Men, Black Women. I don’t know if I’d called myself a spokesperson. LOL. I mean, I have this underlying desire to really see the world flourish and people date who they want to date. But for me, I’ve created awareness to other black women who’ve wanted to take a dip in that water. Now, I’m happily married, my husband is Filipino and I guess you could say we both advocates but in a very indirect way.
#7: List 5 random facts you haven’t shared that your fans may be surprised to know.
Five random facts, here we go.
1. I used to be a mail lady. Yes drove and delivered mail.
2. I’m obsessed with big butts. It’s just a thing I have, don’t judge me. LOL
3. I think I’m boring.
4. I have alter egos and I can’t wait to introduce them to you guys.
5. I have 3 last names, well actually 4 now that I’m married.
I think that’s random enough. LOL
#8: What are five things currently that you are totally obsessed with and why?
1. Shoes because I’m turning 25 and I think I’m having a quarter life crisis. I just want lots of heels.
2. Ciara’s ‘Body Party’ I love anything sampled.
3. Business, lately I’ve been adding on to the MissParker brand and helping others brand themselves.
4. Writing — I cannot tell you why but you will be in for a treat!
5. I’m currently reading this book called ‘Poor Little Bitch Girl’ it’s a total mess and I love it.
#9: Where do you see yourself in your career 10 years down the line?
Completely expanding my brand. There are no limits on what God can do. What I’m doing now, is definitely going to get me there.
#10: Is there anything you want to share with the readers or your fans about any upcoming events to look out for?
First, I’d like to say, these are not my fans but their my friends. My VISIONISTAS! I am so happy to call them that! I have been writing — a lot. And I want them to be surprised.
Source: “What is a Visionista?” http://www.brittneyparker.com/category/whats-a-visionista/