She Real: “I Don’t Rap About My Pussy” Album Review

In this Hip Hop Culture, and the Hip Hop Music within it comes a lot of layers that many don’t understand of why an omega talented artist would struggle or rather go through a very not needed difficulty of process to make a successful career. Also, for Female MC’s like our guest and featured artist whom now has a Triple Headed monster to deal with all because “She Don’t Play The Game” or just flat out doesn’t allow her immensely high level talent to be compromised with tomfoolery and fluff just for the sake of appeasement, and down right mediocre effort being rewarded. The L.A. transplant native by way of HARLEM, NYC (Born and Raised majority of her life) was rippin’ the NYC Independent Circuit, and I’ve met her during my early years in Media around 2014. The fact that NYC didn’t push her as much as we should have is blasphemy AF, and just downright awful to make the things difficult for her.

Unfortunately, the case for a very talented MC like her to go through a litany of tomfoolery and fukery that would make the average person crash out and just give up on their dreams entirely.

She Real took her talents west to L.A. and since that time continues to lace the culture with her presence and overall impactful skillset. 

I have a sit down with her about her upcoming project, and 9th Studio Album; “I Don’t Rap About My P_ssy!!!”

How do you feel about your brand and music so far in 2024, and how do you want to close the year?

SR: My brand voice is both deeply personal and empowering, focusing on resilience, transformation, and using music as a channel to overcome pain. I use musical storytelling to share a narrative of personal struggle and recovery, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges and connect with them on a personal level. I also strive to reflect contemporary issues and highlight the experiences of Black and Brown communities.

Showcasing my natural afro hair is a defining aspect of my visual identity. My clothing style features a blend of Kung fu gees and Hip Hop attire, merging cultural influences with urban aesthetics. I do believe I am Hip Hop’s the last dragon like Bruce Leroy lol.

My reputation is built on my dedication to my craft and work ethic. I’m here to uplift my people. My values shine through in my commitment to inspiring others and openly sharing my journey.

As I wrap up the year, I plan to uphold and showcase my brand through my relentless hustle and dedication to my music. I aim to demonstrate that women deserve a prominent place in the conversation, showing that we can craft compelling stories and deliver impactful messages with exceptional lyricism and captivating cadences. Not all women need to resort to hyper-sexualization to succeed in music!!!

It seems in 2024, the switch that a vast majority within the Hip Hop Culture have been begging for occurs with Lyricists and Conscious MC’s coming out with bangers and high quality albums. What do you feel is the cause of this, and what part do you feel your contributions will take effect in this surge?

SR: History often repeats itself, and the music industry has seen a surge in party-themed tracks that glorify the use and selling of drugs, sexual indulgence, and the pursuit of money at all cost. Yet, Hip Hop has always been the voice of the streets, reflecting the minds, hearts, and souls of the community. For the culture to thrive, Conscious Hip Hop must co-exist with more mainstream styles. We cannot rely solely on club anthems for sustenance; if we did, tracks like “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five wouldn’t have had such a profound impact.

Recent examples, such as Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” reinforce this truth by demonstrating that culture will always take precedence over corporate interests. Regardless of what trends or commercial pressures emerge, we live and breathe Hip Hop every day. This enduring authenticity is evident in the success of albums like Killer Mike’s “Michael” which won Best Hip Hop Album at the 2024 Grammys, proving that the truth and the culture will always prevail. This is why my album is necessary for black woman in Hip Hop everywhere because we represent more than just our bodies.

In “Consequences” what made you made to use so many of today’s modern “Vices” on the track?

SR: I reflect my times. I pay attention to my people. I also watch what trends are promoted to us daily. “Consequences” would not be relevant without these “vices”. The entire story revolves around an age-old tale that continuously resurfaces in today’s times. Many men of power take advantage and manipulate women by physically and sexually abusing them. The “vices” assisted in painting the picture of revenge. Shoutout to the producer 1719 for crafting the perfect soundtrack to a story that empowers women everywhere, transforming their voices from those of victims into symbols of strength.

One thing I can say about you, that you always have the knack of making your projects like the 90’s & early 2000’s with the skits, and just overall structure of the album. When it comes to the skits it seems that you enjoy playing the multiple roles on the track, did you ever want to act or be in movies prior to rapping?

SR: Absolutely!!! I stated to God while creating these skits that I pray they will double as my audition tapes for voice over acting. I have always been greatly influenced by phenomenal women such as Cree Summer, Regina King and Anika Noni Rose that we too can thrive in an animated world. I’m excited to see how it all unfolds.

For the record I have always wanted my own show like Moesha as well. Brandy was the first to inspire me to believe that as an artist I can have television shows, movies, dolls and more as a result of being an entertainer. The brand that is She Real and the clothing I created called Afro People Clothing will all be utilized to bring these visions to life.

On “WTP Air It Out”, you’re describing what seems to be a scenario that a good amount of female MC’s have gone through over the years, and much intensely in these current times. What do you feel could break that type of cycle in the music industry, as well what do you have to say for future female MC’s to prosper through?

SR: There are many ways to break the cycle, especially in today’s times, because the power of ownership and distribution has fallen into the hands of the creator. It would be a huge help to have a machine behind certain artists, which allows direct access to major platforms around the world. However, there is no shame in creating your own network, which allows you to scale your business over time until the right collaboration and/or partnership comes along. My advice would be to start with what you have. Study people like LaRussell, Russ, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Vince Staples, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Nipsey Hussle, Will I Am, Run the Jewels, Kanye West, Tyler Perry, Keke Palmer, and Kevin Hart. Study big brands and how they market a feeling over the actual product. Consider what products you can connect with your music. Stay true to yourself at all times. Continuously plant seeds because everything always comes full circle. A gatekeeper only has power if you’re trying to enter through their gate!!!

Just overall the album’s cadence speaks louder than ever, do you feel from your growth and learning experiences transpired upon this album, as well a fight you’ve contributed to for a while in your music journey?

SR: Three people significantly inspired my approach to this album. First, NYC underground radio host Precenda frequently asked me, “What would Prince do?” Second, Big Bob The Brand Engine challenged my class at the 1500 Sound Academy in Inglewood to capture consumer attention in an oversaturated market by causing a crash or “smashing the windshield.” Lastly, Karev, host of the NJ-based podcast Heritage Hip Hop, posed the question of what is the greatest story ever told, suggesting it was “my story.” I realized that I can only tell my story in my own way. Inspired by God’s artistry, I used personal experiences that caused me to “crash” to connect with and inspire others. Following Prince’s example of owning everything, I decided to make this album exclusively available on my website.

With this album I made sure I did not “dumb down” a damn thing!!! I delivered each story with intent. I DID NOT HOLD BACK!!! A woman like myself can stand next to a Jay-Z, Joyner Lucas, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, JID, Lil Wayne etc. and hold my own. Stories like Eve’s “Love is Blind” do not receive as much credit for inspiring a generation the way Jay-Z’s “Meet the Parents” or Biggie’s “Warning” or Slick Rick “Children’s Story” does. I’m fighting that fight. I’m proving women can excel bar for bar, story for story as well. We belong in your top 5 DOA. “And since we all came from a woman, got our name from a woman and our game from a woman”, I believe its time to start acknowledging the truth….most of y’all can’t hang with us!!!

Conclusion:

This is a very well balanced and put together album, with meaning and direct motive of breaking down a lost lasting cycle, and really holding the Hip Hop Culture accountable of maturing, and finally “GROWING THE FUK UP!!!!” I hope from what you read, that SHE REAL is the REAL DEAL MC, and we all need to take serious notice, and truly add onto to her already rising SUCCESS, and really break this divisive, and unfair circumstances against very talented Hip Hop artists like her.

As per usual #MyCreatives, ONTO THE NEXT!!!!!!