Sincere: First off, I would like to thank you for performing at the Art Of Lyrics show this past Sunday. How long have you been rapping and who were your influences coming up?
Golden: I appreciate the opportunity!! I been rapping on and off for about 10 years. I decided to take it serious about 5 years ago tho. As far as influences go, well I listened to a lot of different music. I really liked Biggie, Nas, Jay Z, Missy Elliot, the whole Ruff Ryders Camp, but I used to listen to a lot of R&B because I spent a lot of time with my Grandparents. So I listened to a lot of Stevie Wonder, Al Green , James Brown, Sade and Michael Jackson. I just love music. I've been listening to all types/genres all my Life.
Sincere: You have premiered your new record “Alright” at the Art Of Lyrics and the crowd loved every second of it. It’s great to hear artists putting out quality feel good records. When are you planning to debut your new single?
Golden: Well that was like a test run. I had just recorded that track maybe 2 weeks before the show and it was kinda just for fun. It came out dope so I'll probably put it on my next solo project. I got a couple collaboration project droppin' in the next few months. I been working on a bunch of stuff and I got a few joints in the stash. I don't wanna give up all the music. It's more you're gonna have to come see me live to hear certain stuff before it drops.
Sincere: “Soul Searching” is one of my favorite joints on the Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams album. Who produced the track and what made you decide to come up with the concept?
Golden: Chemist produced that track and I kinda just heard the beat and was like yea I'm feeling this one. It was around the time I was dealing with a lot of different issues with which direction I was gonna take my music. I kinda just went in, I knew I needed a powerful track for my album and when Qui came through with that hook it just fell together. It's one of my favorites too!! I love to perform that track!!
Sincere: You and Kidd Called Quest have formed the group Young, Black And Gifted and have released the P.M.S project, which also received a lot of great feedback on the internet. Will there be another Young Black and Gifted project in the future?
Golden: Young Black and Gifted actually isn’t just me and Quest. Quest started the Young Black and Gifted movement. First was Azariah, then me and then Verse Essential. Me and Quest are definitely gonna do another project we already started talking about it. So look for that in the future!
Sincere: Thanks for the clarification. What separates you from other artists?
Golden: I guess I would say I'm just me. I don't try to be anything I'm not in my music. I'm just me. I definitely think my sound is different because I don't fit into a box. I make all types of music and cover every emotion. I'm just beginning to really let people hear what I do. P.M.S. and Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams aren't even close to similar. But both came from the heart. I pour myself into the music. The L.I.V.E. (Lyrically Inspiring Verbally Expressed) album with Emerald which is a R&B Hip Hop fusion project is gonna open another perspective. I just want to be recognized as an artist not a rapper.
Sincere: What is your meaning of success and how do you apply it in the music industry?
Golden: Well….success can be measured in many ways. It matters how your looking at things. If I achieve something that makes my efforts successful but to me you can always do better. There is always something else or more to gain especially in the music industry. Everything is constantly changing and moving. So you have to keep growing and evolving as an artist. When I can go to any country in the world and people know the words to my songs then I’ll feel successful. Until then, I can keep working hard and taking steps towards my goals.
Sincere: The internet has helped a lot of independent artists get discovered without going to a major label or get spins on commercial radio. If the situation presents itself, would you sign with a major or stay independent?
Golden: I really want to stay independent. I don't want to be turned into what someone's ideal of what sells. I have a lot of people tell me they like me and my music because I'm genuine. If that's whats getting me the love and support now then I’m good with that. If a major approaches with a deal I can work with and I don’t have to sign my integrity away than it's possible. I won't say I wouldn’t entertain the thought.
Sincere: This year has been a terrible year for album sales as no artist has gone platinum. Do you believe it’s due to the outright downloading or the possibility that a lot of artists are not putting out quality albums?
Golden: Downloading probably plays a part in it. But I definitely think there is a lack of good music. Everyone seems to just be doing whatever is popular. It's Bad. No originality at all. Music with no message no content just noise.
Sincere: Would you ever consider jumping into the battle realm such as QOTR?
Golden: Ha!!! Nah I don't think i could keep my temper. I love battle rap but nah. I prefer to make music.
Sincere: In this industry a lot of women feel they need to sell sex to be noticed. However, you are selling lyricism and fans are definitely checking for your new material. You don’t strike me as a woman who let anything bothers you. Have you face any sexism from your fellow rap peers?
Golden: Yea!!! That's a given tho. How many people really like female rappers? How many female rappers are ever named in anyone's top 5 let alone top 10? Most females get put in the same category. The only good thing about that is when you grab the mic and start going in!! The reaction is priceless. I already know I have to earn the respect of the crowd before I get on stage. I just choose to demand it by pouring out as much of me as i can gather up !!
Sincere: If you had the opportunity to work with one producer or artist who would it be?
Golden: I would probably say if I could work with anyone it would be Jay Z that would be EVERYTHING to me. Jay is an icon to me. I really wanna do a track with CyHi the Prince too. I'm definitely gonna work that out !!
Sincere: What advice would you give to upcoming artists trying to break into this industry?
Golden: LOL. I’m trying to break into the industry myself. I guess just work hard and be yourself. Don't try to be something you're not because you think it's cool. Don't be cheap when it comes to your product. Invest in yourself and your sound!! And dont be lazy! Hard work always beats talent when talent fails to work hard !!
Sincere: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview you. Before we wrap things up, where can fans find you online and do you have any shout outs?
Golden: You can find me on Twitter @goldenofrbd Instagram: yagirlgolden Facebook: yagirlgolden you can email me for booking and features at allgoldd585@gmail.com And shout out the whole upstate NY area. My hometown Rochester, Ny. All the dope artist,emcees,and producers. S/O to Kidd Called Quest, Emmy, Volatile and Lava(R.E.A.L), Y class, Chris G, Monsta Black, Destroy, Qui, Dj M80, China, Chatt, King Worthy, Glory, HCM, I can go on and on S/O everybody and huge shout out and salute to everyone involved with the art of Lyrics show and Solo Vibes Music Thank You !!
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