In effort to let blog readers know more about the people involved with hip-hop blogging, I (Yung Drew) decided to set up a series of interviews involving hip-hop bloggers. I decided that there would be no better way to kick things off than to interview HERfection.com‘s Heather. Heather has what I consider to be a “quality hip-hop blog.” I know that you all will enjoy this interview – so read below to find out what Heather had to say in regards to all of the interesting questions that were asked! (HIT THE JUMP)….
Wussup Heather, please tell us a little bit about yourself & your personality:
Carolina girl in hopes to live in the big city since I was 15, a family girl, love the way music makes me feel, love the little things in life.
Describe your life prior to discovering hip-hop.
I listened to mostly alternative all up until 10th grade of high school..
What areas of life / hobbies do you enjoy besides music?
I love to fly, I love the ocean, the snow, the rain.. lol. I love working at my church being a video engineer, directing, video splitter etc. Love being with my family and spending time together. I wish I had my own horse, I always want to ride.. guess I love getting away.. and I have a strong habit of eating.. in abundance.. lol.
How has where you grew up & your environment had influence upon your style and music preferences?
I have always been raised in a Christian based family.. so, to me, I was supposed to turn out like my brother lol but I guess school affected us differently. My family listens to all types of gospel music, but throughout middle and high school the environment was not gospel like and I took a liking to hip hop and the way it was expressed. So when I was young it was ok to listen to alternative, then when I started putting it on the hip hop station momma became a little worried about her southern belle daughter lol.. but she’s happy now lol.
When were you first introduced to hip-hop music? (Tell us a little about the experience)
Shout out to Richard & Cory. I was in 10th grade and I guess had my main crew lol which consisted of mostly boys and we’d all hang out and their favorite artist we’re Nas & Biggie. Watching someone vibe to music makes it so much easier to fall in love with.. so everytime I’d ride with them they’d pop in some Nas and everyone would just vibe.. I came to understand why Nas was their favorite (granted later on they’d pop in some potty mouthed three 6 mafia) I let them keep three 6 lol but I did rock with Nas.
How did you get started as a [hip-hop] blogger?
I started blogging just bc a guy I talked to at the time told me to.. it wasn’t even about music, was just to vent. Later on I caught myself beginning to only blog when I wanted to express myself about new music that had came out, and I got more feedback doing that so I committed to that.
In what ways do you think blogging and online communication helps hip-hop?
The internet is taking over, it’s the fastest way to get promoted. If you’re not welcomed online I’m not sure how well it will go for you in the industry.
What is the goal / purpose behind your blog Herfection?
When I started herfection, I said I want to create a name for myself so bold enough that I could introduce new artist that I felt deserved a limelight they weren’t getting and promote them. I still strive on that and look for this blog to open many doors for myself and hopefully be a light for others.
What is the significance behind the name “HERfection”?
“Cool out and listen to h.e.r.” man that song never gets old.. I would like to tell Common one day “hey I started my career off of your record!” lol. HER being hip hop in it’s essence and real from common’s classic record “I Used To Love H.E.R.”. My friend J Shotti came up with herfection, after he said I’m affectionate etc.. we thought it clicked well!
Who, in your opinion, is the most overrated hip-hop artist in the game today + Why?
I guess Little Wayne. I’m not saying his music is bad, or I don’t play it, or anything I just think if I had to choose I’d say Wayne. The cover he shot on some magazine with the shirt “I Am Hip Hop” awhile back really had me thinking. He’s very talented and good at what he does, but he was dropping so much music at one point it really turned me away, and to watch how so many glorified him was just a bit much for me.
Who’s the most underrated artist in hip-hop + Why?
Blu… he’s dropped, what, 3 albums? And I still don’t see him everywhere I should be. He is an amazing poet, I love his music and hope this year takes him far because he’s worked hard enough.
Who are some your favorite up-and-coming artists?
Drake and Kid Cudi.. Drake is killin, i’ve been impressed by everything he drops..check out his latest mixtape. Kid Cudi is just a bird waiting to fly, it’s been a long work in progress and 2009 will be his year, his album will be unforgettable. I also would like to see ryan leslie, wale, mickey factz, curren$y, the westcoast rappers I post about and a few others take off this year.
Who are your Top 5 hip-hop artists D.O.A. (Dead Or Alive)?
I never answer this question for so many reasons, esp when they ask to put them in a certain order.. but biggie, nas, jay, kanye, and idk.. no one get mad @ my preference! And that’s not in a particular order.. I started hip hop when I was in 10th grade lol not since I was in 5th grade.
What other types of music (besides hip-hop) do you enjoy?
Alternative, electro pop, a little rock, soul, I love instrumentals too, I love listening to my dad play guitar or listening to the piano, it’s so soothing.
What is your favorite song (hip-hop or non) of all time + your all time favorite album?
Ha, so not hip hop The Everly Brothers – All I Have To Do Is Dream & Ratatat – Seventeen Years. Fav album… Stillmatic
Who are some of your favorite NON-hip-hop artists?
John Mayer, Red hot chili peppers, radio head, coldplay, junior boys, ratatat, check out francis and the lights, I get lost in all types of music sometimes.
Describe a typical day for Heather.
Wake up looking like a zombie from no sleep the night before, check all of the following: email, text, myspace, blog, no more facebook, and twitter! I think that’s everything.. and I make sure to blog before heading out.
What are some of Heather’s dreams / goals for the future of H.E.R. life?
I just really want to stand behind or beside something that I’m proud to represent, to promote something I enjoy as much as everyone else.. I hope I run into my passion as soon as possible. As known I’m into music, and I also love production and the process of shooting/filming.
HIP-HOP: Is it dead or alive?
It lives, it might not live the way it once use to… but it’s still here. I understand where hip hop heads (cliché to say but true) can be upset and doubt it.. but I appreciate it and I’m able to separate the real from the impersonators.
I thank Heather for taking the time to do this interview and I wanted to let her know that her blog over at Herfection is enjoyed and appreciated among the hip-hop community!
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
hey drew, lovely interview with ms. herfection i love both your blogssssssssss
YO! on the real son, shes right about Blu being underrated!
@ BMD – Glad you enjoyed it
@ GM … *agrees*
she seems to cling to people on the way up…like you’ll hear a wale or mickey or a cudi say they are into something then all of a sudden its her new favorite thing and she is non-stop blogging about it. i like originality
Great interview! loved it keep it up :)