LHH: Dang you kinda young, just 20? How did you get into hip hop?Aquariz: Yes Im 20 haha, but numbers only show im young when trust i feel alot older with my history. I got into hip hop from my mother, sounds funny, but its true. She raised me on the late great Tupac, (back like when '2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted' dropped) Snoop, Da Brat, NWA ('100 miles n runnin' was ill), mixed with other music like Bush, Seven Mary Three, Heart, etc. Ive always been around hip hop music, it became a huge part of me, it was the only thing i could vibe to when my day wasnt goin as planned. Like my escape route, you could say. So i began writing my own songs thru out the years, i was mad young, did it off & on, then i get serious when i was around 12. I knew then thats what i wanted to do, write and perform my own music. Big Pun was my favorite rapper of all time, still is, even in heaven. Capital Punishment, one of the greatest albums ever released. So he definately inspired me & kept me going. "Punish Me", favorite record of all time. RIP Big Pun!
LHH: You definitely have a unique look. Describe your style of dress.
Aquariz: My style is comfortable, baggy jeans, big tee's, nice little jewelry, not too flashy. Always catch me with a durag and/or fitted on. Feel naked without them, ha. Im not much for labels, i just do my own thing, and i wouldnt call it 'swag'. Im known for sayin ' swag is overrated'. People need to create their own style, be you! Not who's hot right now.
LHH: What kind of music do you like to make? What kind of beats do you like to rock?
Aquariz: I love makin songs straight from the heart, that 'hard times, i need to just vibe out, get my head straight' song. My fans feel those records alot, especially my song 'Sweet Dreams', real hard hitter from a real life point of view. I could do any song if i wanted, meaning, any style, club banga, heartfelt, heartbreak, rowdy, etc. But i like to keep my lyrics more truthful than your average rapper, only rap about what ive done, where ive been, and where i want to go in life. As far as beats, man i love that old school hip hop drums & kicks bangin down the block beats. If i put a beat on, and within 20 seconds i can tell you if its a banga or not. I cant stand sampled tracks, you know with the Chipmunk voice on the hooks, or fading in the background. I find it irritating. Ive done 1 track like that, and Ive always hated it. 'Sweet Dreams' Doesnt count, because its not so high pitched, you can actually sing along if you want and not sound like a fool, ha.
LHH: There seems to be a riff between older rappers and younger rappers in today's industry. Do you feel the younger emcees that are coming out are
receiving the respect they deserve?Aquariz: Wow, first off, some young rappers these days, dont deserve respect at all. Since when did the game become about 'who's got the hottest ringtone track?'. I feel you need to earn respect in this game, not have it handed to you cause you can sell a Mill. with a one hit wonder track. The young rappers that are actually bustin they a**, fall under the rador, or aint gettin the credit they deserve. The game is a mess right now, but i feel with hardwork and changes we could bring back the real roots. Real music.
LHH: Many lesbians have launched rap careers in the last few years. What makes you different?
Aquariz: Honestly, i want to see more lesbians, or women in general in the rap game. I Havent seen or heard of many Lesbians in hip hop today, not enough at least. Get in contact with me, its all about Unity. Getting out there, if not more. What makes me different, is everything. Im out here everyday, makin this music, makin new fans every minute of the day, I never stop. I hardly sleep, Im giving it everything I have, I pour my heart into my music, these records you hear come straight from my beating heart. Im AquariZ, these other people cant and will never be me. I bring to the table, a raw lyricist, a legend in the making, a graphic designer, a marketing genius, the girl they love to hate (but secretly bump my sh*t. I have fans that love what i do and tell me everyday. They buy my cds, they support me, and I just have that talent. You cant deny something so true.
LHH: What projects have you been involved in?
Aquariz: CD wise, My first two Mixtape CDs "DeepSydeZ Finest: The Beginning Vol.1" & My current CD "Broken Dreams & Full Notebooks" (On sale now at www.myspace.com/aquarizct). And Im currently at work on my 3rd Solo Mixtape called "Space Invader Vol. 3". Ive been featured On Blink Money's Debut Album "The Green Album" with our insane Single "Pimp Music". I also do Collabs, with anyone who is good and worth listening to. Im featured on NEVideo's official Street DVD "Grind Season 08" (Coming Soon!). I run a webshow called "AZTV" you can check that out on www.myspace.com/aquarizct . Im involved in alot of online sites, I was recently featured on another Lesbian website called "LezNation". And I Plan to drop a solo DVD by the end of this year. Big Things! YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS!
LHH: You have a great sense of marketing with a hot video and a dope MySpace page. What advice would you give artists coming up?
Aquariz: Thank you! Everything you see is all designed by me, you need work i got you!! My advice to artists coming up, would be...Do Your Research! Go back to the 1990's, listen to that music, know your roots. Dont come out thinkin 'Soulja Boy' is the greatest rapper. Go back in time, get you a few Tupac Albums, Throw in some Run DMC, Naughty By Nature, & why not, even some LL Cool J. Once you do that, write some good music, get a nice selection of beats, and began your journey. Create a Buzz, get known, get your name out there, weather you have haters, or lovers, your doing something right! Oh, and whatever you do, dont sign to the first label that comes your way, and unknown label, promising you this & that. Its a scam, they will use & abuse you...
LHH: If a label offered you a large sum of money to become feminine, would you do it? Why or why not?
Aquariz: Helllllllll No. Excuse my words ha. But never, I would never sell myself out like that. What you see, is what you get. A million, 20 Million, nada, sorry nope. Wont catch AquariZ in booty shorts rubbin on a rental car! I Stay true to who I am. Real People know what I Mean.
LHH: As an artists, what are you working on to improve? What are your strengths?
Aquariz: Im improving on my craft everyday, Lyrics are always getting stronger, more comfortable. I always improve something, cause when you stop, someone will take your spot. So why not keep at it?, feel me. My strengths are, My Lyrics, My Performance, My Beats, My Fans, they play a huge role in Inspiring me. More strengths include, my marketing, my skills in designing, my mind frame is not too cocky, just enough confidence, and my desire to make it out, I want to get out and explore the world, get out of Connecticut. LHH: How can fans learn more about you?
Aquariz: You can find me almost anywhere! Ha, two most important sites, www.myspace.com/AquariZct , www.myspace.com/AquariZcreationz , & www.freewebs.com/aquariz/ < thats my official website. You can also email me at AquariZMusic@gmail.com & YES! I always write back!
LHH: Any shoutouts?
Aquariz: First shouts to LesbianHipHop!! Thank you for this opportunity! Shouts to Truth from Myspace.com/Rockstarstuds. Joy @ Myspace.com/MyTagz for making my chains so official. My official Net Team @ Myspace.com/AquariZNetTeam. Aurora Jonez! ALL MY FANS! Everybody who shows love on my myspace page, Avery Storm! He's an amazing singer & person, much love to you my dude! MTV2ONTHERISE.COM for giving artists the chance to be heard! My State! Connecticut stand up! Zo & JonJay from Myspace.com/NEVideo. & Last but not least, Ling for always holdin me down! Once again thank you LesbianHipHop! YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS!