The Wake

Jean Grae spits rhymes, kicks ass (literally) and hates infatuated groupies. In short, she’s cool as hell. A writer, rapper and risk-taker, she’s a picture of poetic prowess.
As independent as she is skilled on the mic, the emcee from Brooklyn, N.Y., has exploded on the underground hip-hop scene in the past few years. Born in South Africa to two jazz musicians, she’s already established herself as one of the best rappers in the game. Smart, socially concious and tremendously talented, the prodigious Grae made a name for herself writing the kind of rhymes that make Lil’ John look like Lil’ Talent. And with Lauryn Hill nowhere to be found, this year may be the big one for Grae. With a new album, „This Week,“ produced by Midi Mafia (50 Cent) and 9th wonder (Jay+Z), she’s poised to power her way to the sky-high bounds of hip-hop heaven. Recently, the rapper spoke with The Wake from her home in New York.

So, how’s that bug in your aparatment that I read about on allhiphop.com?

Ah [laughs] . . . Our neighbors cut their backyard rainforest down, so it’s all good now.

You’ve obviously got a great sense of humor. How important is that in the rap game?

It’s alwas nice to see that people have a range of emotions. I know we do other shit than acting serious . . . y’know? Personally, I’m a fan of dry wit.

So, how seriously do rappers take themselves?

Well, I think the pciture the public paints is drawn off of what they hear in the music. But usually, everyone is hysetrical and fun as hell to hang out with.

Do you run into a lot of egos?

Nah, not that I’ve experienced.

What are your goals? What does success mean to Jean Grae?

Not a major label. Financially, it would be nice to be on that level though.

So, politically . . . what’s up?

Well, I’m not a fan of Vote or Die slogan. It’s up to people. Chosing the lesser of two evils . . . your life isn’t gonna change that much, y’know – I’ll still be buying Cup-o-Noodles and taking the train. Really, the education system needs rehashing People need a proper education. Send letters to schools .Be active in your community.

What are you listening to and reading right now?

Eh . . . right now we’ve got on “Murder Music” by Mob D. I haven’t really been reading a lot . I kind of pick up different stuff. I’m reading a Steven King short story right now actually.

So, what are you afraid of?

Bugs, heights, failure . . . ignorant people [laughs].

So, when was the last fight you got into?

Ah . . . long time ago, 2000 probably. It went pretty good. I kinda got my ass kicked, but I got a few good shots in.

So do you have groupies? What’s the craziest thing a fan has done to get into the bus?

I actually have female and male groupies on the road. There was this one dude who was talking to me, he was real cool . . . but then he was like “I have dreams about you,” and all that. I’ve had celebrities even do that. That’s not gonna get you anywhere though.

So what’s going on in the future?

Well, I want to finish a novel, a collection of essays . . .

How’s the album?

Pretty damn good. We’re doin’ a video right now which I’m really excited about.

So what’s life mean to you?

Depends on the day. The best day . . . I love life in general, being able to be alive.

How has hip-hop treated you?

It’s been good and bad. We’ve had a strained relationship. In general though it’s taught me a lot about myself and patience.

Any last thoughts?

Yeah, they need to spray Brooklyn for West Nile.

Jean Grae’s latest album, “This Week,” hit shelves on September 21.