Xtreme 104 Future Music Volume 1 September 2012 | Page 22

2012 UMA Winner for Female Artist of the Year 1.4 Million and climbing downloads what is next for

Sonja Blade

Back when there was U-N-I-T-Y there were lyrics, no gimmicks. More than 1 queen, save for a name, more than 1 way to the top. To respect an artist was to buy into everything that the artist stood for, especially the music. Where HIP HOP has lived, it has also died in some aspects. According to your paradigm, your seat on either side of the fence is non transferrable. What remains is an age old fact made popular I guess, more recently that "numbers do not lie” Before we knew Facebook, we knew one's face. Before you had a chance to blog, you took a walk Back when there was U-N-I-T-Y there were lyrics, no gimmicks. More than 1 queen, save for a name, more than 1 way to the top. To respect an artist was to buy into everything that the artist stood for, especially the music. Where HIP HOP has lived, it has also died in some aspects. According to your paradigm, your seat on either side of the fence is non transferrable. What remains is an age old fact made popular I guess, more recently that "numbers do not lie” Before we knew Facebook, we knew one's face. Before you had a chance to blog, you took a walk

chance to blog, you took a walk with them vicariously through lyrics. Their life was shared, and we were all the wiser.

With over a million views to date her smash anthem "Brooklyn Keeps on takin it" has helped Sonja Blade lay claim to the ways of yesterday. As one of the remaining matriarchs of Female Rap, her buzz, her brand, and her reach are stronger than ever. The 2012 Underground Music Award Winner for Best Female Artist remains humble but deadly, sociable, but ready. For what you may ask? Well that depends on the venue. With performances on every stage imaginable, she is no stranger to acclaim; MEET Xtreme Magazine Vol. Cover Story The Queen of New York herself, Sonja Blade.

Sonja Blade, many people in the know refer to you as a hip hop veteran, something of a legend as sorts; how would you describe your rise in this industry?

(SB) First, thank you for granting me this interview and the cover (Humble). I didn’t know I was thought of as a legend! I can understand a veteran, but not a legend, that’s deep. I would describe my rise in this industry as good

22 SEPTEMBER 2012 HIPHOP TYMES