Soul Scribe

by Gregory Roberson

Soul:  Are you more comfortable as a scribe, spoken word artist or poet?

Mahogony Diva: "I'm most comfortable as an 'artist of words.'  I say that because there is an art to putting your words together so that other people can 'innerstand' where you are coming from.  To me, everyone of us is a 'spoken word artist.'  I mean anybody can speak words.  When we are born, the first things we learn to do is walk and talk.  So we basically become an artist at that once we learn it.  I don't consider myself a poet, although many do.  When I write, I don't try to make poetry, it just comes out that way.  I am writing from within self, and it comes out in form of a poetic prose, then that's the way the Creator wanted me to express it."

Soul:  What were your beginnings in this artistic realm?

Mahogony Diva: "I have always been fascinated by the arts.  When I was young I was in all the school plays, talent shows, dance groups, and in chorus every year.  I was reading too.  Two of my favorite books were 'A Raisin in the Sun' by Lorraine Hansberry, and 'I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou.  I got into drawing and colors a little while later, and no, my drawings are not that good.  I got into graphic design some years back and decided to get my degree in that and opened my graphic design business, but as far as writing goes, I have been doing that since I was a little girl."

"I didn't start voicing my words until about 4 or 5 years ago.  I vocalized this piece that I had written called 'Wondering' and posted it online.  A friend of mine, who happens to be on of the producers on my current album, took the vocals and put it to some sounds he had been working on.  It was on after that!"

Soul:  Who are the scribes, spoken word artists, and poets that have influenced you?

Mahogony Diva: "I would have to say the first being Ursula Rucker.  I love her flow.  She speaks volumes through her words.  Her delivery draws you in and makes you listen.  I also love the flow of Taalam Acey.  He opens up your mind and makes you stand in the mirror and take a long look at yourself.  I'm feeling my Jersey Brotha Kamal Imani, Black Ice, and Max Parthas.  Of course the Last Poets have been an influence on me.  Their flow is straight with no chaser!  They spit the truth right in your face!  I absolutely love Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, and Maya Angelou.  Man, I could go on with this question, but those are some of the ones that come right to my head."

Soul:  I see that you also sing on this CD; What genre of music would you classify yourself as  a vocalist?

Mahogony Diva: "Okay, first let me say that I don't claim to be a singer.  I mean back in the day I was in a girl group, and don't even remember the name that we called ourselves, but I sang a little then.  I really don't know what genre I would be placed in as a vocalist.  I'd guess it would be a cross between jazz and soul.  And can I just add that I can't stand that new 'Neo-Soul' label that they are putting on the new soul singers these days.  Soul is soul; there is nothing new about it."

Soul:  Who are the vocalist that have influenced you?

Mahogony Diva: "The list could get really long here!  I grew up listening to Gill Scott-Heron, Curtis Mayfield, Earth Wind & Fire, Ohio Players, Patti Labelle and so on and so forth.. Some of the newer vocalist would have to be the one and only Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Zap Mama, Fertile Ground, and N'Dambi.  That's just to name a few.  I'm a jazz fan too, so it wouldn't be unusual for me to be listening to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ramsey Lewis, or Boney James."

Soul:  Where have you performed?

Mahogony Diva: "I've performed at private events; women's groups and things of that nature.  I have also performed at various clubs in NJ.  I had two favorite spots that I liked to perform at and that was 'Brokers' and "Mrs. G's' in East Orange, NJ.  I'm upset that both of those spots are now closed.  I miss them.  If somebody said the words 'open mic' I was there!"

Soul:  Is this your first CD?

Mahogony Diva: "Yes, this is my first CD.  I couldn't be more excited.  The week before the CD was released I was a total mess.  I couldn't eat or sleep.  I kept calling one of the producers that worked on the CD with me, and bugging him.  I know I got on his last nerve!  But, he kept me sane at those moments.  I had the support of some of my true friends at the time too."

Soul:  What was the experience of and the journey to the completion of this project?

Mahogony Diva: "The journey was full of ups and downs.  The experience was a learning process.  When I first decided that I wanted to put a CD together I was working with a producer that I thought I could trust.  Once my 3rd eye opened, I soon realized that he wasn't looking toward my best interest.  I really found out where his head was at when I expressed that I wanted to work with other producers.  It got really ugly.  I started to think that the CD was never going to happen, but it was at that time I came in contact with another producer that not only wanted to help me with my craft, but teach me about the business as well.  I will say that the producers that I worked with, Truth Theory, The NxtLeveL, and Dirigent were all apart of this thing  happening.  I mean, it wold have happened anyway, because the divine plan was already laid out, but it was their dedication to me and the project that made it happen when it did.  I learned a lot from them.  In this business, you have to watch everything and everybody with your 3rd Eye.  If it doesn't feel right, then it's not right.  I had to learn that."

"Overall, I truly enjoyed putting this project together.  Although there were times when I thought I just wanted to close my eyes and go to sleep!  That's when the phone would ring and I would have Truth Theory in my ear about laying vocals and editing certain things.  Although he is easy to work with, he is also no joke!  He keeps you on your toes!  I just hope that everyone that chooses to invest in the CD, enjoys it as much as I enjoyed putting it together."

Soul:  Are there any more works in progress?

Mahogony Diva: "But of course!  I'm constantly writing.  I'm even writing in my sleep!  There will definitely be a second Cd, and a third, and a fourth..."

Soul:  In which direction are you heading?

Mahogony Diva: "The direction that I'm heading in is up!  I've been down already and I refuse to go there again.  Right now, I feel my feet are lifted at least 3 inches off the ground, and the Creator's plan is for me to go higher.  I can't argue or put up a fight with Him about that!"

Soul:  Do you consider yourself and independent artist?

Mahogony Diva: "Yes!  Right now, I chose to stay that way.  There is too many politics and shady people that are within major labels.  I have a problem with someone dictating to me how I should write a particular piece.  I also don't want any of my creativity to be stolen from me.  That's what happens to a lot of artist that go mainstream.  The label ends up making you somebody you are not, just to sell records.  I refuse to conform in order to be the norm.  Feel me?  Who knows, in the future I may sign with a major label, but it would definitely have to be on my terms."

Soul:  What advice or experience can you bring to the table for other upcoming independent artists?

Mahogony Diva: "First of all, know who you are dealing with.  Everybody is not on your side.  As I said before, there are some shady people in the business, and too much shade ain't good for the skin.  When people see that you are serious about what you are doing, they will approach you with all kinds of false schemes and dreams.  Be very careful.  Vultures swarm in this business."

"Second, make sure you always have all agreements documented.  Don't do anything without some type of contract in order.  I learned that the hard way.  Remember that your craft is BUSINESS.  It has nothing to do with friendship!  If you ask someone that you are working with to sign an agreement, and they refuse, don't take the business any further.  Also copyright all of your material!  That's very important."

"Third, stay true to your craft.  Don't try to sound or write like somebody else.  The people listening can feel that.  When you write, you want your audience to be able to feel as if they have actually met YOU, not your alter-ego.  And READ!  You have to read in order to expand your vocabulary and your mind.  You won't be able to write anything of substance if you don't do that."

"Fourth, learn about the business.  Don't just jump into it without learning how to float, because this will have you drowning in no time!  Again, do the research to learn how to copyright your work, and just because you have someone else doing your tracks for you, doesn't mean that you can't learn about mechanical rights to your music."

Mahogony Diva's Official Site:   http://www.mahogonydiva.com/