Monday 6 June 2016

Featuring Roni Marsalis


  
Who is Roni Marsalis?

Roni Marsalis is the HipHopAngel

How did you get into Poetry?

I have always written poems as therapy, but it wasn’t until my Freshman year of College that I wrote my first spoken word poem and decided that I wanted to continue to use poetry as an outlet and perform in front of people.

Tell us more about your typical day.

My typical day consists of reading, being of service to others, brainstorming ideas for my career, finding solutions to make everyday better and easier than the last, writing music, running and getting exercise wether it be yoga, meditation, or intense endurance training, and keeping myself informed with what is going on around me so I can know what ways I can help.

What do you do when you are not doing what you regularly do?

 I’m lazy, listening to music, playing with my sister, going out to a movie, or just sitting and reflecting on who I am and what my accomplishments mean to me. I like to sit outside and reflect a lot

Tell us about the best part of your work.

The best part of my work is the passion, the connection has with its audience, and its purpose, the work that god gifted me with has a way of coming through me and touching the hearts of people.

How/where do you see yourself/your work in the next 3/5 years from now?

I see myself and my work on tour overseas, and having collaborations with many of my musical inspirations (i.e. Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, J. Cole, The Roots, Black ICE, Russell Simmons, Shinedown)

What are the challenges faced by independent female artists in the music industry?

The challenges vary woman to woman, but I’ll start by stating some of the challenges I have personally faced, which are internal challenges dealing with my self-esteem and confidently negotiating what I want with some of the men/women who I seek support from and not getting it because they may view me as immature in business and/or inferior their brand. Or working with artist who disrespect my movement because they don’t see a huge label behind me, but I think everyone has to face those challenges they just come in different forms.

What advise would you give to up and coming female artists?

Stay true to what you represent, do not compromise your vision for anyone, don’t be afraid to say no to people or things that go against your vision, and most importantly don’t compete with other women. KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

Which artist have you enjoyed working with most?

Honestly, I would have to say working with actual instrumentalist has been most enjoyable to me. Anytime I am working with a band I enjoy it. Oh…and dancers I love working with dancers.

Who is your inspiration/role model?

At this given moment my role model and inspiration is God. I have grown so much by seeking answers from the divine spirit.

What is your favorite holiday spot/food/gadget?

I really enjoy this vegan cafe, called Cafe Gratitude on thanksgiving they give free vegan dinners that day. My favorite food, I really like granola bars lol, & my favorite gadget is a calculator. 

What side of the bed do you sleep on?

When I do sleep in a bed I like sleeping in the center all stretched out

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory would be when it was around Christmas time and I was at my cousins house, up the street they were having a raffle and giving away bicycles. BOOM. She won a bike & we crossed our fingers, prayed, and begged for me to win one too……& I did! It was amazing and we rode those bikes every time I came to visit.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is The Bodyguard 

Are you a night owl or morning person?

I’m both, but I’m most creative I think during the night

Are you messy or a neat freak?

I like organization, I do not like mess. Mess makes it hard for me to think clearly

What color is your toothbrush?

Pink

Are you a good driver?

Yes. I could be a NASCAR racer if I wanted lol

McDonalds or KFC?

Ugh. Neither.

If you could throw a parade in the president’s office, what would it be?

I would have an African Tribal Parade, and call it Harambee Time

Do you have any allergies?

No

What is your most embarrassing moment?

For me my most embarrassing moment would definitely have too be when I had this huge celebrity crush on J Cole and I told the world that we would be together because we both rap lol & then to find out he was married -___-  the world laughed at me.

If this is our last ever conversation, what words of wisdom would you leave me with?

Live for moments, not for things.

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