Tamicka Monson describes herself as a "storyteller who uses her own life experiences to bring healing to others." A rapper whose latest song "Miry Clay" is a gospel-rap collaboration with singer Christa, Monson is also an inspirational speaker and accomplished songwriter. Enjoy our interview with this multitalented Kansas City artist.
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Please introduce yourself. Describe your music for new listeners.
My name is Tamicka Monson. I am from Chicago, IL, but currently live in Kansas City. I describe my music as “Music for those who know they are far from perfect, who desire change.” My music is real and raw, edgy, yet classy. I touch topics and go places others are afraid to.
Talk about your newest release, “The Wrestling Match Reloaded”. How did this recording come together? What did you learn from the recording process that you’ll take to future projects?
A sequel to the freshman EP The Wrestling Match, this album includes new songs and new struggles. The music, versatile in sound and style, captures the essence of faith, hope, and love. I learned a lot while creating this EP, specifically about professional recording and processes.
How long have you been a songwriter and rapper? Who were some of your earliest musical influences?
I have been a songwriter and rapper for 18 years. I started off when I was 12, just re-making songs out of fun and later would freestyle and battle rap. I then started to actually write songs and melodies. My earliest musical influences were Eve, Eminem, Twista, and Lauren Hill.
Talk about your newest single, “Miry Clay”. How did this recording come together? What did you learn from the recording process that you’ll take to future projects?
I wrote “Miry Clay” as a song to describe my struggle with faith and mental illness. In many of my songs, I am candid about this struggle. After suffering a personal tragedy several years ago, I found myself in an extremely dark place. It took several years for me to gain my bearings and start writing again, and “Miry Clay” was a song I wrote in the midst of this grief. While recording the song, I learned about collaborating with others, how to edit and mix music, and how to just record better.
Describe your creative process.
I think in circles. I typically jot down ideas for lyrics and record melodies on my phone. I then use those notes and recordings to make a full song. I like to construct an instrumental around my melody and idea, and from there craft whole songs.
What music are you currently raving about?
One of my favorite artists currently is up-and-coming artist Nobigdyl because he has an authentic sound and spits real life music. I am in to lyricism, not just catchy songs (though I do like those too).
What’s up next for you?
I have several performances coming up in July through August. I am competing in a Coast 2 Coast Live competition (won second place in Kansas City in February), as well as opening up for a band at Life Fest in September.
Books:
Who Switched Off My Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Switch On Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf
Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury
The Wait by Devon Franklin
Life's Healing Choices by John Baker
Mothers Who Can't Love by Susan Forward and Donna Frazier Glynn
Movies:
Music:
Nobigdyl