Published: Tuesday - March 27, 2007
Words by Candace Simmons
Theory (Photo: Rosta Records)
Flint, Michigan is known for being the original headquarters of General Motors and being the "not too far from Detroit" city, which birthed a fairly popular white rapper. What Flint isn't known for is breeding emcees that leave a lasting impression on hip-hop, but Natasha "Theory" Thomas is looking to change that indefinitely. Equipped with a tight nit circle of artists, a supportive fam (including her fiancé and fellow rapper/producer Main Event), and a seemingly strong knowledge of self, Theory is looking to prove herself as a lyrical, conscious and engaging emcee. Even though Flint is where she was born (and currently lives), Theory was raised in both Michigan and Germany (due to her stepfather being in the military), and attended college in Kentucky. Her music is as diverse as the places she has lived; however, it is clear that she has love for her hometown. "Flint is like any other city in this country and is struggling with issues of crime, a bad economy, and crazy politics," Flint says. "I want people to know that there are so many dedicated people in Flint... many of the artists here are activists as well." Theory isn't just rapping about the need for community improvement; she's making it happen with RAISE IT UP! -- a youth, arts and awareness organization that uses art, poetry and hip hop as a vehicle to help kids think critically and express themselves.
The theme of activism runs strong in her debut Homegirls and Hand Grenades (H&H). The album's title was inspired by one of Theory's favorite poets, Sonia Sanchez, who penned a book by the same name that was published in the early 80s. "The book really inspired me because it seemed to really capture the beauty of what it means to be black and female in the culture," she explains. "It was vulnerable and strong, I wanted the album to be that as well." Beside Theory's poetic side, there also lies a smart businesswoman. Admittedly, the first single "Woman to Woman" was picked like most singles, because of its mainstream appeal.
Of course, everything isn't quite as simple as picking a single. Theory has dealt with life's darker issues, including inconsistencies with her father and trying to gain respect as an African-American female. "I think that every little girl who has 'daddy issues' has to really dig deep within herself to find out who she is and what she wants. [And] being a young, black woman trying to find my way in the world, we always have to battle both racism and sexism," Theory says as she reflects on her life. "I appreciate my struggles because struggle is necessary to really become who you are supposed to be."
Theory has been singing and dancing since she was a child, but her earliest recollection of her "first real performance" as a rapper was in 1999, as a student at Kentucky State. A group of guys who called themselves The Corporation wanted to perform with a female emcee at the school's talent showcase. That's where she got her first taste of rapping in front of a crowd, and has been writing and performing as a solo act ever since. Apparently, Theory has a unique style. "My music is an honest reflection of me... whatever that means. I want to sound honest, always. I also want to be inspirational, not in a preachy way," she explains. "We have a ton of music at our disposal that tells us how to hate ourselves...how to value material things over people. We have enough of that." She adds playfully, "I also want it [my music] to be fun and smart-mouthed!"
Theory worked with her music partner and partner in crime, Main Event, to bring Homegirls and Hand Grenades full circle. Theory also worked with Tunde Olaniarian, a vocalist that complemented the song "So Alive", "he really added something special to the song" she says. Her love for poetry is shown through, Wisdom, "a hot, female, artist slash MC" who collaborated on Theory's album with some spoken word. Though the aforementioned artists may have supported the album artistically, Theory gratefully admits that James Anthony Jones of Mystic Melodic Music, who Executive produced the album, "really played a huge roll in the development of the album."
In the future, Theory looks to make music a full-time career, as well as expanding RAISE IT UP! to reach more kids. Her goal is to push the music so hard that even if she never gets a major record label's attention and lands a deal, she can be an independent artist making a decent living. "I want to be able to support my family by doing what I love to do and make music that people can really feel," she says.
Scouting Report
Just like a powerful singer that makes you want to belt out notes just like them, hearing a few verses from Theory makes aspiring rappers who gave us their hope for a career resurrect it. In those verse, you can catch subtleties of Saul (Williams), the lyricism of Lauryn and the cleverness of Luda listening to "Homegirls..." -- it's that good. Main Event's production makes the album much more well-rounded with beats that elicit the emotion from each song, while not overpowering Theory's somewhat high voice (not annoying mind you -- she's a girl, duh). The track "Don't Nod" uses a simple high-hat, and a catchy beat -- similar to the Roots' signature sound. There are a couple of lines from the song that sums up the power of the album, where she teases and challenges the listener all at once:
"I plan to make your body move. I plan to stimulate your mind, since our days are short let's do it all at one time. This is the real political party, won't find us on the ballot, where soldiers plot arms with intelligence and talent...consciousness and heart, change starts within the art...don't nod your head to this unless you plan to play your part."
Theory is talented, humble and tells it like it is -- evidence of a poet, a lyricist, a mother, and a simply... a woman. But don't get it twisted; Theory isn't just making "music for chicks." She's bringing healing to the masses.
Features Joe Budden: I Do It For Hip-Hop It's 2008, and guess what, Joe Budden is still here. Normally when a rapper endures personal tragedies, and label disputes, ... full story
Beyond Hip-Hop Game Review: Far Cry 2 Gone are Jack Carver, his Hawaiian shirt, and the trigens from the first installment of "Far Cry," but in comes spine ... full story
Digg It
Del.icio.us
