Meet LiL MC | Hip Hop artist (rapper, singer, producer) and Hip Hop educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with LiL MC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LiL MC, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
As an independent artist and an independent contractor/hip hop educator, every success I’ve ever had in my life has been a result of risk-taking. If you aren’t willing to bet on yourself then why should anyone else bet on you? As a musician and an artist I’m not just selling people my music and art – Im selling  my lifestyle- LiL MC is not just a musician, LiL MC is a brand. LiL MC is a business and in order for a business to thrive and become profitable someone has to invest money, time and energy into that business. So just as any entrepreneur selling a physical product would invest in a storefront, in manufacturing their product, in marketing that product, the same must be done for music/artistry. I’ve spent my life investing endless amounts of time, money, and energy into my artistry and as I level up the amount I invest increases twofold because thats the growth process. Essentially what I’m doing is taking a huge risk on myself. There is no guarantee that this investment will pay off, but I BELIEVE that it will because I have faith in my talent, my work ethic, and my greater vision. Sometimes you lose when you gamble on yourself, maybe you place your faith in someone who offers you an opportunity and that opportunity falls through. I don’t see that as a loss, as long as you learn from those mistakes and have the resilience to bounce back all of these losses just build you up and make it so when your time comes your indestructible because you’ve faced every possible obstacle. The must industry is filled with ruthless, cutthroat deceptive people, and as artists we often aren’t built to handle that type of pressure- we just want to make art- but to be successful and actually retain ownership of your intellectual property you must be willing to learn how to move with those kinds of people. I’ve taken many risks in my personal and professional life- when most people around me told me not to take that risk- I ignored their trepidatious advice and took the risk. I spent thousands of money putting myself through college to get a degree in Psychology and when I graduated I realized I had no desire to pursue a career in psychology, I want to completely devote myself to making music and to educating others about music and Hip Hop culture. I don’t regret my time spent in college because my deeper understanding of psychology helped me heal and helped me understand the mentality of others (especially useful when trying to understand marketing), but music has consumed my life since I was 6 years old and I wasn’t about to let the pressure of social conformity condition me to working a 9-5 when that wasn’t my life’s purpose, even if it meant stepping into the unknown. When I was 20 years old I found out I was pregnant. I was a young traumatized alcoholic who had recently gotten into a near death car accident while drunk which caused me to get sober. A month later I found out I was pregnant and everyone around me told me I wasn’t ready to be a mom and I shouldn’t go through with the pregnancy. They were afraid and they didn’t have faith in me but I knew I was meant to have that child. My son gave me purpose, he helped me see the potential in myself that I wasn’t able to see. Every success I’ve had from that moment on is due to my child and the love I have for him that manifested into love for myself. It’s all about risk taking and if you aren’t willing to take a risk and lose it all, then this business isn’t for you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

It wasn’t until my first trip to south by southwest that the dawning realization set in: that I am amidst a sea of independent artists all fighting for the same opportunity ,all vying for everyones attention, all hoping that someone sees something special in them. It seems idealistic for me to sit here listing off every reason why I am special or unique compared to the thousands of other artists out there- hell- I’m a hip hop educator – its my job to teach thousands of young people every year how to tap into their own creativity and become artists. All I can say is I love creating worlds and immersing others into my world. Taking them on an experience through my music, art, and words that allows them to connect with me without ever having met me. I’ve been making music since I was able to speak in full sentences. I started writing songs at the age of 5 and I started teaching myself to play piano at age 7. By age 9 I was classically trained in piano and learning to play other instruments as well (clarinet, drums, bells). I’ve been writing musicals, plays, and stories since I was in first grade and creating art has fueled my existence since then. I’ve survived copious amounts of abuse and betrayal from people I loved and trusted and Hip Hop provided me with a sense of belonging and understanding that I desperately needed. There was a moment in life where I felt more connected to rappers that had died when I was in elementary school than to my own family and friends. They spoke their truth so raw and direct in such a refreshing way, I felt empowered to do the same. I felt like I finally had a platform that would allow me to reveal the horrors that I had suffered without shaming or demonizing me. Rapping came so easy to me, and I was instantly addicted. I had been using alcohol and drugs to silence the voices in my head for so many years I finally felt like rapping allowed me the opportunity to get everything out of my head and onto paper. Eventually my infatuation with music, rap and hip hop culture lead me to where I am today: teaching others about this incredibly powerful and pervasive culture and building platforms for marginalized communities to get their voices heard. My greatest passion is rooted in creating equitable spaces for women in spaces that have historically been male dominated. I am the co-creator of the women’s empowerment education program at the Oakland based non=profit Hip Hop for change, I am the co-founder of Queens of the Underground- an all female hip hop showcase that we throw four times a year featuring all women performers, and my partner Breathless and I are about to release the debut episode of our all female hip hop cypher series: The Bar Exam. So what makes me different- well I’m sure you could find many artists to compare my music to. I rap in english and Spanish and I love blending genres- I’m even the lead singer of an amazing punk rock/reggae/metal/hip hop band- Fussy Parts. But I think what really sets me apart from others is my insatiable desire to invite others to explore their own creativity and find their voice because that is what is going to make the greatest impact on the world: setting people free through the realization that they have a god within them and you access that god through creation- through art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Oakland, I would argue it’s one of the best cities in the country. The people that live here are artistic, passionate, altruistic, and dedicated to investing the time and energy to making their communities better in every way. If I could take you on a tour of my city I would definitely take you out to First Friday in downtown Oakland, where the block is shut down for vendors, music and food trucks. I am a pescatarian and I don’t eat a ton of meat so I would definitely take you to my favorite vegan spot- Souley Vegan. I love taking my son to the movies at the alameda theater- a historic theater where you can order delicious food to be delivered to you while you watch the movie. I love going to Emporium arcade bar and playing games when  I’m wandering downtown bar hopping or leaving a show. Some of my favorite venues in Oakland are Starline Social Club, Cry baby, and of course the legendary fox theater where I’ve seen some of my most memorable concerts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to dedicate this shoutout to my team at Aurally Records, specifically the founder of Aurally Records, Mary Knoblock. Had it not been for her faith in me and my artistry I wouldn’t have gotten signed to this amazing label, where I feel supported and empowered to take creative control of all my projects. It is incredibly inspiring to work with a woman-owned label and to be amongst a roster of talented female artists.

Website: lilmcmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilmc.music/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-correa-9b073589/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilmc415?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilMcSF/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4mk1Z4Dmsk8tcQw-XQAOQ

Image Credits
Sarah Arnold Suyen Averroes Bill Waters