For those who are unfamiliar with Bahamadia, you are missing out. This seemingly over confident MC knows what she’s here for, in her own words, ‘this is my life’s assignment on this planet’, and is straight to the point about it in a round about way. Bahamadia, crowned the Queen of Philly Hip Hop, took some time out to discuss her career, and likened to a Queen this MC definitely has attitude and was a lil hesitant to share too much with me.
Growing up in Philly, Bahamadia, born Antonia Reed, started out DJing around town at house parties and clubs in the early to mid 80s. Her confidence soon grew and she grabbed the mic to step in front of the decks and people started to take notice of this feisty MC. Not only did she have skills on the decks and mic, Bahamadia also admitted to trying her hand at breakin, “I attempted to become a dancer at one point during the beginning stages of my career. Decided to rock mics instead.”
Bahamadia’s tracks were slung onto the scene in late 93’ when she made her first recordings after hooking up with DJ Ran, producer and radio personality on the Philly scene, who veered her independent hit single ‘Funk Vibe’. This track along with Bahamadia’s inventive delivery caught the ear of Gangstarr’s Guru. “Guru provided an opportunity for my music to be heard through his Ill Kid Production company which I was signed to at the time of my entry into the business of music.” With the support of Guru and DJ Premier she released “Total Wreck” in 1994 and won critical praise for her jazz-inspired flava and underground notice. From then on she has been labelled the female protégé of Guru.
Since then, her career successfully flowed onto a signing with label Chrysalis with EMI Records releasing her debut album ‘Kollage’ in 95’. This album earned her a spot in hip hop history with her afro puffed, militant, deep vocabulary and solid skills. Also being nominated at the 96’ Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards for Best New RnB/Rap Artist she gained respect. Even with this recognition many still believe she is underrated, as well as Philadelphia hip hop in general. When asked about if she felt she was still underrated she replied, “No, because I believe that everything on earth has its season to bloom.”
After ‘Kollage’ Bahamadia worked on many collaborative projects, the first appearing on The Roots track “Push Up Ya Lighter” from the album ‘Illadelph Halflife’. She also lent her husky flow to the track ‘New Forms’ on Roni Size landmark album of the same title. Other collaborations include musicians such as Sweetback (Sade & Maxwell’s band), Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, Slum Village, The Herbaliser and Rah Digga to name a few. Touring throughout Europe and Japan as well as supporting The Fugees throughout U.S. and Canada she’s happy as long as her sound is heard.
This Queen also leant her hand to the hip hop community showcasing underground talent worldwide on her Philadelphia radio show ‘B-Sides’, allowing MC’s, DJ’s, producers and poets to have their work heard. Along with topics and guests on the show such as graf artists, b-boy/b-girls, clothing designers and those prominent in the community. Along with this also was a renowned writer for New York magazine ‘Stress’.
From one of Bahamadia’s shows at a Festival in July, 2005 where up-coming U.S. MC Eternia was also performing, Bahamadia was quoted as saying ”...this is why white bitches shouldn’t rap…” I asked whether she cared to comment, seeing as Eternia is white, and Bahamadia came back at me with this rhyme, “People they ask me, where’ve you been at “B” when you gone drop a new joint are you happy? Yo, what you think about these other “broads” rapping? I tell them it’s a BLESSING to see us ALL advancing!”
What could I say to that, this confident Queen of Philly has no problem speaking her mind and slightly avoiding my question. Her lyrical content is impressive and I asked where the learning of this came from, “My musical gifts come from the grace of almighty god via trial and error as well as life’s experiences.” Bahamadia seems to pay a lot of recognition to God and Jesus Christ through our discussion, describing herself as a ‘Child of God’. When asked about how motherhood has influenced her, she shied away from the question with a godly reply. To Bahamadia she believes “everything has a place in life” and accepts that.
Myself a little frustrated with the interview, thinking how can such a lyrically talented artist be so limited in words with answering my questions? Maybe she wasn’t in the mood or was over interviews. For her it seems all about the respect and simply ‘Good Rap Music’, the title of her latest album. “The project is the manifestation of what I understand “good” rap music to be,” says Bahamadia plain and simply. The album which was released in January has been eagerly awaited by many fans after a long hiatus of material from the Queen. So what can we expect from the new album? She replies plain and simply “quality and substance”. Bahamadia coordinated the entire project and executively produced it as well.
‘Good Rap Music’ will be showcased as Bahamadia tours on the Good Vibrations Festival this February alongside the likes of Talib Kweli who she has previously worked with and the mighty James Brown. “I look forward to having my voice heard any place in the world where I’m lead to be at the time. I go with the flow of things. A good time will be had!” No doubt her jazzy joints and signature flow will tickle the ears of true heads at the Festival.
Don’t miss Bahamadia on tour this February:
Sat Feb 11 – Good Vibrations, Brisbane (BUY TICKETS)
Sun Feb 12 – Good Vibrations, Melbourne (ITM SOLD OUT)
Wed Feb 15 Gimme Some More!, Sydney (BUY TICKETS)
Sat Feb 18 – Good Vibrations, Sydney (BUY TICKETS)
Sun Feb 19 – Good Vibrations, Perth (BUY TICKETS)
‘Good Rap Music’ is out now locally through Jam Recordings.
