Hip Hop Hundred Interview With Raven Sorvino

What’s going on everyone! I want to give thanks to everyone who has viewed the site and to all of you who follow Hip Hop Hundred. It is time for another interview. If you know me personally then you know I love everything about West Coast music. I am also drawn to female MC’s. With Hip Hop being a male dominated industry, it is tough for a female to get respect on the mic. I don’t think that will be a problem for Raven Sorvino from Los Angeles , CA. She delivers that West Coast flow and feeling with fresh perception. A woman on her grind expressing her mind. It’s always exciting to hear a new perspective on life, and to see how the thoughts of male and female MC’s compare and differ. I can honestly say that Raven Sorvino is worth a listen.

Playa Dey Rey starring Raven Sorvino (A.K.A Paper Girl) has 14 tracks. The cover is dope. It resembles the movie poster of the 1972 film Superfly. Each track has a special sound and feel to it. This is good mood music and definitely will not disappoint, so give a listen. Right now let’s get to know a little about the artist herself.

1. Where are you from?

Born in Richmond Texas and Leimert Park is where I stay.

2. How did you get into making music?

Listening to my dad play records in my house when I was a kid I would perform in front of the family. I always liked performing. As a little kid I remember seeing Rakim. After seeing him that made me want to be a rapper. His whole persona and voice intrigued me as a child. I was 4 years old imitating Rakim haha.

3. What do you want to accomplish with your music? Do you have any advice for up and coming female MC’s?

I’m going to be a name mentioned when they talk about the best female artist. That’s what I’m going to accomplish. As far as up n comers be clear on who you want to be and make sure you have a loyal team behind you that supports that goal.

4. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from Playa Situations.

5. Having spent time in Texas and Los Angeles, is there a certain artist from each area that influenced your music?

Pimp C, Scarface and Beyonce. Pac, E 40, Mac Dre & Dom Kennedy.

6. I think hip hop is at a turning point and it’s for the best. Do you have any thoughts on the current state of hip hop?

I love the independent spirit thats in hip hop right now. Also the internet is amazing as far as reaching so many different audiences. The Freedom of control and destiny.

7. Could you describe your writing process or how you begin to write your lyrics?

It’s all vibes. If the vibe is good then it just comes to me. I like to write in the morning. A majority of my music is written as soon as I awake.

8. What do you look for in production? What in the beat do you need to hear to know if it’s right for you?

Well when we go into the production side of things I usually sit with Hyphen or Woody and figure out a sound I wan’t to do. I’ll grab influences from different genres and then we’ll create our own. Soon as the first record is laid it usually sets the tone for the remainder of the album.

9. Your latest mixtape Playa Del Rey is very good and has many different sounds. I was curious to know where the name came from. I am somewhat familiar with Los Angeles and could of sworn the name comes from a beach?….. I believe the name of a project says a lot about the art. In Los Angeles I imagine a lot of creativity can come to the right person.

Playa Del Rey is a beach by the Marina. Out here they pronounce it “plie-ah” but since I’m on some Playa shit that’s was my twist. I created a place that people could go to in their imagination.

10. Could you describe a typical Raven Sorvino fan or listener?

So many different people. I get a lot of college students. Females on they trill shit too and people from Europe.

11. Would you say the year 2012 was productive?

2012 was great. I showed a lot people growth from Paper Girl to Playa Del Rey. Earned new fans from hard work and dedication

12. Do you have any goals for 2013?

I want to headline my own tour. I absolute love performing. I can’t wait for a wide range of people to experience and Raven Sorvino show.

13. Any Last Words?

Play on Playa..