Just when it seems as though the icy-coated, flashy, stereotypical elements of the “Rap Game” has strangled the last breath out of the Hip Hop culture, a springing forth of new artist seem to be catapulting out of the woodwork with their authentic sound and innovative lyrical content. We’ve seen it happen over the last decade. Starving Hip Hop fans are forced to huddle, like scavengers, over crumbs that symbolize hope for anything that remotely sounds like “True Hip Hop“. With the success of highly creative artists such as Kanye West, OutKast, Ludacris, Common, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli, the door has opened ever so slightly to allow “True Emcees” to squeeze in and make their mark. Pushing through the male-dominated world of Hip Hop comes just what you’ve been waiting for and missing, Lin Que. This Queens New York native takes it back to the original feel and grit of True Hip Hop with an up to date twist, on the rocks, that you can knock back for your pleasure. You might remember her as Isis when she was down with the messenger group X Clan and a vital part of the Black Consciousness Force called The Blackwatch Movement. There was no question as to how she ended up with the nickname “Lady of Thunder.” Her powerful yet graceful technique in shedding light on the state of where our black youths were heading at the time was both moving and inspiring. The Blackwatch Movement played an essential role in helping them learn more about their roots and thus causing Black Pride to shine through the young eyes of the community.
As she progressed further in her career, she teamed up with MC Lyte and Pam Wilder and opened up a management & production Company called “Duke Da Moon.” She was then able to help others with making their dreams a reality. She understood the importance of marketing and promotion and was able to pass on that knowledge to the various artist they had on their roster. Duke Da Moon would also act as a vehicle for Lin Que to get her music back in the ears of her listeners. She was then signed to Ruffhouse Columbia and shared a roster with artists such as The Fugees, Nas, and Cypress Hills. The underground loved what they were hearing. “This Is It” & “Rip It Up” was just a small taste of what she was capable of and would lead to her moving from Sony Music into her next major record deal with Elecktra Records. This is where and when she dropped the classic "Let it Fall." This track featured MC Lyte and was produced by Caspa. The video was directed by Hype Williams and is considered a classic underground portrayal of the last days of true Hip Hop. The fiends kept their eyes on her just waiting to get more acquainted with this multidimensional lyricist.
Although there is so much that Lin aspires to do, she has already passed several landmarks in her career that many would be considered lucky to have obtained. She has collaborated with various artists such as Will Downing, Mary J. Blige, Afrika Bambaataa, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Joi Cardwell, Steele/Smif-N-Wessun, The Beatnuts, Monifah, Ce Ce Peniston and more. Her last venture was a brief encounter with the Protect Your Neck group "The Five Deadly Venoms". After leaving the group for business reasons, she remained writing and creating music with producers such as .0 (Point Zero), Azteknique and Ayatollah. Lin’s uncanny ability to write blazing lyrics landed her a writing gig with MC Lyte on her “Ain‘t No Other” album. In 2005, Lin started to dabble with music production. She has produced many tracks in her arsenal.
Check out the first single, GODspeed, off of her new album which happens to go by the same name. Those music lovers who have been waiting for some real substance can now take a seat at the table and feel secured that they will be satisfyingly fed. "GODspeed"is finally here. Her no-nonsense lyrical delivery sets the foundation for this long awaited album.
In addition to the many tracks that will keep any “True Hip Hopper” happy, she captivates the listeners with her take on the state of Hip Hop. The track titled "Hip Hop Holy War" speaks for itself… It’s the True Emcees vs. The Rappers. "Let Um Know" explains her journey through the music industry while simultaneously elaborating on her inner voyage regarding her loyalty to the Hip Hop Artform. "Last Call" sheds light on her painful struggle with alcohol and marijuana. She explains how her mind and body worked when she was in the grips of her addiction. "GODspeed" reeks of her obvious Love for Hip Hop and her courageous attempt to save it's culture. "Someone has got to do it. We can no longer be mere spectators and onlookers neglectfully watching a very important part of our community loose it’s mind."
Her music, while still preserving its marketable appeal, portrays her struggle being a strong female in a male-dominated industry which seems to rather depict woman as “scantily dressed video hoes”. Lin Que is a breath of fresh air and has a lot to offer the Hip Hop Community. It would be nice to add a female to the roster to help relieve the growing desire for something “REAL”.
"Fan, for real, before I had my first deal, Love of the art form, respect for the field, I’m bringing back to life what this industry kills, True Emcee's, the Certified Artist with skills…"
-Lin Que 2007
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