A word from Masia One:
I'm going to get to the point: this show means a lot to me. I forgot how old I was, maybe 13 maybe more. My godfather took me to a Sade concert, where a little known group at the time, The Digable Planets, opened. I just recall being glossy eyed and jaw dropped at the woman on stage. For every young girl in my position at the time, the witnessing of a female rocking the mic with such splendor and eloquence opened a new realm of understanding. Like Asia One or Lady Pink before, here was Mecca (Ladybug), not griping about being a woman in hip hop, but just being, and doing what she knew best.

The story is two fold. I also recall avidly watching RapCity around this era, and being completely thrilled watching an emcee named Tara Chase rock with The Circle. I told myself at the time, "Man this girl can spit - and I bet she's cool as ever". You know what? I was right on both accounts.

I think a funny thing about being in the business of music, is that your affairs become public property. As an artist, I put myself out there, and become fair game to public criticism of my art, my thoughts and my appearance. Sometimes fielding off scrutiny when you're tired, broke and overworked becomes taxing. Then an opportunity comes along like this one: I get to collaborate and work with one of my inspirations. Suddenly being in the public eye allows me to celebrate the literal realization of a dream with everyone, and for this I know I am truly blessed. I'd like to encourage all purveyors of art to make it out to December's M1 Academy not just to celebrate with a very happy Masia, but to witness some of the most beautiful and talented women I know that happen to all love hip hop. The girls that have contributed to this night, both at the photo shoot and at the performance are at once my contemporaries and inspiration. Thus far, my life remains an open book, and the story just got better.