Female Emcee sounds strange and contradictory, knowing Hip Hop’s emphasis on misogyny and masculinity. True, rappers battling for supremacy don’t readily bring to mind images of females spitting fierce rhymes, grabbing and posturing. But contrary to what we may believe, there are ferocious female rappers out there. However, it may be hard for most of us to name them. “Hip Hop has produced no Bessie Smith, no Billie Holiday, no Aretha Franklin,” proclaims Hip Hop commentator Nelson George in “Hip-hop America.” It is clear that female Emcees have not earned respect for hip-hop. Lauryn Hill surpassed the odds, providing a glimmer of hope. But lately, insecurity has taken hold. Why? Well, let’s face it: there are very few females strong enough to be Lauryn’s successors. But that doesn’t mean they’ve given up.

Here are three homegrown talents sharing their love, struggle, and frustration with Hip-Hop. Tara Chase, Eternia, and Sage, names you may or may not recognize, discuss why they are chasing what seems like an impossible dream.

Buoyancy comes from her easy laughter [read our full feature on Tara Chase]. Tara Chase, or should it be Lady Chase, has paid her dues yet is refreshingly gracious after all these years. Probably the most experienced of the group, Tara, is realistic about success in hip hop for females but surprisingly still optimistic.
A Honey Jam graduate and known as “The Circle’s” first lady, the admitted tomboy and cartoon fanatic has grown as an Emcee and producer and is now an astute businesswoman.

“I have no problem with being a lady,” she says, chuckling.

For those of us itching to know the fate of “The Circle” it is still a mystery, even to Tara, when asked about the group’s status, she admits, “I don’t really know, everyone is doing there own thing but we still support each other.” Now, back in school after dropping the mix tape “The College Graduate” [read our review] and starting her own label, Chase n'' On Music, Tara is focusing on her education and encouraging others to do so as well. She tells us how hard it is to educate young women on the pitfalls of the industry.

“Not everyone’s going to like you, but for younger women, it’s hard to express that to them.”

Tara admits that she has made her share of mistakes and candidly recounts that Michie Mee, a veteran Emcee, advised her on what life as a female Emcee would mean. “She told me what was going to happen in my life, and I took it one ear, and it went out the other. I took it in, and I appreciated having the conversation, but ultimately, I didn’t make the changes at that time that I probably should have, but in the end, it helped me grow.”

Toronto Emcee Tara Chase

Still, it is obvious that she enjoys the sense of community fostered in Toronto’s female hip-hop community.

“We just try to help each other along with advice and information.” Tara has emerged as the thinking woman's every woman, especially when it comes to her music.

“Lyrically, I’m trying to be the best I can be. I like to know that people respect me and my music at the end of the day.”

Tara remains in our consciousness because of her willingness to work against the odds. This work ethic has been passed along to another Honey Jam alumni, Eternia, who has also been preparing herself for the journey ahead.

Part II of the H.E.R Story will be available next week...