Paula Perry: More Tales From Fort Greene

Let’s hop right into this latest single / video, “Guess Who’s Back” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

“Guess Who’s Back” came about by way of producer, Castle Money Beats, and Da Inphamus Amadeuz, CEO at i Get @ Em Records. I signed a deal with them.

Of course (and I’m crossing my fingers here) “Guess Who’s Back” signifies that we, the masses, will finally be getting another solo album from you — That being said, what all specifically can you reveal and / or divulge about this forthcoming said body of work?

We going single by single for now; if I can spark up a decent situation for an album deal. Right now, I’m pretty much funding everything myself with the help from my manager, Dennis.

How then do the new materials either differ and / or compare to that of your previous entries?

Well, I’m pretty much giving the same hardcore delivery as my previous works. Hard Boom Bap beats as well; all made by Castle Money Beats…when pertaining to my new deal, which is allowing me to put out new stuff unlike other labels I’m signed to just focussing on my old album.

For it, you teamed up with i Get @ Em Media Group — What particular string of events actually led to this connection?

I had an interview with Boom Bap Nation early this year. After that, Inphamus propositioned me for a situation with them. I thought great, and that deal is what’s getting me new recognition today.

Reflecting, tell me your whole entry into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Paula Perry? And since you’re a native of Brooklyn – Fort Greene to be exact – who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Well, I was always a fan of Hip Hop since I first remember hearing it. There was a few people in the neighborhood helping me with my skills at the time. I was about 12. My homeboy Darnell would give me slick lines for my high school battles when I turned 14. Another good friend named Wiz would also help me out. From there, (my) skills got tight, and I became undefeated in battles. I joined female groups during and after high school, but eventually met Masta Ace whom gave me my shot at stardom. Eric B. & Rakim used to hang out in Fort Greene when I was young. That gave me that Hip Hop feeling. Seeing Dana Dane walk past on the daily basis, as well as the jams in the park. Masta Ace influenced me to give it a shot, and took me on the road early on (in) the game. Nikki D was managing me, and I often hung out with her and Queen Latifah. Those were my biggest influences.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I’m a hardcore, beat you with my lyrics and flow type of MC. I have many styles, but I’m focusing on that ‘90’s type feel.

How then did you initially link up with Masta Ace, ultimately becoming an integral member of his Incorporated collective?

I met Ace through Eyceurok, in which I met them through a family member of mines. I spit for Ace, and he was blown away! A few months later I was part of The INC.

You went on to secure yourself a recording contract with Motown Records — Although the DJ Premier laced lead single, “Extra Extra,” was unleashed an album never materialized — Why is that? But you eventually dropped your impressive – yet very slept on – solo debut, Tales From Fort Knox, in ‘98 — Why do you feel that this release didn’t get the proper traction that it definitely deserved?

Well, when Tales From Fort Knox was set to drop part of my budget was given to Flavor Unit for their movies; $300,000 dollars, in which I’m still recouping from “Extra Extra.” Some bull-crap! They shelved the album back then; now Universal has it streaming again.

In having said that, what all else had / have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, since you embarked on this musical journey?

I am a seamstress; I love to sew! I shoot and edit videos, which I’ve done up to 2012 in NY…over 100 street videos in a year for various unsigned and signed artists. I draw and love art.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want people to get that feeling I have when I listen to real Hip Hop. Love, positivity, wanting to dance or bop my head. As well as take heed to the words being said. I (also) want people to feel the music and learn how to have fun again. Unity, life, happiness. I am hardcore, however there is a message and that’s live.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop? And, even more specifically, women in rap?

I’m not happy at all with the current state of Hip Hop. It’s not giving nothing for the kids to look up to. Tasteless and shameful is what it is. The attitudes of strippers takin’ over the mainstream. Getting weird, deadly and out of control on all levels.

To date, what has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

My greatest career achievements was giving other people a chance to shine. Just knowing that I helped pave the way for others is enough to make me proud.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

One track of mine that defines me is called “Truth” on YouTube; that one really explains it.

Do you still remain in contact with Ace or anyone else from The Inc.? And if so, is there any chance that we, the masses, will ever get a reunion; either on stage and / or wax?

No 😯 I’m not in contact with Ace anymore. Me and his wife (Leschea) have a better chance of making new heat than Ace and I. He’s pretty stubborn like Mr Cee! 😆