Shortie No Mas(s): Never Too Late

Let’s hop right into this latest single, “Identity Crisis” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

“Identity Crisis” is a song that represents being caught as a female MC in between wanting to (be) feminine, while being respected as a skilled emcee.

Of course “Identity Crisis” comes courtesy of your forthcoming (drops 12/16!) LP, Here Goes Nothing. — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

Just what the title says, “Here Goes Nothing!” This album is 100% for the fans who have been asking for an album all this time; if they’re still asking today? They deserve it! I have nothing to lose, so Here Goes Nothing.

For it, you teamed up with producers Da Beatminerz, J-Zone and even your own son, Jay Law, making it a family affair — So considering your history in the rap game, what does it feel like in 2021, almost ‘22, still making music?

I am more excited to be releasing music now than prior years. I feel with streaming services, artists are able to have more creative control over their art.

That being said, how then have things changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into it?

Like I mentioned, streaming services allow more types of music to be enjoyed, whereas in the past you only really had access to what labels decided what was hot for the moment. Now with streaming services, almost anyone can put their music out there and fans have more options as to what they want to hear.

Back to Here Goes Nothing.; how then do the new materials either differ and / or compare to that of your previous bodies of work?

The songs on this album, to me, are more complete songs; some of them I feel are my (best) work.

Reflecting, tell me your whole entry into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Shortie No Mas(s)?

I used to hang with a some guys who were rappers, we used to kick it at a DJ name Khaos’ house. He would play break-beats and the guys would rhyme. I felt like I could do it, too…apparently I was pretty good at it. Lol!

Now you’re a native of Boston, Massachusetts, by way of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, correct? So growing up, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

My strongest musical influences growing up were anyone in Native Tongues, Brand Nubian, Eric B & Rakim.

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

I try to be all about skills and wordplay. I think it’s an art saying exactly what you want to say and fit it in a limited amount of space. I also like my flow to compliment the beat, almost as if it is just another instrument.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

I was always Shortie. Growing up in the ‘80’s a lot of cool Hip Hop influencers had a “Shortie” as part of their name, so I picked that. Posdnous from De La Soul added the “No Mas(s),” basically saying “No More”…he meant, what you see is what you get; I didn’t need makeup or flashy things to be a dope MC.

How did you even initially link up with Posdnuos, Trugoy & Maseo [De La Soul], ultimately appearing on their heralded third album, Buhlo͞one Mind State [“In The Woods”]?

I met Posdnous backstage at a concert in Philly. We linked up, hung out and then he told me I was gonna be on the next album.

Although you went on to work with some of the biggest names in the biz, I, like a lot of Hip Hop heads, felt that you never got your just due or even had a proper career launch — Why do you think that is?

Being sheltered under one group and not truly understanding the industry, then making a good amount of money outside of music and focusing on that instead.

In having said that, what all else had / have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, since your debut on wax?

I am the co-owner of a real estate investment company; that’s the biggest focus in my life.

Switching gears here…

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

I guess good music. I am shocked, and extremely humbled that people still are interested in music from me.

What do you want people to get from your music?

I want to inspire other artists the way that other people’s music inspired me, and to let artists know it’s never too late to release good music.

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

Current mainstream Hip Hop is what it is supposed to be for this generation. Our parents didn’t love our music, and their parents before them. Like I said before, with streaming services everyone can get what they enjoy in Hip Hop. As far as women, I support all women doing their thing!

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

To own a self-sufficient compound and not be bothered with the world. LOL!

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

My greatest career achievement in music has been maybe reaching fans across the world in the randomest of places.

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

“Here Goes Nothing.” It’s just 100% from the heart. When I heard the lyrics completed, it expressed exactly how I feel.

Do you still remain in contact with the guys from De La? And, is there any chance that we, the masses, will ever get another collabo?

Yes, somewhat…and you would have to ask them that! Lol.

Finally, what’s next for Shortie No Mas(s)?

It is on my agenda to record more music in the next few months.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I think you covered everything.