Ma Barker: What The Game’s Been Missing

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

One of my producers sent me a track; he was like, “I know you can body this!” *Ma giggles* And that’s what took place. I love the feel of the track, so I created a chorus that would compliment the track.

I heard prior to his untimely passing, the late DJ Kay Slay was heavily involved in the creative process of this forthcoming solo LP…

And, on a less somber note, how then does this new material(s) either differ and / or compare to previous Ma Barker entries?

I was so heartbroken by the passing of my bro, Kay Slay. We finally got together to work on an exclusive project, which was so dope to me being he was one of the first deejays I ever worked with. So I did two tracks for his (The) Soul Controller album, and next he was doing my whole LP starting with the first single I just dropped “RUN DOWN.” This album is different from the previous Ma Barker music because of the fact this time I’m just doing me. I’m not doing music with no one in mind. I’m doing what I love, it’s not just about bars for me anymore. I just want to deliver good feeling music and make hits. There’s no more competition, but within myself.

“Run Down” is a Barker Boy Records release — What are your immediate to future plans and / or goals for the label?

Right now, to drop my album then maybe sign a few artists as well…but that’s down the road.

As a lyricist, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw your inspiration from?

Some from past experiences, some just from the way the beat feels…and others from my imagination. *Barker giggles again* I’mma great writer, so I can go beyond the normal thought process.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Ma Barker?

I started in music when I was 12; I came in the game as ShaQueen first. I was a Billboard artist. I did many big things. I had a platinum record with Gerald Levert, did a hit with Main Source, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch , (MC) Lotto on the song called “Set It Off.” I did a single with Big Daddy Kane and A.B. Money called “Earth, Wind & Fire,” which got a lot of radio play as well. So my first career was amazing! I then decided to change my name to Ma Barker, had a whole other great career. Did the album with 5 Family Click with Kool G Rap, 40XL and a few others, which took off. After that, I have done music with some of the biggest artists; 50 Cent, N.O.E. from ByrdGang, Uncle Murda…so many more.

Now you’re a native of New York City, correct? So growing up in ‘The Empire State,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Born and raised in Desert New York Brooklyn, then moved to Queens. l would say my biggest influence was Kool G Rap, Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls.

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

My style definitely has an original New York sound, but I’m still original; my swag, delivery, flows are mine, very authentic.

Where does your moniker originally derive from?

My artist name Shaqueen was an original name, but Ma Barker was a gangsta lady from back in the days.

Now earlier on you were introduced to the masses through your ex husband Kool G Rap and his extended collective 5 Family Click — So although he and you are no longer married, is the group [40 CAL Hammerz, Glory Warz Dan Da Man & Angie Mendez] still intact in any capacity?

Definitely! This is family. We are family for life; nothing will ever change that. 40 is my blood brother as well. Me and G is working on some new music for my upcoming project as well.

Switching gears here…

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Just being consistent. Keeping up with the times, and understanding what the fans want…as well as keep the love for the music; without it you can’t stay around long.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Just a dope vibe, great music when they play my songs; to feel satisfied that they received dope bars from a dope artist.

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

Happy, no! I think music has fallen. I think anybody can get into music now without skills, but it also allows people to get around the gate-keepers in this business…so it’s a gift and a curse. Some females are nice, some are all the same; twerking, wigs…they look alike, sound alike, so I think it’s a mix of some nice, some not so much.

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

My kids, my love N.O.E., my parents and my siblings.

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

Being on the Billboards. Doing shows with some of the greats. Being loved and respected for the music I produce.

What’s an average day like for you?

Average day for me is writing, taking care of my family, cooking and on the phone buying or selling businesses. I’m an entrepreneur at the end of the day.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

The same way they interact with me; if it’s love, I show love back, that’s always been me. I love talking to my fans.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Favorite part, just doing what I love. Least favorite, you can’t really make a living in music the way they changed the system; 1 million streams doesn’t really pay anything! *Ma chuckles*

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Make sure you have a cash flow; don’t think this game will feed you. You will get the fame before you get millions.

Lastly, what’s next for Ma Barker?

I’m an associate producer of Web series project, Heat, that’s now on Tubi. I’m working on some independent films as well. So hitting the big screens is where I’m heading. Also working with cosmetic brand PRETTY BISHH. Which has great make-up for sistas.

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

You can reach me on all platforms: @therealmabarker.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Thanks to the fans who support that real music still.