Now let’s hop right into this latest single, “Evil Twins” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
This song was triggered by my Gemini characteristics. Yes, that’s my sign! Most Geminis identify with the twins of course, so I played off that, but in a way where the twins are on go time in every way. Whether it’s getting to the bag, being there for their team or getting fully active. Know you’re an asset with purpose.
“Evil Twins“ comes courtesy of your upcoming Duffel Bag Music release — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?
Duffel Bag Music came to mind after I started recording like the 5th song for the album. I was getting that vibe from the music I was making. After it was done, those that heard it said it matched the songs completely; it’s getting to the bag motivating and gave them movie vibes. I wanted it to have a direction that can be relatable to my fanbase without sounding dated. Didn’t want to force a sound that doesn’t fit me.
How then does “Evil Twins” either differ and / or compare to previous Coniyac entries?
“Evil Twins” is different from anything I have previously released due to the head space I’m now in. We all go through things in life, so I did slightly address it in my own way. But the sound is updated and still doesn’t take away from the style of music my particular fanbase is accustomed to.
As a lyricist, when you sit down to pen your rhymes where do you draw your inspiration from?
When writing, I draw my inspiration from what mood the beat gives me and I vibe on how I would want to hear myself deliver on it. Not to mention, I hold bars in high regard where we come from. So I’m passionate about manufacturing every line to make you kind of go like, “ooh” or “that’s crazy!” Plus, salute to battle rap! I watch it a lot, it helps me to think outside the box.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into entertainment — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Kim Proby-Davis?
I first became interested in it after hearing my oldest brother play Queen Latifah and MC Lyte. So I started to write raps, and it was an easy lane for me because I used to write poetry. I always had aspirations of being an entertainer in some way. Lol! I thought I could sing, until I heard voices like Jill Scott, and Beyoncé. So I chose rap naturally, and seeing artists like Lil’ Kim, Yo-Yo, Lady of Rage and Da Brat just killing it like they did, was extra confirmation this is for me. My family always supported me to the fullest, so I recorded demos in my garage with this producer my mother hired. I even wrote bars for one of my close friends, and told her that we were going to be a group! Lol. I love her to death to this day because she wasn’t a rapper, but she tried it anyway for me. My oldest brother would have me rapping for his friends all the time, especially when he was in prison, and he would also try to put me in touch with others in the industry working. I had signed to this independent label named Kaniki, and while working on music I met producer Jelly Roll. He recorded a few songs with me and Kola, and he was working with Snoop at the time. He had played the song that we did for Snoop, and he wanted us to come to the Dogg House. He was putting together a girl group, so it was like a mini audition. I showed up to do me, and thank God I made the cut.
Now you’re a native of Los Angeles, CA, correct? So growing up in the “City of Angels,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest influences?
My strongest influences musically from the city was definitely Ice Cube, Nipsey (Hussle) and Battlecat. They really represented where we come from, hands down. They help cultivate the sound that defines South Central Los Angeles.
In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
In all honesty, my style is aggressively hard, authoritative and smooth at the same time. I pulled my vocal tone from Ice Cube, how to deliver it subject-wise from Jay-Z, as well as Boss, and playing with my words from Kurupt and Crooked I.
Where does your moniker originally derive from?
My moniker comes from Hennessy once being my favorite drink. Lol! And it describes my style and myself perfectly; hard, but smooth if you need a shot! Lol.
What particular string of events actually led to you initially linking up with Kola Loc and Big Chan and the formation of Doggy’s Angels?
I met Kola working with an artist out of Long Beach and we thought each were dope, so we joined forces calling ourselves Coniyac & Kola. In the mist of this, she had moved out of the state. I told her come back to Cali you can stay with me, because I know we hard enough to get a deal. I’m happy that was able to fall through because she had a kid and so did I, and it was important to have something going on to get by. But we did get that deal though. I knew Big Chan because we are from the same neighborhood, and she was doing her thing in the industry already. It was just a matter of time for her to pop. So when the group idea came up with Snoop, it was an easy call.
How and when exactly did Snoop Dogg and Doggy Style Records enter into the picture?
I was fresh out of high school. Snoop Dogg came in the picture after the dues were being paid! Lol. I had been through it all before getting to Dogg House. It wasn’t until Coniyac and Kola made it official, and we were like three (3) songs in on our indie project.
What eventually caused the group to disband?
I think life and just growing to wanting to do your own thing. Also, doing what makes you happy is first. We have all been through a lot since then, and it was a hell of a time while it lasted.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to get motivation from it, whether it’s getting to your bag, or musical inspiration to just go up. Plus, feel good while doing it. I love where music is right now, there is no box.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
It would probably be Nipsey, because I know musically we would have ate. But also because he represented and approached making a difference the same way I would have.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
It would probably be Coachella for sure; I get rave and Woodstock vibes. That seems like it would be fun. Amazing talent stays on their stage.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop music? And even more specifically women in rap?
I love the current state of Hip Hop, there is no ceiling for your creativity. It’s great to see so many women able to be heard now, like really killing it. Plus, having the freedom to release music when you want to is beyond therapeutic. Having more control of your music is a major win for us. I love the variety, too. I can listen to all of them and it will put me in different moods and that’s needed. Also, women today have way more powerful positions now than they used to.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
To me, I think it’s your passion for the craft and your knowledge of business for the art.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Yes, I have a film company named Vantage Point Films, with my husband…we also have a trucking company with my brothers, and a consulting company, ETouch Music, to help those in the music industry to get their business right when independent. I’m a bit of a computer geek on the low! Lol.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
Getting embraced by the Dogg House family, because I didn’t see any other label treat their artist like family. It was usually always just business, and I get it. And, probably hitting the stage after Jay-Z while on the ‘Puff Puff Pass Tour,’ free-styling over one his beats that he’d just performed while he stood on the side of the stage watching. I was like, “wow, I can not fumble this play!” Lol.
What’s an average day like for you?
Up early, workout or plan the day. I gotta get my mind right, so blunts are in motion. Get that dinner menu right for my husband, and it’s grind time. I have a home studio, so we have fun creating, and I’m always researching what’s going on to stay in-tune with what’s new in and around in the game, such as changing marketing and promotion tactics, ground-breaking revenue streams and the latest innovative technology pertaining to music / music business.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
When engaging with fans, I’m more likely on the grateful side that they even invest any time at all in what I have done. It’s definitely an honor and blessing to receive genuine love from people you do not know. They are the best, period, and keep you motivated to keep going. I love it!
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part would be meeting people that can recite your bars, like, “wow, you caught that?” My least favorite part would be the trust factor; you really have to know who is for you and with you. So many with hidden agendas, it’s crazy. Gotta keep your space at peace so you can elevate in this game.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Know the business, create a great team, and always keep those that want to see you win close.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself being a mogul; it’s a lot I want to do, especially for my city.
As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Coniyac?
I’m in a real nice music space, so I’m going to give that to y’all until I’m gassed out! Lol. My new album, Duffel Bag Music, is coming soon, hosted by Snoop Dogg, and it’s crazy for real! I’m exploring options right now, and films are in the works. I have a visual coming for “Evil Twins,” too, directed by Guap; it’s crazy! So be on the lookout for that!
Lastly, what are the odds of a Doggy’s Angels reunion, whether on stage and / or wax?
Honestly, who knows, we might have to look in to that in the future. But right now, it’s probably not going to happen anytime soon.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
Not at all, you were on point with it all. Thanks for interview, it’s greatly appreciated.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
If you are a Doggy’s Angel fan, you will definitely love my new album. Make sure y’all tap in to Duffel Bag Music, your speakers will LOVE it! I promise you, it drops in August. 🔥Stay FNF out there!
Connect w/Coniyac Online:
IG: @Coniyac –
https://www.instagram.com/coniyac/
Stream or Download –
https://musiquearena.lnk.to/EVILTWINS
