I first became acquainted with Shy Thoro back when Jaybee from URSCENE was trying to be like me and promote the hottest Indie artists...lol okay maybe he was just doing his thing.  Shouts out to Jaybee who did it big online with URSCENE.com before most of us thought to do this unprofitable bullshyt.  But in all actuality, I've caught up with the paper.

I remember Shy was more "thorough" than her name suggested; she had great on stage personality, some really hot songs and she struck me as an around the way girl; someone cool that you could hang out with...

Okay so fast forward two years later and she's still doing her thing with the rap music.  You got to love and respect that,... Shy is someone who is committed to her dream and she's making it happen.

DCMM: ...so tell me about what type of message Shy Thoro has for the listeners and how would you best describe your style?

Shy Thoro: Ok I'm not a gangsta, nor am I a diva. I'm that around the way chick that you can bring home to your mom, dad, grandmom, son, etc and they can all relate to me...so I have songs for everyone and they have meaning to them, but you can also dance and party to. I'm also unbiased in my messages in music. I speak from both female and male perspectives...I'm fair. I know there's women that do just as wrong as men, so I let them know about themselves too lol.  But it's uplifting music, and foremost, I want to let these women out here know they're valuable and no one can take away their dignity if they value themselves.

DCMM: Would you consider yourself a role model?
Shy Thoro: hmmm I guess so. I'm hearing that people look up to me, so yeah lol

DCMM:  What's your feeling about the Hip Hop scene in general: What do you think about the DC Hip-Hop scene...and I'll ask you the third question after I get those answers...lol
Shy Thoro: The hip hop scene right now is missing the voice of the ladies. I don't understand how it's been so long since a new female MC has risen.and how we are sitting back and taking it. They can't keep us down this long...and we can't take it anymore! Lol Seriously, the record industry is trying to shut down our voices if we don't conform and do what they want us to do. I'm here to prove that we can still rap and sell records and at the same time not compromise our values.  Now about the DC scene...lol,  I wish there was someone out there representing us on a national level. Wale is definitely doing his thing now as well as Tabi and many others, but the world still don't recognize DC as a place for hip hop. And there's a lot of talented artists out here as well as other talented female MCs, so there's really no reason why we shouldn't be able to get this city to the forefront.

DCMM: Tabi and Wale are definitely doing their thing respectively;  not since the likes of Nonchalant have we really seen a female MC take their craft to the next level in the DC Hip Hop Arena,...
Shy Thoro: First off, shout out to Nonchalant too. She was one of the first major artists that accepted me and embraced me and was willing to work with me, and she definitely opened up the doors so love ya Non! lol. ..as well as Question Mark Asylum...just wanted to put that out there...

DCMM: ...what do you think its going to take for DC to get to that place where our city is recognized and accepted as a hip-hop market?
Shy Thoro: Honestly I don't know...I hear talk that DC can't blow up because there's a lot of hating going on within the city. But that's in every city and I see unity here. I can only do the best job I can to assist in bringing light to this city...and hopefully the world will follow and recognize DC.

DCMM: you said you see unity here.....I see it too amongst the underground & Indie artists, even some artist like Raheem Devaughn who have jumped on tracks with unknown Indie artist here in the city.

Wale & Tabi, even Izzy Battle are the current representatives of DC hip hop; but there is a long list of front runners that have made a mark for DC's Hip Hop scene. People like DJ Kool, Non Chalant, Question Mark Asylum who where more nationally known and of course you have to give props to others like Stinky Dink, DC Scorpio, Fat Rodney,...I say that to say that there will be more to come, but what do you think will be the thing that need to take place in order for DC's hip hop voice to be heard past the borders of the District on a bigger level than just the few that have a platform?

Shy Thoro: Maybe we got to travel outside of DC unfortunately. People keep telling me I can't make it in this city on a national level and I need to go elsewhere....and that's folks from DC lol. It's hard to get on major radio and the folks who are on the radio in DC...are just heard in DC. I'm blessed that WPGC is allowing me to get some shine. I have to go thru hard battles every week in a contest in order to get that shine, but at least the opportunity is there.  People are hearing me. So unfortunately radio is a business and we can't rely on it. It's ok for us to pack up our things, hit the road and let NY, ATL, LA and every other city know that DC has something to say. But also, the artists have to remember to return to DC and give the next artist that same platform that you have. Hopefully we can build from there.

DCMM: ...so tell me about the new project, by the way I like your music , its good music.. feel good music. What type of response have you been getting, and are there any big collabs (mainstream producers or artist, DMV based rappers or vocalists)
Shy Thoro: Thank you for that.  I appreciate it.  The response has been crazy! See you have to come to one of my shows...my audience is so diverse because I'm not one-dimensional. Old school heads are there, 18 year olds, thugs, Christians and etc lol!  Someone came to my show the other night and was a grandmother in a wheelchair...she came to see me.talking about she love "Baby Boy" lol It's funny, but it's love. But yeah I am working on a project with a major artist now, but it's not completed yet and so I can't put it out there, but hopefully it will work out. And I owe a lot of collabs with folks in the area. One collab I'm looking forward to working with is Mr. Whitefolkz.  If u haven't heard of him, he's a beast! lol. 

DCMM: Wow that's what's up. Anyone else?

Shy Thoro: Oh yeah...I got a collab with the sweet essence of soul...Gina Rose. She's on the single "U Don't Know My Name", another songstress named Pam Ward Is on my single, 'Do What I Do', former singer of The Lessen Group Tamara Is on "Baby Boy". Had a collab with Nonchalant of course. Working to get blessed with a collab with Tony Blunt now. But like I said there are some collabs with other DC MCs that you'll be hearing soon.

DCMM: Tell me who you respect in the industry, I mean people you admire
Shy Thoro: Dead or alive? lol
DCMM: Ahh... whoever inspires you
Shy Thoro: lol ok I ask cause the first person that always inspired me and still does is Pac. He was able to have that balance with his music and audience where he had positive messages in his music as well.a lot of mainstream artists today still haven't been able to do that.  But it's crazy cause a lot of the artists that I do admire are not in the forefront in the industry right now such as Lauryn Hill. I hear a lot of talk about her being 'crazy', but after listening to a couple of recent interviews, she's still telling the truth to me and making sense. She says what a lot of artists can't say...and I respect her for being real about the industry. After seeing someone so strong show some weakness, but still be able to get in front of the crowd and tell them that she struggles just like them is admirable. People are so shallow, they can't overlook an image. But I like Lil Wayne-he's always kept an element of lyricism in his music.consistently. And I liked him since "The Block Is Hot", so I'm happy he's finally getting his due. I respect Eve because she's still relevant and that's hard to do.

 
DCMM: okay, so tell me what's your favorite song in the DMV right now, besides your stuff...lol
Shy Thoro: That new Mambo Sauce song! lol.  I'm feeling them.
DCMM: Yeah I got to tell you I'm still on that Miracles joint....it's like real inspiration for me. So you been in this Hip-hop thing for a long while and that's admirable that you are still following your dream and making progress,... what will Shy Thoro be remembered for when its all said and done
Shy Thoro: Hopefully that I was able to make great music, stay true to myself, and always kept God first.

DCMM: Definitely....but I meant more along the lines of your musical contribution to the DC hip-hop game.
Shy Thoro: That I brought something different to the table. And to let folks know that I've always had love for DC and I appreciate the fact that the city Is embracing me this much. I want to make them proud and I hope I do.

DCMM: Have you ever been compared to anyone in the industry?...(personally you remind me of Lyte)

Shy Thoro: Lyte? in which way?
DCMM: Your look, not musically... but have you ever been compared to anyone?
Shy Thoro: oh ok...I have heard comparisons to her too which Is cool cause I also admire her. I've also heard Lauryn, which Is a compliment, but I know we're different. And I use to hear Nelly comparisons a lot lol I guess because sometimes I sing-rap lol...But that was always my style! but I like Nelly too lol

DCMM: (laughs) okay now its time to rap it up Shy....so shout out all the folks you want to and tell us about any upcoming projects we should be on the look out for...
DCMM: actually you remind me of Lyte , because its no gimmicks with you, you're that straight up MC who just does what they feel.

Shy Thoro: Thank you, I feel the same way lol  First off, shout out to you and DC Music & Models for giving me the opportunity.. I'm thankful for that. Shout out to my manager Darline, Monizzy, Tonya, DJ Jay Sincere, my boy Shawn, street team Kesha from Sweet Dreams, and my boys Jay and Jason. I can't be naming everybody though lol. But my EP will be available for download worldwide soon. I'm working on my first debut album so look out for that next year. I am still the reigning WPGC 95.5 Homejamz Queen so make sure you tune in every Sunday night at 9pm and continue to vote at www.myspace.com/dchomejamz. Also just check my MySpace page for future shows, projects, new tracks and etc. There's a lot going on, but I always do post updated information there. And please request the singles "Shy Thoro" and/or "Baby Baby" by calling 1-877-955-5267 or texting 'Shy Thoro Baby Boy' to 97421.  Lastly, they can contact me via www.myspace.com/shythoro or email at alleyesentertainment@hotmaIl.com. I'm looking for background singers, musicians, street team members, sponsors, advisors, investors, everyone so hit me up! lol

And shout outs to the whole DC, MD, VA areas. I love ya'll and appreciate the support. 

*Pictures courtesy of Christopher Brady

 *lol = Laughing out loud