Los Angeles, CA, born, I.E. raised, emcee-singer-songwriter-producer Diamonique is a seasoned quadruple threat artist with more than three long decades in the rap game. Affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the West,’ Ms. Noriega, also affiliated with a “who’s who” of Chicano rap; Mr. Capone-E, Down, Frost, Lil Rob, shows absolutely no sign in slowing down anytime soon.
First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
It’s amazing to see how much Hip Hop has grown, and the influence it has all over the world.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I knew there was somethin’ special about Hip Hop at a very young age, but wasn’t even thinkin’ about how far it (would) go. I was just enjoying the music.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
Hearing The Sugarhill Gang on a piece of 12” vinyl with my dad for the first time was a memorable moment.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
Right now, I am preparing for a great year in 2025. Working on new music, creating content, and figuring out a marketing plan for next year.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want them to understand my story, and be able to connect with me through my music and life experiences. To know that there are no boundaries or limits.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
To me, I would love to collaborate with Lauryn Hill because she is the definition of Hip Hop.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Wherever the biggest stage is with the most people in the crowd because I’m sure the energy would be amazing.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I am happy in a sense that I feel like real MCs with real lyrics that mean something are coming back.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I feel like as long as I can keep performing I will have longevity in this game.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I want to be able to help kids that come from the ‘hood. I want them to understand their value before it’s too late, and they go down the wrong path.
What’s an average day like for you?
My day is hardly ever the same because I wear so many hats, so my day is different daily. I do everything; from recording, engineering, filming and editing videos, photography, and graphics. But, I usually wake up, talk to God, smoke, drink my smoothie, and then get to work; whatever it consists of for that day.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I interact with them online on a daily, and just try to stay connected through social media.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is creating art. My least favorite is the business side of it all because people usually just want to see what they can get out of you for nothing. You can’t really trust anyone in this business.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I would make sure that you are really doing it for the right reasons and not just to be famous.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I see myself and my production company, Diamond Cut Productionz, both being household brands where I can help other artists tell their story through music, as well as venturing off into a lot more film projects. Also, teaching and helping young people through the iDream Society, a non-profit organization I am a part of.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
No, but I wanted to mention that I am very excited about a young female artist named Lady Lux that I am producing an EP on soon to be released in 2025. Look out for her, she is a beast on the mic!
Any “parting” words for our readers?
God bless everyone out there. I know life can be a struggle at times, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
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