Today we tap in with veteran West Coast female artist Ms. Toi, who fans were first introduced to on Ice Cube’s “You Can Do It” song. Ms. Toi linked up with our own Todd “DG” Davis to be a part of his incredible WCS HipHop50 series to give her thoughts on the genre and her own music career. Read the interview below!
First things first, this year (August 11th) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
I am Hip Hop since 1973 on my latest album to celebrate my solar return, so if you keep up with me you can see Hip Hop through and through. My producer Yung Bala On Da Beat, out of Dallas, Texas, created a masterpiece, Ms. Toi “Roses,” just in time for the 50th anniversary.
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?
Yes, as far as my journey I wanted to run my own production company, and put out different artists on my own label one day and that’s what I’m doing now with the Session series. I have Ms. Toi Presents The Session parts 1 & 2 out now, produced by my producer, JPad Da Juggernaut, out of Pittsburg, PA.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories from your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
That Girl album stands out because that was my first solo debut, and I’m also the co-executive producer. Picking my first single “Handclap,” with Fantom of the Beat; we just reconnected after 20 years…also to Keith Thompson, who was over the marketing department, who made sure I had my own flavor of Rap Snacks when my album dropped. Some great times, but I’m making new memories.
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2023, going right into ‘24?
Paid shows, new music, more shows and more placements; thank you BMF, Oh My God, Yes on Adult Swim, All American, Woke series on Hulu, etcetera.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
A feeling something to remember, and always a go to when you need a pick me up.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
I’m happy about progress with my team; I can’t worry about the current state of just music anyway, it’s more important issues in this world than what is highlighted. With no economic structure, the world is stagnant at this time; writer’s strike, a new day of renegotiation is due.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Minding my own destiny like I’ve been doing, taking chances creating new things and never giving advice.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I’m very creative. I take pride in learning new things and I’ll name just a few; decorating, becoming an Author so I’ve been writing a lot and cooking vegetables from my garden.
What’s an average day like for you?
Wake up by God’s Grace, do my affirmations, get fresh and so clean and greatest happens. The Lovely Radio Show every Thursday night; always you can catch the playback on mstoimusic.com.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I have Warriors, that means we go above and beyond the call of duty for each other; the support is greatly appreciated, that’s what sets them apart from a fan. I have day one Warriors from my That Girl album, to my new ones that just learned about me from my “Go Viral” single.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
What I’ve created is what I like, I make money from it…also being called by multi-platinum producer, Mike City, to do projects for the music libraries. We do full albums with clean, dirty and instrumental mixes, only to be used for licensing, syncs, commercials, etcetera.
…We have placements on BMF series and NBA games and more. We all have things we don’t like about work, but if it makes you money it will never be easy…if it’s too easy, you know the rest.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I don’t give advice…
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
That’s just it, even if I knew my future I wouldn’t tell the plans; it’s certain energy that will beat you there and ruin it, so if you follow MsToiMusic.com you’ll be a part of the journey by way of the Lovely Radio Show, or just from the music alone.
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
If you’re an artist and would like to submit your music to my radio show, go to the site and send your link and bio. I have a Lovelymix on Live365 for artists so share the show. I’ll return the love and keep artists in rotation for a week; the site is the place to be!
Any “parting” words for our readers?
MsToiMusic.com
Lovely Radio Show every Thursday night at 7pm PST, Officialmstoi on YouTube and thank you!
