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When female rappers are mentioned in the media you may not hear the name Suga T. But, Suga T has been putting in work for the last 25 years. Her collaboration with big brother E – 40 on the track ‘Sprinkle Me’ was a  multi-platinum hit single and also one of the biggest brother and sister duets in rap history! Having just released her first of a 3 part mixtape series find how it all started for Suga T, what she’s doing now and what new music she has coming out!

You're a Singer, Rapper, Actress, Businesswoman and Motivational Speaker! But let's start with your rapping and singing first. You were in the group The Click with your brothers the legendary E 40, D - Shot and your cousin B Legit. You guys were the first to put Vallejo, California on the Hip Hop map! How did it all start for you and what artists inspired you?

I was a girl headed for trouble as a teenager. I had already made the decision of becoming a teen mom, but later ended up into all types of mischief, so my brothers pulled me up under their wing so that I can stay out of trouble and they can look out for me.  From there I was inspired.
 
Sometimes the media, fans and artists can be a little harsh on female artists, did you ever feel that, when you were with The Click or being a solo artist?
 
I was always okay as long as I was presented by the fellas, but if I am not heavily marketed commercially then I am not as appreciated as a solo artist. Which, is very discouraging. For some odd reason, I am often left out of female orientated projects presented by commercial media, as much as I have contributed to female Hip-Hop in these last 25 years.
 
You put in a lot of work and have released a few solo albums straight up Hip Hop and Gospel ones can you tell us about your albums?
 
It’s All Good, Paper Chasin', Suga-T and Friends are all solo albums that have had a heavy Hip-Hop 'hood flow’. But I wanted to release another side of myself and created a gospel project as a gift to myself, my now deceased grandparents and my fans, in hope to give them other tools besides sex, drugs, violence and unhealthy living as a challenge suppressant. The new album Chameleon: The Best of Both Worlds album will truly give you the best of both sides of me, and I will be showcasing a lot more of my singing.

Tell us a little bit more about your new album ‘Chameleon: The Best of Both Worlds’ who will feature on there and when will it be released?

In between all the mix CD singles that will be available online, you will be sure to see a new album in the first quarter of 2011 titled, Chameleon: The Best of Both Worlds. I will also be showcased on a single with my brother, but this time rapping. It’s similar to a "Sprinkle Me #2." The Click will also be presenting some movement -- It’s still a surprise!
 
Recently you released your first mixtape 'The Return of Suga: The Best Is Yet To Come' which is the first part of a 3 part series hosted by DJ Jack Da Rippa. Can you tell us about the mixtape and the whole concept behind the series?

The Return of Suga and the other mix CD’s is preparing everyone for that next level solo album 2011 release! It’s a gift to my fans that have been sticking by me, weather they have seen me on the A list or D list. I am often left out of the loop when female rappers are showcased, so I decided to join forces with H.Y.P.E. Magazine, DJ Jack Da Rippa and Suga-T Fragrances, showcasing my own self to my fans. It is also an opportunity to remind those who may have forgotten or are not aware of my contributions to female Hip-Hop, because it seems like it is a thin picking of what is regularly showcased in the media today and some of us more underground, but yet relevant talent that can be left behind. It is also an opportunity to bring people current with my music that may not always be commercially showcased, while showing the younger generation how much of an influence I had on female Hip-Hop today.
 
Tell us about your motivational speaking? How did all that come about?

I started motivational speaking when I found myself overcoming many challenges and successes that occurred in my life from decisions that I made. Because of all my experience, I feel responsible to help others prevent challenges, reach their dreams or get through challenging times, with the hand on direction or motivation from someone who could relate. I am also clear that entertainment is a major influence on the community, and being that I have always had one foot on the hill and one foot in the 'hood, I am clear of what we need to help others lives become healthy while being a motivator to keep growing myself. This is all of our life's purpose.
 
Is this something you do on a regular basis?

I regularly keep myself available to speak at prevention, awareness, and educational, motivational sessions and provide programs that are open for collaboration. You can find more information at www.beaboutit.biz . I am a parent who raised children in this generation, and I am clear that parents need help especially from media influences that can share a positive message.
 
A lot of female artists go into making their own clothing lines but you've got your own line of fragrances out, can you tell us about that?
 
I wanted to do something unique and was inspired by a radio programmer that hired me to do a radio show at his station. Although it was a small local station, it ended up being a blessing to me because he encouraged me to do it. It was a very challenging time in my life, and I decided to find something to make me feel valuable and a vision that I can control without relying on others. This is when I did all the research and necessary steps to become a fragrance production company that operates in a non-traditional way. I teach the Sweet Smell of Success workshops, and help others find their vision and get through life's trying times with this product line. Check out: www.suga-tfragrances.biz .

Why did you decide to call the line the quite appropriately named 'Sprinkle Me'?

I titled the fragrance line Sprinkle Me Collection, because it represents the song "Sprinkle Me," which is the biggest brother and sister duet ever created in Hip-Hop and still presents and reaches a lot of my fan-base with a brand that already exists -- There you go! It just so happens that it’s perfect for a fragrance line that sprinkles your body…SugaWata' is our first signature scent from the Sprinkle Me Power Mist line. We will be starting the SugaWata’ campaign during the month of October to raise proceeds for a domestic violence cause.
 
So, is it good to be back in the studio recording? Out of all the other jobs that you do which would you say is the most fulfilling and why?

I have always been in the studio recording. It always goes to which song will actually exceed past the underground, and what do I plan on representing that makes sense to me. Out of all my jobs they kind of even out my interest, fragrance fulfils the CEO in me. Be About It movement releases my teaching and social consciousness, while allowing me to share and music gives me my stage high!
 
Besides yourself and your family what artists should people be looking out for coming from Vallejo, or the West Coast in general?
 
I am not sure. I am working on some other vehicles where I would have my eyes open, but currently I am so focused on upgrading my machine. I couldn’t even tell you. I find myself overwhelmed from time to time just trying to keep up with me and what is already around me…lol!

Do you have any websites where people can find out more about you?

People can log on onto www.suga-t.net my blog, www.suga-tfragrances.biz for fragrance and www.beaboutit.biz for my activism piece.

Suga T I would like to thank you for taking the time out to do the interview, is there anything that you would like to add?
 
I am very appreciative that you all provided a vehicle for me to tell my own story and appreciate your support! The only thing that I would like to add is I hope my fans and others that may read this article take advantage of all their talents and gifts, not just living one way or using their gifts one way. You will feel so much more fulfilled in life later. And, lastly, I appreciate all those who have kept it real and supported me, rather I am highly showcased on the A list or presented on the D list, according to industry language.

Interview by Jai Boo
www.myspace.com/jaiboowolftown