Twanee landed in the United States with one goal and no business connections. Though having talent is necessary, knowing the right person can trump genius at times. On a whim, Twanee entered a showcase in Brooklyn where she was spotted by G-Unit engineer/producer Ky Miller. That relationship opened the door to her recording “Shooting Guns” with the infamous 50 Cent. As she takes baby-steps towards learning and navigating the music business, her nativity fades, but her unwillingness to compromise her morals remain the same. Her approach is simple, Twanee is building a connection with fans so they understand the thoughts and feelings that go into her music. I had the chance to get into her thoughts and feelings…check it out.
Decision For Los Angeles or New York City… When I made the decision to move to the U.S. I planned to move to L.A. because at that time I had more [connects]; there were people I knew on that side. I knew if I came to New York I wouldn’t know anybody. However, New York is a lot closer to Bermuda so I figure I should come to New York. Plus on top of that, I won’t lie, from a little girl I always wanted to move and live in NYC. It was always a dream to be in the Big Apple.
Making it to America… I had several trips to New York, little weekends so I knew my way around pretty well. It was nerve wrecking because once I actually made the final move to live here, I didn’t know anyone. I was apprehensive about moving and going to open mics and stuff like that.
The Rap Open Mic Circuit… I randomly went one night after a month of being here. I went online and looked up open mics. The first one I went to was in Brooklyn and it was very Hip Hop, there was probably me and one other girl that actually sung R&B. Come to find out there was a competition that night that I was not even aware of. (laughter) I was like I’m going hard in the paint. I got up sang and actually won the competition that night. In the audience there was a G-Unit affiliate, I hooked up with him. [He] had a production company called Mudd Monkey, his name is Ky Miller. He actually works with 50 Cent and G-Unit as a producer and engineer. It was destined to happen because it was crazy how everything was that night.
Plus/Minus of G-Unit Affiliation… I think at this point as a new artist/brand, any affiliation that is known and recognized is good, however I don’t want people to call me G-Unit because I’m not actually signed to G-Unit. I don’t have any record label deal for that matter. I am working with Mudd Monkey as my production company. Because my producer works with 50 Cent and that is his producer/engineer, 50 comes around pretty often and knows about my situation. He allowed me to be on his “Shooting Guns” record. That was a great opportunity for me to get out there.
Fading Naiveness… When I analyze artists I look up to, they always sang with ease when you watched them on TV or heard them on the radio. Then when you’re living that life, the struggle is really hard, if you don’t have a passion for it you might want to give up. That is where I was coming from when I was talking about the whole facade behind the glitz and the glam. Now that I’m living this dream, it makes me wonder, “have all the other artists been through this and are they still going through it?” Because once you make it you still have to maintain that position. Having a passion for it is what makes it easier. Because at the end of the day, I’m still doing what I love to do and I’m grateful to be able to do that.
Overcoming Barriers… I am living by the faith of God right now. I have no idea what tomorrow is going to bring, but I know if I continue to work hard and stay open to any and everything as far as whatever opportunities that comes into play, I’ll be good. That helps me to progress, it pulls me back and stops me from trying to plan everything because I’m a bit of a control freak.
Unwilling to Comprise… My Soul and my morals. I was brought up a certain way. My mom raised me to be a very strong independent female. I have my morals and I’m not willing to break that. I always said I am NOT going to sell my soul for the industry and is how I truly feel.
Stripper Poses… No. Not unless it is for a music video or something because it would be acting. (laughter) When you’re an artist and you’re on stage you’re in character at the end of the day.
Reality Meeting Character World… It is not confusing because I think at the end of the day, a lot of actors have to pull from their self in order to become characters that their portraying at that time. A lot of things in life come from something that is going to be a piece of you. Luckily we have interviews and everything so I can speak about which parts are real and which parts are characters. I think as an artist you have a responsibility either way to act out all experiences. I take on that responsibility.
For My Ladies…I love women that are strong, independent, determine and passionate about what they want to do in life. I love the college girl and even the ones not in college just striving to do what they want to do. I want to definitely write a song that reaches out to them. Cause at the end of the day I like anyone who fights for what they want in life. There is no reason to live where you dream about things and you feel like the dreams are not obtainable. I believe any dream you have is obtainable, you just have to be passionate and find creative ways to make that a reality.
Why Do You Love R&B… I feel the soul in it…it feels like it is a part of me.
