Khia Is Taking The Drake Route, Shrugs Off Female Rap Resurgence

Just when Khia seems to have faded into oblivion she surprises us by popping back up (again) on TV.

Her first resurgence since the nasty-talk classic "My Neck, My Back" came via Vh1's Miss Rap Surpreme in 2008. Being booted after one episode in for spitting written raps, she later made Internet headlines by blasting female counterparts like Trina, Nicki Minaj and Jacki-O. However, most recently, it was her flamboyant costumes in the video for “Been a Bad Girl” and an appearance on ABC News that got people talking again and as it turns out, she's full of more surprises.

“I’m kind of bored with hip-hop. I’ve done everything that I really wanted to do. I’m not really getting into the hip-hop stuff because it’s more about the drama than it is about the talent,” she tells VIBE about going in a new direction musically. “It’s more about the look and the images and all of that instead of about the art and I’m not really into that. I’m trying to do something bigger and better.”

She says her next album, a double disc LP titled Khia Shamone/Motor Mouf (in stores Aug. 22), will reflect her new interest, which is singing, while also staying true to her hardcore Thug Misses roots.

“The new album is half hip-hop and half R&B, with live instrumentation. The Motor Mouf side is kind of a follow up to Nasti Muzik, Thug Misses, Gangstress, Boss Lady⎯really, what the fans are used to,” she says. “I’m also known as Khia Shamone, a lover of music, so I’m introducing them to me as a songstress, I’m singing. I wrote and composed the songs and the band is playing the music live.”

Khia is so serious about her new direction that when asked about the presence of other female emcees, she’s just as dumbfounded as everyone else.

“Where are they?” she quips flippantly. “I don’t know where they are, I’m singing now.” The former Gangstress is currently touring with her band and also plans to allow a more intimate glimpse into her world via reality TV. She leaked a trailer online last year but that was just a test to gage interest. Potential business partners have come knocking but Khia is waiting until she makes the right deal.

“Everybody’s so ready for Anger Management. I’ve been touring and trying to get my music done in the studio recording. I’m dealing with lawyers and everybody right now [but] I haven’t been able to really get the deal that I want and the numbers that I want,” she says. “It’s not just about being on TV, it’s about making sure you’re getting your money so once the deal goes through, we’re making it happen.”

But as far as her music goes, she says getting brand-new isn’t a bad thing. “Of course I wanted to give my fans the Khia and the Mouth all Mighty that they’re used to,” she muses. “[But] I don’t want to just be known as hip-hop or a rapper or an emcee, I want to be known as an artist and a female that creates music and melodies through words.” ⎯Starrene Rhett