At age 14, Genesis Be released a mixtape. This release introduced the young lyricist to the grimy underground rap scene brewing in The Gulf Coast Region (New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile and East Florida). Genesis became a regular at rap battles and was soon winning talent shows all across the coast. Her lyrics ranged from politically conscious to comical parody and it wasn't long before local DJs and radio stations began taking notice. By age 17, Genesis Be had opened for major acts such as Lil Webbie, The Ying-Yang Twins, Trillville and 8Ball&MJG. That same year, Genesis released the first of three albums titled 17 in America. Unable to find a reliable manager, Genesis Be sought distribution, booked her own shows, printed promotional materials and began an intense marketing campaign in Southern Mississippi and New Orleans. She began receiving recognition in the form of radio spins, newspaper/magazine articles and a demand for live performances at schools and community centers. Just when it seemed like she would get her big break, catastrophe struck.
On Aug 29th, 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit Genesis Be's hometown of Biloxi, MS. The city was destroyed and Genesis (who rode out the storm in her Biloxi home) had lost the majority of her fan base. Although she was devastated, Genesis Be did not give up. Genesis took a break from her music to help rebuild her community. Along with her three brothers, she worked to rebuild homes and work closely with the youth in the community to bring a sense of hope back. Working closely with The Mississippi AIDS Task Force, Genesis Be produced, recorded and shot a video for HIV/AIDS a song that educated local kids about AIDS prevention. It was during this time that she released her second album 18 in America and shot a video for the popular single Did U Get Ya Fema Check. The song was a comical satirical reference to Genesis's experience during Hurricane Katrina. The song was played in heavy rotation in The Gulf Coast area and was deemed very controversial.
Surrounded by destruction, Genesis knew she would have to leave Mississippi in order to be in the position to help her community. She applied to the highly selective program, The Clive Davis Dept. of Recorded Music at NYU. She was accepted and is currently attending NYU with a projected graduation date of 2011.
Genesis Be continues her community service by volunteering at elementary schools in Harlem and The Lower East Side of Manhattan. She is promoting her third album 19 in America which will be re-released August of 2009. She is currently working on an album that will feature nothing but children as the artists while she will play the role of producer and songwriter.
Interviewer: Sum yourself up in a nut shell. Who is Genesis Be and what is she about?
Genesis: Let's see... I'm very goofy at times but have always had a revolutionary mindframe. I love working with... and helping children. I love to perform around Manhattan and you can buy all three of my albums on iTunes, Rhapsody, and CD Baby. I don't politic with many... you probably won't find me in a club unless I'm rockin' the stage. My life is extremely hectic between school, work and music. I love my family because they have supported me through the worst times and I have shared the best (and worse) moments of my life with them. I am a very open and nice person though. I believe that my actions today... will affect tomorrow so I calculate my moves strategically. Life is like a chess game and I have to be ten steps ahead of my opponents (enemies, haters, nay-sayers). I believe there is one God, most merciful-- most beneficial. No one can harm me without God's permission, and all praises for my success and happiness is due to God. I live my life free and put everything in God's hands. I am grateful for the strength of my ancestors because they suffered and strived for me. I seize opportunity by the throat whenever I get a chance and I'm very outspoken and spontaneous. I know this life is just temporary... so I try my best... to be the best... and I live my life like its a movie I've directed. I keep my friends and lovers close to my heart.
