Kanary Diamonds

24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

I’m Kanary Diamonds from Watts, California. I’m an MC/actress/dancer and just an all around entertainer.



24: Can you briefly describe your history about how you got into the music industry and who were some of the artists that inspired you?

Well I started off acting as a child, then transitioned into music as a dancer. I became a background dancer and began choreographing for up-and-coming as well as a few established artists. Soon after, I got into singing and eventually started rapping. Through it all, my inspiration is God and my love of music.



24: What was the Hip hop scene like growing up in Watts, CA?

The hip hop scene was diverse mainly west coast and south music.



24: What makes Kanary Diamonds different from the other female rappers who’ve come before you?

I’m me simply! My music isn't over saturated with sexually explicit lyrics like a lot of female rappers and I'm not a boy on the mic either. I believe I have the perfect balance. Also, my lyrics are only one dimension of who I am as a artist, I'm an all around entertainer. I can probably give Janet a run for her money on stage lol Much respect to the Queen though lol The world has never seen anything like what I'm gonna become.



24: Have you ever felt like too much time passes in the game where you have to make it and that window is closing?

No, not me, personally because I know Gods driving this car. If the window closes, it wasn’t in his plans; simple as that. But I do see artists still going for it when their time had obviously passed. I think the nature of this biz makes you not wanna grow up, musically speaking.



24: As of right now, who in the industry would you say you listen to on a regular and would probably like to work with in the near future?

Hands down J. Cole he’s the only artist I listen to on a regular. I can’t wait to work with him! I definitely think he’s got next! He’s super dope. I can’t front, I’m such a huge Jay-Z fan and when he signed him, I was like huh? why? Maybe a lil jelly (laughs) but I gave him a chance and I’m glad I did. He’s an amazing talent! Jay-Z knew what he was doing (laughs)



24: Speaking on J. Cole, what was your inspiration for the single "Who Dat"?

J cole was my inspiration i heard it and that track is CRAZY! I had to jump on it! I was like they would never expect a female to come off on this one so i went in beast mode lol



24: In the song, you reference being compared to Nicki Minaj and also add "If I want to go at Nicki/I’ma make her call up Diddy and that nigga come and get me". What was the meaning behind that line?

I just wanted to clear the air just once but hey, it’s the name of the game. It meant if I wanted to diss her or go at her, I would literally go to her and do it. I would just call Diddy and have him set the meeting up (laughs) that’s all! Some take it as a diss but it’s not. I respect Nicki Minaj, but I’m not the type to throw subliminal messages. If I want to say something, I’m gonna say names and I did!



24: Are you happy with the feedback you’ve been getting from the song so far?

Yes. People are loving it and I love that they do (laughs)



24: Does it bother you at all that you’re giving out the music for free or do you look at that as something that you have to do at this point in your career?

It doesn't bother me at all. It’s not like I can’t go back in tomorrow and come up with something hotter to sell. It’s just where the industry is at right now... sink or swim!



You recently became the first lady of BlackWallstreet. How did you link with Game and become affiliated with his label?

I’ve known him for a while now but our schedules always conflicted when we tried to hook up to work but he has giving me advice and his support over the years. One day he hit me to come to the studio and it just snow balled from there.



24: When you look at how you played the game, you’ve really done everything on your own. Do you regret not targeting the major labels earlier in your career?

Not at all. By doing it by myself, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of things that by being under a major, I wouldn’t have been able to do and have control of my career.



24: Where do you see yourself going in 2010?

To the top!! (laughs) I see myself definitely progressing and become more known to other regions and venturing into projects other than music.



24: When’s your album coming?

You can look for an album from me next year sometime but until then you can cop my mixtape when that drops.



24: How do you feel about the current state of music in general?

I think it’s in transition, not aware of where exactly it’s going but I think it’s good. I just think it’s going to take a little more creativity and innovation to be relevant and have longevity. The day of the cookie cutter 1 +1 =2 formula - 24hourhiphop

Aggressive rapper Kanary Diamonds is Watts, CA's answer to the East Coast diva Foxy Brown. After working as a dancer in videos and becoming a member of a Destiny's Child-styled group that never made it off the ground, Kanary got her big break when she landed a guest shot on Mack 10's 2005 album, Hustla's Handbook. The next year saw her make an appearance on Chingy's Hoodstar album; then she landed a small role in the film Waist Deep, plus a spot on the soundtrack. Soon her songs were landing on the soundtracks for TV shows like MTV's Making the Band, The Real World, and Road Rules, while her collaboration with Tatyana Ali was featured on the 2007 reggaeton compilation Puro Fuego. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi - MTV

Possessing a flawless mixture of beauty, brains and talent, Watts, California's, own femme fatale', Kanary Diamonds, is the latest addition to the Black Wall Street conglomerate. With her lava hot lyrics, on point delivery and undeniable sex appeal, Diamonds fits perfectly in as the lone female counterpart to the BWS family; patriarch The Game, alongside musical brethren; Juice, NuJerzey Devil, DJ Haze and Clyde Carson.
Kanary Diamonds, like the definition of her fancy namesake, is a precious jewel or gem, and a much needed breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale musical climate -- Take note!
- Dubcnn

The city of Watts located within Los Angeles has produced its share of hard-core gangster rappers from the West Coast, however this time its mean gang driven streets have created a different kind of talent by the name of Kanary Diamonds. Having hustled on the West Coast underground rap scene for a few years Kanary has managed to score a number of musical collaborations with the likes of Chingy, Mack 10, Colby O' Donis and Tatyana Ali while achieving various placements on several TV show and films such as The Bad Girls Club, Making The Band 4 and the Waist Deep Soundtrack. Now a protege' of Compton superstar

The Game and an association with his BlackWallStreet crew, this young beauty is looking to take her career to new heights with what she refers to as a balanced female sound that blends lyricism, sexiness, and class – something which she feels is not being portrayed currently by female MC's. As part of our commitment to showcase rising talent through our Breeding Ground, AllHipHop.com would like to introduce you to Kanary Diamonds and let you hear for yourself if she's got the talent that it takes to be a star in this industry. - All Hip Hop