(Spring 2007) - PCM's Melissa spoke with native New York hip hop artist Nina B. She's become a successful music artist, writing and mixing hundreds and songs. She mixes songs from Madonna, Jay-Z and 50 Cent and makes them her own. She puts her lyrical twist into each track. We spoke to her on her birthday!

She's appeared on BET's Rap City freestyling with the likes of Joe Budden, Hell Rell, & Drag-on and been featured on Hot 97 radio. She's also been featured on some of hip-hop's most notable sites, and publications. We hope you enjoy our exclusive interview with her and can check out her MySpace page for more information if you like her!

M: What got you in interested in music?

N: Well, I grew up listening to it. I used music with my family as incentives. I'd want a CD and I'd have to do something for it or behave a certain way. We'd use it to get things done around the house. It was always a part of my lifestyle.

M: What made you gravitate toward mashing instead of more traditional forms of hip-hop?

N: I always thought it was such an awesome idea. I love remixes. For me, I just thought it would be cool to do something like that, I think the way I work is unique.

M: Who are some of your musical influences?

N: As far as rap goes, because I am a rap artist, I definitely look up to a lot of the females. Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill. As far as guys, I listen to everything, Slick Rick, I grew up with him. I remember going out to buy Jay-Z albums, Nas' album.

M: What artists would you like to work with?

N: I look forward to working with Beyonce, Kanye West and some underground artists, too.

M: How would you describe your sound?

N: It's unique. You never know what I'll come out with. I just love being able to do something different and keep it fresh and up to date all the time. The way I look at music with what's going on currently.

M: When writing a song, what comes first for you?

N: The idea. Whatever type of song I want to write. A concept always helps. The beats are so important. The right sound and right concept. And the right energy, of course!

M: Do you write from personal experience?

N: Definitely.

M: You released, The Icon, last month. What's the feedback been like so far?

N: Yeah, it's been good. We had a good party for it, a lot of people showed up, it was great. As far as downloads, it was really good. It was incredible. It's growing and growing.

M: I thought that Madonna was an interesting choice. What made you decide to choose her songs to mix for the album?

N: Well, we decided that we'd do the mash-up for Icon and we were brainstorming and Madonna came up. I think that if I didn't do her, I would have chose Michael or Janet Jackson. Madonna is very fabulous, mature. She is such an icon, such icon status. So, it made sense. Her music is great. I'm all about having people come together for music.

M: I think it was great that you could blend the two sounds together. How does performing live compare with recording?

N: Live is much more intense while recording, you're much more comfortable in a studio. Performance is more pressure, people are expecting you to be great right there and then. They want to see what you are really like live. Are you able to command attention? You know? I like performing the most of all, it's the best way to reconnect with my fans! I get to have fun. The energy is so amazing.

M: I heard you got offered a major record deal when you were 16, what made you pass that up?

N: I was very young and naive. I was honored at the offer. Everyone encouraged me to take the offer. I was just very stubborn and stuck in my ways. I wanted my own creative input. I just wanted to go towards the more independent route.

M: Do you see yourself at a role model?

N: Sure, I've been the eldest child in my family. So, I am comfortable in that position. I want to stay positive. I want to lead my example. If I can do it, everyone can do it. I don't want to brag about it either, I want to help and empower people. Music is supposed to make people feel good. I have my Myspace downloaded to my phone, so I'm always checking it and in touch with my fans.

M: What music are you currently listening to now? Who are your favorite new artists?

N: I love underground artists. Keep watch out for them!

M: Have you had any other types of jobs along the way or have you always been involved in music?

N: I was 16, I was telemarketing. I was working in a hair salon and braiding hair. (laughs)

M: Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

N: I am definitely going through a health phase right now and just quit smoking cigarettes! I want to live longer and feel better, you know?

M: That's great, good for you! Well thanks so much, it's been great talking to you and happy birthday day!