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Drum n Bass and even then, the calibre of their work was limited. I knew that if I was to be taken seriously I would have to practise and hone my craft as much as possible, not only with regard to the quality of rhymes I wrote, but the efficiency in the way I delivered them. I also studied as much as I could find about the music itself, pouring over the Drum n Bass magazines that came 'Par Avion' from London straight into our local specialist Record store. I knew the names of all the songs, the producers who wrote them, and the record labels they were released on. I listened to every mix tape we were lucky enough to be sent from friends in London, and spent evenings out at local clubs listening to the DJ's mixing til dawn. When I eventually drifted home, the echoes of the music followed me down Christchurch's misty streets. I did reasonably well in my first forays out MCing in New Zealand, with most people (mainly men) surprised I could hold my own on the mic. But, typically, in a scene that is dominated by males, I soon learned that my presence made some people uncomfortable, and I was given a lot of harsh and often sexist criticism and was told to 'give up and go home'. This only ignited a fire of ambition within me and I set my sights further afield, moving to Australia where, with a few pre established happen again and if I didn't approach him now I may regret it forever. In a few moments I was speaking to him, telling him about myself. But when he said "Come on then, MC for me. Show me what you've got", my heart really started racing. An impromptu audition? Very well then, and I let loose with my quickest, flashiest rap I could think of and finished it off with a soulful vocal on the end. Impressed and excited, Roni led me into the DJ booth and got me on the mic in front of 1,000 people, telling me to do my thing. I spent 24 amazing hours with Roni and the Full Cycle crew, sharing with them my ambitions, and they were all incredibly encouraging, assuring me if I went to the United Kingdom, there would certainly be work there for someone like me. Needless to say I took that plane flight to the United Kingdom three months later and signed to Full Cycle. So began my journey to become the world's number one female DnB MC. To begin with I emulated those MC's that I I immediately fell in love with the way the music made me want to dance, and the unity it created amongst those of all ages and races. connections, I was able to get club gigs, and waited tables in the meantime. All the while writing rhymes and dreaming of being the next big thing on Roni Size's label. And now here he was in front of me. I felt afraid, excited, nervous and intimidated all at once. A friend encouraged me to go talk to him, but I hesitated. My main concern was, 'What do I actually say?' The dream I had of turning up on his doorstep and telling him how their label needed me, and that I would be perfect for them, suddenly seemed silly and grandiose. Yet I knew that this moment would never was surrounded by, but I quickly realised trying to sound like a 30 something man from inner city London was not the way to go. In a scene where everyone wants to stand out, it is important that your sound is truly yours. I saw that my talent for being able to sing and write raps would be the thing that set me apart, and while many people couldn't get their heads around some little white girl from New HER MAGAZINE | February/March 2012 | 97 Photographer: Candice Joelle Wordley Photographer: Collette Warren Photographer: Collette Warren