I had a great chance to interview Mahogany Jones. She is one of the premier female emcees in Christian Hip Hop. So let’s get into it.
Edward: What have you been up to since Morphed?
Mahogany: I have released two mixtapes both produced by myself and DJ Sean Blu. I’ve also-been on a few features; my latest being Russel Delegation’s “How I Feel About You” featuring Lisa McClendon and Tia Pittman.
I have also been working with the Yuinon and facilitating artist development and abstinence workshops. In addition I’ve been co-hosting a weekly open mic series dedicated to women in hip hop called The Foundation. Lastly, I’ve been working on what feels like the longest compilation project ever: PURE.
Oh, I’ve also been gearing up to go on tour with my band as a U.S. musical ambassador to east and south Africa. Whew! A mouthful.
Edward: I know you are going to be United Nations musical ambassador. What is all involved with that position? What countries are you going to be visiting?
Mahogany: Myself and my band will be performing for the community and the varying embassies, doing collaborations with some of the musicians there, and teaching music and health workshops. And of course being our naturally charming selves- lol!
Our first stop will be D.C. then we will head to Zambia, Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
Edward: With all of the problems going on internationally with various U.S. embassies do you feel any anxiety going overseas?
Mahogany: I do feel a tinge of “let-me-be-aware-of-my-surroundings,” but I am so clear that God is sending us on mission and whatever the turnout, He has plans to protect and prosper us. So, to be honest, more of my anxiety has been geared towards just repping well and not our safety. That concern is there, but it’s wayyyyyy in the back of my mind.
Edward: Are we going to be getting a video diary of your adventures abroad?
Mahogany: I will be taking tons of pics and doing tons of vlogging. So, yes!
You can check out my vlogs and blogs on my new Mahoganyjones.com site.
Edward: We know that you have been working on PURE for a while. What are some of the major themes in the album?
Mahogany: PURE addresses women’s issues and covers sexual purity/self esteem/rape/abortion/single hood/ celebrating strong Godly men/ a full gambit of issues concerning women with a Christ-centered perspective.
The sound is soulful, playful, with a pinch of bang! I am not sure if my heart for women dictated the direction sonically, but I think regardless, it’s great music.
Edward: Are there any features that you want let us know about that will be on your Pure album.
Mahogany: Michelle Bonilla, Gwenation, Butta P, Kiwi, K-Drama, Japhia Life, J. Johnson, Hee Sun Lee, Sicily, and Toni Blackman, just to name a few.
Edward: Christian Hip Hop has had a drought of female MCs putting out albums in the soundscape. Why do you think that is?
Mahogany: I believe we are putting out projects, but the question is, are we supported?
It has a lot to do with our underlying biases when it comes to women emcees, women preachers, or women doing anything other than singing and serving in areas we are used to seeing women serve.
Edward: When can we expect PURE to be out?
Mahogany: I am anticipating a winter release.
Thanks for reading this interview with Mahogany Jones. Please pray for her as she goes on her travels into Africa.
