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Perception and reality are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to understanding the hip hop culture and its elements, and trying to live up to the history of a 30-year phenomenon. Thus, making a mark in hip hop has never been more painstaking for male and female rappers alike as they become acclimated to the rules of the game. But if YoNas Da has her way, there will be some changes to the rules." As much as I love hip hop, I fell victim to listening to the beats and bopping my head to the chorus and not really paying attention to what was being said", admits YoNasDa (pronounced Yo-Na-Ja-Ha). "After taking a close look at lyrics of music, Ive become very picky about what I listen to". That discriminating mindset has YoNasDa whose name in Navajo means Precious Jewel creating music that embraces a sense of history, a sense of self and a sense of pride.But it wasnt until the latter part of 2001 that YoNasDa even considered becoming a rapper. She fell in love with hip hop along the sidewalks of Venice Beach when watching her cousin dance with the West Coast Rock Steady Crew. Since then YoNasDa absorbed herself in all facets of hip hop culture. "I went from everything, trying to deejay I did my own little mix tape to graffiti writing. Ive been dancing and break dancing since I was 14. Ive written songs since I was about 6". Having met the nephew of a member of the Atlanta-based production team Organized Noize (TLC, Outkast, Goodie Mob), he inspired her to combine her poetry with some organized noise of its own.Respect and loyalty are words she has come to live by, and these themes are apparent in her current tracks. The NY West Entertainment- production Struggle in Progress which features an R&B singer Safirah Zayas, its a smooth soulful track explaining her decision making on being a single mother. "I didnt want to do a baby daddy bashing song. The hook goes, this is what the struggle brings when you trying to succeed, but you gotta hold on and dont let go of your dreams, be careful who you chose when your planting your seeds still God has a plan so accept what you receive". YoNasDa says. Produced by Vaporworldz a Long Island, NY production team Could It Be which features Cappadonna from the world famous rap group Wu Tang Clan. "I met Cappadonna in 2004 when I moved to Baltimore. Not only did we do this song but we done several songs together. I learned a lot from him, he is such an inspiring and talented emcee. Performing with him and recording with him, I learned how it is from a 15 year veteran in this music business."Yet, for most women to make a name for themselves in the music industry, it comes at too high a price according to YoNasDa. She made a vow to herself to put class back into female hip hop like the days of Salt-N-Pepa, Ms Melody, and MC Lyte and of course Queen Latifah.YoNasDa has her Native American mother to credit for setting the standards to which she would follow. Highly involved in the American Indian Movement, YoNasDas mother who is Oglala-Lakota (Sioux) participated in The Longest Walk, which took place from February to July 1978. In protest to anti- Indian legislation, 3,000-mile trek began at San Francisco Bays Alcatraz Island and culminated on the White House grounds. YoNasDa was born there in Washington, D.C one of only two children born during this historic journey and a place that would later become for her a mecca of sorts. YoNasDas mother decided to remain out East, settling in Virginia for a brief time. But the time was always brief for she was on the run."From L.A. to Vegas, to Baltimore to Down South.everywhere. My mother couldnt take my father beating on her anymore, so we moved around a lot. My dad was a big-time hustler as well as a fine artist from Brooklyn, New York. He moved to the West Coast in Los Angeles where he met my mother in 1975 when she was working as a public relations director for Muhammad Ali. After they got married thats when my mom started to find out about his lifestyle. And she got caught up into it because she loved him so much."With help of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, YoNasDas mother- pregnant with her second child- moved to Arizona. "My fathers hustling skills led him to prison which created an aiding and abetting charge for my mother who stayed in the abusive marriage out of fear". While she served her time in a Fort Worth, Texas, prison, Min.Farrakhan moved them to Chicago, adopting them into his family.YoNasDa adapted her Native American spirituality with Nation of Islam teachings, and her full name YoNasDa LoneWolf McCall-Muhammad- represents all aspects of her experiences.In 1998, YoNasDa returned to Arizona and to living with her mother. After completing high school she set her sights on New York and a career in the entertainment industry. She attended New York University, took an internship with Island Black Music and H.O.L.A Records and after two weeks was hired full time to handle promotional tours and street teams. After a year in New York, she returned to Arizona in 1997. "I just couldnt take it. I was 18 and everything was moving so fast. It was too much and I was too young. I left New York because it was just so fast. Then I can back here (to Arizona) and it was just too slow", she laughs. By 1998, YoNasDa decided to travel to her birthplace. She recalls, "I told my mother, Im going out to D.C. and Im going to be on BET". Ironically it was the 20th Anniversary of the Longest Walk July 1998 which YoNasDa embarked upon her pilgrimage. By August she was selected as a dancer for BET Teen Summit, Planet Groove and BET Soundstage, then moved on to MTV, more music videos and tours.No matter where YoNasDa is her love for Arizona is there, "I'm representing Arizona. This is home to me. We have a lot of untapped talent here. But Im persistent. I have such a drive. Im a perfectionist. When it comes to my shows and my music, its important for me to let them know my story. My ups and downs". It's important that YoNasDa doesnt blur hip hop cultures underlying element knowledge. "Musically, Im still learning", she says, citing an appreciation for jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Josephine Baker. "As long as I can send a message and masses hear it and love it, I'd be satisfied".YoNasDa shares a story of a celebration a celebration of life, love and hip hop. In Native American culture we believe you live each day to the fullest because you never know what tomorrow will bring. YoNasDas mother died December 21, 2003 of small cell carcinoma lung cancer. She believes that with her love of hip hop she still has a duty to fulfill her mothers legacy. "Even though my mother wanted me to do music, she believed it is a universal language. I couldnt neglect the years she did on social change and empowerment to Native Americans". She is currently the National Director for the Indigenous Nations Alliance-Millions More Movement. She has a weekly column in the international newspaper called The Final Call and a campaign she developed called Bridging the Families-Starting a Movement. "It's great! Within a month I was able to gather 200 Native Americans to join people from all various backgrounds for the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March. I have taken Martin Luther King III to Native American communities on his tour against poverty. As well as arranged for a historic event of the Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan to speak to the Navajo Nation Tribal C council. I love it"! She has finished a book called, Enjoy the Moments, which is a book of her poetry and writings. This is also in honor of her mother.Named by a Navajo leader during The Longest Walk, YoNasDas name represents the uniqueness of the Squash blossom necklace. When worn, the jewelry is a way the Navajo express their appreciation of beauty. Its design depicts a horseshoe- shaped pendant with flowers petals on both strands. Each flower represents the paths that we travel in life. Culminating walking a balanced life portrays being precious jewel.Take a real good look at hip hop. The reality is it is a precious jewel, indeed.
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