Interviews

Dominique Larue : Making Her Presence Known in Hip-Hop

In a partnership with Reverbnation, Unheard Voices had the opportunity to choose four artists to be featured in the UV’s Unheard Underground who are claiming their fame. After many submissions and narrowing it down to only four, Unheard Voices Magazine is proud to present winner: Dominique Larue.

Published

11 years ago

May 9, 2014

Chenelle R. Covin

Dominique Larue : Making Her Presence Known in Hip-Hop

Unheard Voices Magazine is proud to present Dominique Larue.

In a partnership with Reverbnation, Unheard Voices had the opportunity to choose artists to be featured in UV’s Unheard Underground.

Dominique Larue wants to make her presence known in hip-hop and won’t stop until she achieves that goal.

After hearing her music, Dominique Larue was simply a breathe of fresh air. It was only right for her to be chosen among thousands.

She is trying to cultivate her way in an industry where there are many talented female rappers, but mainstream just seems to glorify only some.

With skilled female MC’s what looks like an indefinite sabbatical; “it’s time for a change”, Dominique from Ohio says Ms. Larue is definitely up for the challenge of filling the shoes of some of the all time greats such as Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, and MC Lyte; all who women who have shown time and time again to be competent representation for women in hip-hop.

Born and bred on the north side of Columbus, Ohio, Larue was greatly influenced by Gospel and R&B, but it was her older brother who introduced her to hip-hop.

At the age of 7, Larue made her first attempt at writing a rhyme.

“I will never forget that day because it was the first time of the rest of my life”.

Through freestyling, Larue started to make a name for herself. At the age of 12, she knew was going to make a career out of her passion.

She hasn’t stopped every since.

Larue was been featured on 2DopeBoyz, The Smoking Session, DJ Booth, Donuts & Milk, Kevin Nottingham, Allhiphop, HipHopDX, and Fakeshoredrive.

Her music was recently placed in the movie The Challenger, VH1’s Black Ink Crew, and UFC’s Road To Octagon. Now she is featured on Unheard Voices.

2013 proved to be a year filled with creating and currently, Larue released her project GRAND with Midwest native Maja7th on 03/11/14 via iTunes and Bandcamp. She also has an untitled project with J. Rawls slated to be released in the later this year. She is also scheduled to be on tour in Europe in 2014 with her On The Crown partner, Savant.

Larue answered a few questions to give readers more insight as to who the femcee is. After reading, press play to hear “Paint The Town” off her album Grand.

UV: When did you fall in love with music?
Dominique Larue: I was probably 5 or 6, basically the first time I was able to comprehend what music is and the way it makes me feel.

UV: How long have you been creating and performing music?
Dominique Larue: I’ve been rapping since I was 7 and performing since I was 16.

UV: Tell the Unheard Voices readers what your passions are and who or what motivates you to continue to strive in a cut throat industry?
Dominique Larue: Creating music is my passion and it always has been. I’m constantly working towards becoming a better artist and that’s what keeps me going. I know what my potential is and I continue to work towards my goals.

UV: How would you describe your music?
Dominique Larue: Soulfully sampled and jazzy drums with meaningful lyrics. I’m all about making an impact no matter the subject.

UV: Describe your style in one or two words.
Dominique Larue: Formidable cadences

UV: How would you describe rap today?
Dominique Larue: Owned by corporate on a commercial level so there’s a lot of over saturation currently. But there’s an off button for that.

UV: What forthcoming projects are currently in progress?
Dominique Larue: Several, actually. One with J. Rawls, one with Dub MD and another with Analogic.

UV: How long have you been a member of Reverbnation?
Dominique Larue: Maybe 6 years.

UV: How do you feel about Reverbnation creating this opportunity?
Dominique Larue: I think it’s awesome, Reverbnation is always giving opportunities to their artists and us artists need an outlet.

UV: Who are your musical influences?
Dominique Larue: Too many to name but I am especially in love with singer/songwriters. Artists like Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse and John Legend have influenced my music as of late. Rappers at the moment, though? Andre 3k.

UV: What influenced you to begin your music career?
Dominique Larue: The love and passion that I developed for creating music.

UV: What advice do you have for other indie artists trying to succeed?
Dominique Larue: Be adventurous and work on different sounds. Don’t remain in one lane, know how to think outside of what you normally do.

UV: What is the hardest challenge you have encountered with building your fan base?
Dominique Larue: Money. As simple as that, being able to have the budget to get to where I need to be but it’s all coming together.

UV: How in tune are you with your fans?
Dominique Larue: I’m very much in tune with my fans and I’m very easy to get a hold of especially with social networking.

UV: Has anyone ever given you negative feedback on your music, if so how did you react to it?
Dominique Larue: Yes, I’ve been told I’m garbage. I wasn’t upset at all because I know that my music will not be pleasing to everyone, just comes with the territory.

UV: What do you hope to gain by being featured in Unheard Voices Magazine?
Dominique Larue: Gain more fans and hopefully build a relationship with Unheard Voices Magazine.

UV: How important and how difficult is it to support your career with your own funding?
Dominique Larue: Not too difficult these days especially with the support that I have in which it keeps me humble.

UV: Would you rather be signed or remain independent and why?
Dominique Larue: I would like to remain independent because I want to be able to do the music that I want to do. I feel like I have so much to offer and signing to a major label would hinder that from happening.

UV: If you want to be signed, which label peaks your interest and why?
Dominique Larue: I would definitely sign with an independent label in which I would need to be free to do the music I want to do.

UV: How has social media affected your career?
Dominique Larue: It has helped my career in a major way especially with how quickly everything travels and the relationships I’ve been able to build over the years. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for social media.

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Interviews

Meet singer TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming artist hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis is adamant to keep love in music.

Published

2 years ago

April 3, 2023

Chenelle R. Covin

TruSoul Davis

As an up & coming singer hailing from Cleveland, Ohio’s Morris Black housing projects, TruSoul Davis discovered his affinity for music at a young age, singing in local choirs in his youth.

Table of Contents

TruSoul Davis discovers his voice

In his later years, he began to take music more seriously, honing in on his gifts and finding his voice. TruSoul Davis went on to release multiple singles leading up to his first major release “The Tru Experience” to widespread local & international (UK) acclaim.

After a short promotional tour that included various radio station visits & shows such as “The FreeThinkers Tour”, “Indie Acoustic Soul Live” & “Song Wars 5” to name a few, TruSoul looks to make an impact in the R&B scene by “Bringing real R&B back”, as he says.

Unheard Voices had a chance to ask TruSoul Davis some questions on his journey.

Get to know the soul singer below and see why he’s Unheard Voices featured artist of the month.

Unheard Voices: When did you fall in love with music?
TruSoul Davis: At a very young age, probably about 5 years old. I can remember back when my mother used to bring home records from her job at the local record shop and let me just “dive” deep into her collection from artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, etc.

Unheard Voices: How would you describe your style of music?
TruSoul Davis: Simply a touch of 90’s RnB with today’s twist.

Unheard Voices: What is the meaning behind your name?
TruSoul Davis: My name came from me and a friend of mine listening to music. I started to sing the song we were listening to with a lil bit more sauce then my friend was like ” man you sang that with some true soul ” so I just dropped the “e” and put it together.

Unheard Voices: What does your work aim to say?
Trusoul Davis: With my music, I sing songs to the hearts of women and the minds of men showing the up’s and downs of love and life, good and bad, and just trying to keep ” love” in music because we need it.

Unheard Voices: What or who have the greatest musical influences on you and your music?
TruSoul Davis: There are just too many to name. I can name a few to keep it brief; artists like Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, Johnny Gill, Dave Hollister, Michael Jackson just to name some ALL PLAY A GREAT PART IN MY MUSIC.

Unheard Voices: What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered during your journey with music?
TruSoul Davis: The biggest challenge I have encountered is being my own worst critic, and just trusting the process.

Unheard Voices: Where do you see yourself musically in five years?
TruSoul Davis: I can’t say but what I will say is “where ever hard work and consistency gets me”

Unheard Voices: What is next in the works for TruSoul Davis?
TruSoul Davis: Dropping a video to my latest single “Wildflower” ft my homie Big Trip. Shout out my shooter Logan Kyngston also some big shows coming this summer.

Unheard Voices: What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)?
TruSoul Davis: Outside of music I love spending time with loved ones, working out, and doing something proactive for those around me friends and strangers alike.

Unheard Voices: In closing, I would like for you to leave the Unheard Voices readers words of encouragement and inspiration, especially for those pursuing a career in music and entertainment.
TruSoul Davis: Some words of encouragement for those grinding just like me “keep ya head down stay focused stay sharp rock with the people that rock with you just like that and TRUST THE PROCESS stay consistent and results will come”.

Check out him on Reverbnation.

Interviews

Missin Peace holds police accountable with national misconduct database

Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2022

Unheard Voices Staff

Photo by Gabriel Hohol: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-police-car-roof-and-sign-10543088/

Missin Peace is on a mission to connect the dots when it comes to police misconduct.

For decades, many Americans have suffered various forms of brutality and injustice at the hands of “bad” law enforcement officers.

With the upsurge of cell phone cameras, citizens are finally able to document their interaction with police. The unfortunate murders of
Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and many others have galvanized the masses to demand justice.

Police officers are intended to be public servants, but what happens when the officer is accused of misconduct?

Sometimes, a civilian puts in a complaint in a step towards holding the officer accountable. But only a small percent of complaints result in the officer being disciplined —partly because the accusations are hidden.

Records of misconduct are filed away and rarely seen outside of their department.

Investigators can’t take action against corrupt officers if they are missing the pieces of the puzzle regarding stories of misconduct.

That’s where Missin Peace comes in.

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How Missin Peace works

Missin Peace is a national police misconduct database that collects formal civilian complaints against law enforcement.

Missin Peace organization

Released in 2017, the registry offers two type of accounts.

One, it enables civilians to put the formal complaints they filed against the officer on record. Civilians are able to submit the official civilian complaint along with pictures, videos, and other accompanying documentation.

Two, the database also serves as a portal for investigative journalists, hiring managers, and civil rights attorneys to conduct research. For this type of account, users must contact Missin Peace to be granted access.

Currently, Missin Peace is the only national police misconduct database that allows citizens to follow and find any police officer’s history of complaints. The organization’s goal is to increase awareness on the database to be used as a tool for police accountability.

Check out Unheard Voices interview with Missin Peace founders:

For civilians who file their complaints on the database, personal information is stripped from the complaint, assuring complete anonymity.

The intent is to put on record police misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Traditionally, corrupt law enforcement officers have been allowed to transfer from one department to another and avoid the repercussions of their actions. To circumvent the recycling of corrupt cops, the American public and politicians finally understand the need for a centralized database of citizen complaints.

Missin Peace is here to fill in that void.

How to submit your complaint(s) in the database

If you have filed a complaint against a law enforcement officer, Missin Peace encourages you to put your complaint in the database to fill in the missing pieces. It doesn’t matter how old the complaint is, as long as it’s official.

To visit Missin Peace, check out their website and spread the word with your loved ones.

Interviews

Rapper Chad Watson Is Poised To Become LA’s Next Rising Star

Chad Watson is a lyricist, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2022

Unheard Voices Staff

Chad Watson

Chad Watson is a rapper, songwriter, producer, and classically trained pianist based out of the Los Angeles area.

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Who is rapper Chad Watson?

His roots began in the church at a young age where his love for music manifested. But it was only a few years ago that he started taking music seriously and he’s never looked back since.

His deep appreciation of acts like Andre 3000, transcends into his own style. He is the quinessential artist that is poised to become one of the biggest acts in the country and he’s well on his way.

With his growing buzz, he has appeared on various media platforms and now Unheard Voices.