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.