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Queen YoNasDa
DSB: Wassup Queen. Tell our reader what the name YoNasDa means.
Queen YoNasDa: First off I want to thank Dastreetbuzz.com and the
Better Life Movement for this opportunity , my name means Precious
Jewel in Dine which is the language of the Navajo tribe. I am Native
American (Oglala Lakota and Black).
DSB: Now I know you fell in love with Hip Hop right here in L.A. (at Venice
Beach), but what or who inspired you to actually become an artist
yourself?
Queen YoNasDa: I would say Big Daddy Kane, I loved his cadence and
his rap style. Queen Latifah because she has sooo much class on the
mic, also Public Enemy, Salt n Pepa because they were classy,
entertaining and didn’t degrade themselves as a woman.
DSB: How does being adopted into Minister Louis Farrakhan’s family
affect not only your outlook on life but your music?
Queen YoNasDa: It has been a HUGE blessing, I would say Min.
Farrakhan taught me about freedom ,justice and equality and the power
of the tongue. He once said that ten of his speeaches are equalivent to
one hip hop song. That’s how powerful us artists are.. so with that in
mind, and being taught by him, I strive to speak nothing but truth and
whether we like it or not as a musical artist we have a great
responsiablity to lead a nation.
DSB: Does being Native American and African American play a big role
in your music?
Queen YoNasDa: Oh yes! Not only am I speaking to the Black community
but also the Indigenous community, because I am one two nations. My
late mother Wauneta Lonewolf instilled the teachings of the Native
American way into myself and my brother Julio. In my music I basically
approach it with telling my story and by the Grace of God you will be able
to see and feel your story. The Hon.Elijah Muhammad said that No
Nation Can Rise no Higher than its woman.. so by knowing that callin
myself a “queen” isn’t just a name I call myself its because of my
experiences I matured from.
Queen YoNasDa: First off I want to thank Dastreetbuzz.com and the
Better Life Movement for this opportunity , my name means Precious
Jewel in Dine which is the language of the Navajo tribe. I am Native
American (Oglala Lakota and Black).
DSB: Now I know you fell in love with Hip Hop right here in L.A. (at Venice
Beach), but what or who inspired you to actually become an artist
yourself?
Queen YoNasDa: I would say Big Daddy Kane, I loved his cadence and
his rap style. Queen Latifah because she has sooo much class on the
mic, also Public Enemy, Salt n Pepa because they were classy,
entertaining and didn’t degrade themselves as a woman.
DSB: How does being adopted into Minister Louis Farrakhan’s family
affect not only your outlook on life but your music?
Queen YoNasDa: It has been a HUGE blessing, I would say Min.
Farrakhan taught me about freedom ,justice and equality and the power
of the tongue. He once said that ten of his speeaches are equalivent to
one hip hop song. That’s how powerful us artists are.. so with that in
mind, and being taught by him, I strive to speak nothing but truth and
whether we like it or not as a musical artist we have a great
responsiablity to lead a nation.
DSB: Does being Native American and African American play a big role
in your music?
Queen YoNasDa: Oh yes! Not only am I speaking to the Black community
but also the Indigenous community, because I am one two nations. My
late mother Wauneta Lonewolf instilled the teachings of the Native
American way into myself and my brother Julio. In my music I basically
approach it with telling my story and by the Grace of God you will be able
to see and feel your story. The Hon.Elijah Muhammad said that No
Nation Can Rise no Higher than its woman.. so by knowing that callin
myself a “queen” isn’t just a name I call myself its because of my
experiences I matured from.
DSB: Being that the hip hop game is dominated by men, what makes Queen YoNasDa stand out from all the rest?
Queen YoNasDa: I would say its because I just be myself.. it took years for me to understand who I am? What’s my
purpose? But I would say as you grow listening to my music you will grow with me and see and hear my hardships,
my triumphs and be able to relate with me that way. I strongly believe hip hop isn’t dead it just needs a balance. Hip
Hop needs a queen!
DSB: What are some of the biggest challenges you face being that the hip hop game is somewhat lopsided?
Queen YoNasDa: Ya’ know as women we can’t blame men for the way they treat us in the entertainment world. We
have to began to look at self. When I was a dancer, I danced on Soul Train, BET’s Teen Summit, Planet Groove and
I did several music videos and tours. Now, I was dancing when it was cool for females to cover their body and we
were selected at auditions by our skill and natural beauty. But, I would say the “wave of the video vixen” came,
where it was women who didn’t care to come to the auditions with barely nothing on and couldn’t dance but used
their body to get them these auditons. So it left myself and females like myself that have taken professional dance
classes for years to be shunned down by strippers who called themselves dancers. And because they didn’t
demand to be respected in that manner, that’s how today you see soo many videos with chicks that have nothing
on. They aren’t demanding the respect by their appearance. Women have put themselves out there to get
disrespected and get upset when they aren’t being respected. I would say the realest song was “Wonda why they
call you Bitch” by Tupac. So, because I demand respect from my male counterparts, if any of them come at me in a
way that I feel is beyond business, I put them in check right there! From that point on they know that it is straight
business. Plus it helps to be apart of the Nation of Islam and to be a church going woman, a proud mother and a
wife to be <smile>. Ladies you have to teach a man how to treat you.. it took me real-life experiences to teach me
that. I was once in an abusive relationship, I was raped,etc. But best believe by me goin through that I know what
situations not to put myself in anymore for that type of re-actions.
DSB: How do you plan on changing the game?
Queen YoNasDa: by spreading the word of God, that has been lost in the entertainment business.
DSB: Who are some of the female artists that have influenced you and your music?
Queen YoNasDa: I love Etta James, Billie Holiday, Stephanie Mills, Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Eve, Jean Grae,
Keyshia Cole,Shawnna, Mary J Blige, I mean the list goes on and on. I also am a fan of new female hip hop artist
that isn’t mainstream yet, April Love from Baltimore, Tash Mahogany, Teyanna Taylor, Miss Knockout, Empress ,
Nutmeg and Mecca from my hometown Phoenix
DSB: Which artists have you collaborated with?
Queen YoNasDa: On my debut album “God.Love & Music” dropping in May 2009, you can pre-order it through
paypal on www.myspace.com/queenyonasda . Hahaha I had to do a quick plug. But on this album Cappadonna from
Wu Tang Clan is on 3 songs, I have Keith Murray, M-Eighty, Tash Mahogany, Red Cloud, C.R. Dr. Ben Chavis
Muhammad, the Hon. Min.Louis Farrakhan and many many more. I have also collaborated with many artists
overseas and here in the states. I am on G.O.O.D Music (Kanye’s label) spoken word artist Malik Yusef’s upcoming
album, also my label mate D-One. Rawkus Records Atlass, Man, there is more I just can’t remember I have been
soo busy doin collabs just so I am everywhere (smile).
DSB: Who are you looking forward to linking up with?
Queen YoNasDa: I have been networking my behind off so I can get to work with pioneers. I am looking forward to
working with Eric Sermon. I just completed a song with mega producer No ID, and I am excited on working with him
more. Also, 9th wonder. I have spoken to Rakim, Wise Intelligent (Poor Righteous Teachers), I would love to work
with Big Daddy Kane, Chuck D, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Gwen Stefani, M.I.A, Maroon 5, Kanye West, Common,
Neptunes, Wyclef, and Timbaland and the Roots. I also have spoken to several other artist but I’m going to keep it
on the hush until its released.
DSB: What are some of your hidden talents?
Queen YoNasDa: Well, I am a great business woman. I would say God has given me a certain “drive” that cannot be
denied. I am also a wonderful artist (drawing) my father was a fine artist so I believe I got that from him. I can also
sing, but I am not that confident in it yet to display onstage just yet. I am a great bowler and skater. Another talent I
have is being a quick learner. Cappadonna had to remind me the other day about how I mixed his Cappatalize
Project album. How I took all his promotional pictures. Sometimes when something needs to be done, I just do it, and
not even realize how I am doing it.
DSB: Let us know about the organizations you are involved with.
Queen YoNasDa: Well I am the National Director of the Indigenous Nations Alliance-Millions More Movement which
is an outreach organization the Nation of Islam developed. I put together events, I write in the Final Call Newspaper,
and speak across the country about unity and the close relationship of the Black and the Red. Also, Cappadonna
and I developed a business called Kingz N Queenz LLC which is an artist development and management company.
DSB: Fill us in on your experience with being on tour with Method Man & Redman?
Queen YoNasDa: It was sooo much fun. I received soo much love when I went to New Mexico, especially because I
already have a huge Native American following, it was nothing but unconditional love. There isn’t a lot of female
rappers that are reppin bein Native, so it was great. So after I did two dates with them. They loved me soo much that
I was asked to go on the Wu Tang Clan 8 Diagrams tour. I did the whole west coast leg of the tour. Even though I
was asked to do more dates , because I financially am independent it was hard for me to continue on. If you don’t
have a sponsor you can’t just hop on a tour and think that the main artist will take care of you.
DSB: Tell us about your best performance or venues?
Queen YoNasDa : I would say all of them were my favorite from San Francisco,Las Vegas, Arizona basically
everyone gave me soo much love. Some said it was refreshing to see a female onstage especially in the Wu Tang
arena.
DSB: Worst performance?
Queen YoNasDa: Well, when I got to San Fransico, the soundman didn’t have my monitors on, so I couldn’t hear
myself nor my music. See what I learned was that Wu Tang doesn’t do sound checks nor did they demand for me to
do it. So, while the soundman was getting it in order I had to still entertain, so I begin doing an accepalla, to my
surprise the crowd loved it and they all had their hands in the air, screaming I love you! All types of things. It was
beautiful! Shout out to the Bay Area!!!
DSB: Tell us something about YoNasDa that we wouldn’t know.
Queen YoNasDa: Well, I have a 8 yr old son from a previous relationship. I am a strong believer in knowing that all
of this fame and glitz and glamour aint nothing especially if you don’t have family as your foundation. My idea of
happiness is having a house full of happy kids a happy husband and all having God in the center of the home. I
love to be able to pursue my dreams at the same token being a wife and a great mother.
DSB: When people think of you or hear the name Queen YoNasDa, what do you want their thoughts to be?
Queen YoNasDa: Virtuous woman
DSB: What projects are you currently working on and what are your plans for 2009?
Queen YoNasDa: Well, my album “God.Love & Music” is dropping in May 2009 under Supa Music Network (www.
supamusicnetwork.com) you can pre-order it for only $9.99 www.myspace.com/queenyonasda and recieve it in the
end of April. I will be hosting several album release parties in May. Also, my singles “Pow Wow” and “You Don’t Want
No Problems” featuring Cappadonna is already available at all radio stations, clubs,internet stations, etc if they don’t
have it tell them to download it from digiwaxx.com. I just finished the video for it so ya’ll will be seeing that soon.
I’m also waiting to hear back now if I’m going overseas in May to promote this album. And a U.S. is August. So stay
posted on myspace.com/queenyonasda
DSB: How can we stay connected to you?
Queen YoNasDa: You can visit me on www.supamusicnetwork.com and www.myspace.com/queenyonasda
DSB: Any last words for our readers?
Queen YoNasDa: I want to thank everyone for reading this and continue to keep God first in everything you do, and
remember that God.Love and Music is the three elements of the universal language and culture of man. Get your
pre-order of the most anticipated album coming from a female hip hop artist today at www.myspace.
com/queenyonasda
Interview conducted by Stowie
Email: stowie@DaStreetBuzz.com
Queen YoNasDa: I would say its because I just be myself.. it took years for me to understand who I am? What’s my
purpose? But I would say as you grow listening to my music you will grow with me and see and hear my hardships,
my triumphs and be able to relate with me that way. I strongly believe hip hop isn’t dead it just needs a balance. Hip
Hop needs a queen!
DSB: What are some of the biggest challenges you face being that the hip hop game is somewhat lopsided?
Queen YoNasDa: Ya’ know as women we can’t blame men for the way they treat us in the entertainment world. We
have to began to look at self. When I was a dancer, I danced on Soul Train, BET’s Teen Summit, Planet Groove and
I did several music videos and tours. Now, I was dancing when it was cool for females to cover their body and we
were selected at auditions by our skill and natural beauty. But, I would say the “wave of the video vixen” came,
where it was women who didn’t care to come to the auditions with barely nothing on and couldn’t dance but used
their body to get them these auditons. So it left myself and females like myself that have taken professional dance
classes for years to be shunned down by strippers who called themselves dancers. And because they didn’t
demand to be respected in that manner, that’s how today you see soo many videos with chicks that have nothing
on. They aren’t demanding the respect by their appearance. Women have put themselves out there to get
disrespected and get upset when they aren’t being respected. I would say the realest song was “Wonda why they
call you Bitch” by Tupac. So, because I demand respect from my male counterparts, if any of them come at me in a
way that I feel is beyond business, I put them in check right there! From that point on they know that it is straight
business. Plus it helps to be apart of the Nation of Islam and to be a church going woman, a proud mother and a
wife to be <smile>. Ladies you have to teach a man how to treat you.. it took me real-life experiences to teach me
that. I was once in an abusive relationship, I was raped,etc. But best believe by me goin through that I know what
situations not to put myself in anymore for that type of re-actions.
DSB: How do you plan on changing the game?
Queen YoNasDa: by spreading the word of God, that has been lost in the entertainment business.
DSB: Who are some of the female artists that have influenced you and your music?
Queen YoNasDa: I love Etta James, Billie Holiday, Stephanie Mills, Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Eve, Jean Grae,
Keyshia Cole,Shawnna, Mary J Blige, I mean the list goes on and on. I also am a fan of new female hip hop artist
that isn’t mainstream yet, April Love from Baltimore, Tash Mahogany, Teyanna Taylor, Miss Knockout, Empress ,
Nutmeg and Mecca from my hometown Phoenix
DSB: Which artists have you collaborated with?
Queen YoNasDa: On my debut album “God.Love & Music” dropping in May 2009, you can pre-order it through
paypal on www.myspace.com/queenyonasda . Hahaha I had to do a quick plug. But on this album Cappadonna from
Wu Tang Clan is on 3 songs, I have Keith Murray, M-Eighty, Tash Mahogany, Red Cloud, C.R. Dr. Ben Chavis
Muhammad, the Hon. Min.Louis Farrakhan and many many more. I have also collaborated with many artists
overseas and here in the states. I am on G.O.O.D Music (Kanye’s label) spoken word artist Malik Yusef’s upcoming
album, also my label mate D-One. Rawkus Records Atlass, Man, there is more I just can’t remember I have been
soo busy doin collabs just so I am everywhere (smile).
DSB: Who are you looking forward to linking up with?
Queen YoNasDa: I have been networking my behind off so I can get to work with pioneers. I am looking forward to
working with Eric Sermon. I just completed a song with mega producer No ID, and I am excited on working with him
more. Also, 9th wonder. I have spoken to Rakim, Wise Intelligent (Poor Righteous Teachers), I would love to work
with Big Daddy Kane, Chuck D, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Gwen Stefani, M.I.A, Maroon 5, Kanye West, Common,
Neptunes, Wyclef, and Timbaland and the Roots. I also have spoken to several other artist but I’m going to keep it
on the hush until its released.
DSB: What are some of your hidden talents?
Queen YoNasDa: Well, I am a great business woman. I would say God has given me a certain “drive” that cannot be
denied. I am also a wonderful artist (drawing) my father was a fine artist so I believe I got that from him. I can also
sing, but I am not that confident in it yet to display onstage just yet. I am a great bowler and skater. Another talent I
have is being a quick learner. Cappadonna had to remind me the other day about how I mixed his Cappatalize
Project album. How I took all his promotional pictures. Sometimes when something needs to be done, I just do it, and
not even realize how I am doing it.
DSB: Let us know about the organizations you are involved with.
Queen YoNasDa: Well I am the National Director of the Indigenous Nations Alliance-Millions More Movement which
is an outreach organization the Nation of Islam developed. I put together events, I write in the Final Call Newspaper,
and speak across the country about unity and the close relationship of the Black and the Red. Also, Cappadonna
and I developed a business called Kingz N Queenz LLC which is an artist development and management company.
DSB: Fill us in on your experience with being on tour with Method Man & Redman?
Queen YoNasDa: It was sooo much fun. I received soo much love when I went to New Mexico, especially because I
already have a huge Native American following, it was nothing but unconditional love. There isn’t a lot of female
rappers that are reppin bein Native, so it was great. So after I did two dates with them. They loved me soo much that
I was asked to go on the Wu Tang Clan 8 Diagrams tour. I did the whole west coast leg of the tour. Even though I
was asked to do more dates , because I financially am independent it was hard for me to continue on. If you don’t
have a sponsor you can’t just hop on a tour and think that the main artist will take care of you.
DSB: Tell us about your best performance or venues?
Queen YoNasDa : I would say all of them were my favorite from San Francisco,Las Vegas, Arizona basically
everyone gave me soo much love. Some said it was refreshing to see a female onstage especially in the Wu Tang
arena.
DSB: Worst performance?
Queen YoNasDa: Well, when I got to San Fransico, the soundman didn’t have my monitors on, so I couldn’t hear
myself nor my music. See what I learned was that Wu Tang doesn’t do sound checks nor did they demand for me to
do it. So, while the soundman was getting it in order I had to still entertain, so I begin doing an accepalla, to my
surprise the crowd loved it and they all had their hands in the air, screaming I love you! All types of things. It was
beautiful! Shout out to the Bay Area!!!
DSB: Tell us something about YoNasDa that we wouldn’t know.
Queen YoNasDa: Well, I have a 8 yr old son from a previous relationship. I am a strong believer in knowing that all
of this fame and glitz and glamour aint nothing especially if you don’t have family as your foundation. My idea of
happiness is having a house full of happy kids a happy husband and all having God in the center of the home. I
love to be able to pursue my dreams at the same token being a wife and a great mother.
DSB: When people think of you or hear the name Queen YoNasDa, what do you want their thoughts to be?
Queen YoNasDa: Virtuous woman
DSB: What projects are you currently working on and what are your plans for 2009?
Queen YoNasDa: Well, my album “God.Love & Music” is dropping in May 2009 under Supa Music Network (www.
supamusicnetwork.com) you can pre-order it for only $9.99 www.myspace.com/queenyonasda and recieve it in the
end of April. I will be hosting several album release parties in May. Also, my singles “Pow Wow” and “You Don’t Want
No Problems” featuring Cappadonna is already available at all radio stations, clubs,internet stations, etc if they don’t
have it tell them to download it from digiwaxx.com. I just finished the video for it so ya’ll will be seeing that soon.
I’m also waiting to hear back now if I’m going overseas in May to promote this album. And a U.S. is August. So stay
posted on myspace.com/queenyonasda
DSB: How can we stay connected to you?
Queen YoNasDa: You can visit me on www.supamusicnetwork.com and www.myspace.com/queenyonasda
DSB: Any last words for our readers?
Queen YoNasDa: I want to thank everyone for reading this and continue to keep God first in everything you do, and
remember that God.Love and Music is the three elements of the universal language and culture of man. Get your
pre-order of the most anticipated album coming from a female hip hop artist today at www.myspace.
com/queenyonasda
Interview conducted by Stowie
Email: stowie@DaStreetBuzz.com