How I met HER… Ruby Yo! (INTERVIEW)

January 14, 2013

“How I met HER…” is the interview series powered by Lady on the MIC

1. Introduce yourself. Who are you, where are you from and what do you do in life.

Well I’m a Latina (Puerto Rican) artist from Chicago, born and raised out here. Some people know me here as Marilyn Camacho, the actress and director, and others know me as Ruby Yo! the emcee and singer. Nowadays, I’m just Ruby Yo!, being that music is now mainly my focus. For the most part I’m a songwriter and a performer of sorts, and on my down time, I slang drinks as a bartender, I mean.. Who doesn’t appreciate a well-made cocktail.

2. How you met H.E.R.? How did you find Hip-Hop, or how did Hip-Hop find you? Share some memories about that? When and why did you decide to make music yourself?

I found Hip-Hop as a little, curious, wild, curly haired, young in listening to ICE-T’s “Colors” blasting from my brother’s boombox. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I liked it, the sound, the aggressiveness, and the boldness of the lyrics. Then came the movies, “Electric Boogaloo 1 & 2”, “Beatstreet”, “Krush Groove”… I didn’t become a student until my last 2 years of high school, then college, where I was a backpacker and was known as the girl who spit rhymes with the boys. Tupac was my h.s. teacher, Biggy was my college professor, and Lauryn was my principal. The Miseducation was probably the most influential album that made me want to attempt doing music or at least start writing in verse. I figured, hey if she can do it, so can I. I started really taking it seriously in college, doing open mics, talent shows, etc.. When I left, I never stopped.. and here I am now..

3. What do you want to say with your music? What is your message? Can you live from your music already? What are your future goals?

I think, more than anything, my music is just a reflection of my various personas, characters.. just like when I’m acting. The one common factor you will hear in my music, is that it’s aggressive and very in your face. I’m definitely a storyteller and I tell stories of my own and others, who inspire me to write the stories. My message? To be who you want to be at all times, no matter how crazy, fed up or delusional others might think you are. As of right now, I’m not living full-time off my music, but that is definitely the goal. My future plans include branching out into other territories, L.A., NY, Miami, and overseas. I’m also exploring licensing opportunities with film and television.

4. In your opinion, what is the key to success?

Perseverance and persistence.

5. Your shoutout to the other Ladies living Music.

There’s power in numbers, if we unite, we only become stronger. Think about that the next time you decide to hate on the next female emcee.