6ix Up is a monthly column penned by HipHopCanada writer Cut, that showcases Toronto hip-hop artists under an overarching narrative that is relevant to the culture.
Each artist is asked a series of questions, offering readers their insights and opinions on a range of topics including their latest career moves, their come up, the state of Canadian hip-hop, and more.
“I feel that we are not taken as seriously as the males. But with continued hard work, dedication and consistency, we will definitely gain the recognition that we deserve.” – Golde London
Next up, Toronto rapper Golde London, currently promoting her RodZilla-directed video for “Walk.” You can check that out below, as well as our Q&A with Golde discussing her come up, her latest video, female rappers in Toronto, and more.
6ix Up: Golde London
HipHopCanada: When did Golde London get into the rap scene?
Golde London: I started rapping at the age of 13. Before rap, I was a hip-hop dancer and a former member of a dance group called, Da Baddest Bratz.
My dance choreographer Tristan wanted the group to try something new, so he asked the group to write 16 bars then come back to the next dance practice to spit it. Which I did. At that time, years back I was only listening to Styles P and Foxy Brown. Therefore, I was already heavily influenced by music.
Long story short, I ended up writing 16 dope bars and then went back to the next practise and started spitting lyrics. My group members were in absolute shock, and the reaction from them gave me a feeling I would never forget.
At that moment, I realized that this rap thing was for me.
In 2009, I started taking this rap thing more seriously, and decided to jump in the booth. After that, it was a wrap. My very first music video “Shadows” was released back in 2010, which is when people became more familiar with seeing my face.
Shortly after that I joined a music group called, Monstarz, and had been opening shows for artists such as Juicy J and many more. At the sametime, I had released my mixtape called, FlyHigh.
HipHopCanada: You were quite for sometime, where have you been?
Golde London: I have been away from the music scene due to giving birth to my young king. I felt it was more important and necessary to focus on raising my son, rather than to focus on anything else.
However, that does not mean music was not being recorded, because I am stacked up with records. Behind the scenes, music was still being created, not only while being a mother and a rapper, but also I am a full time college student. I am in my last year of college, along with being an entrepreneur, running my own business named, The LondonBridge Collection.
Giving birth to my son gave me a different kind of hunger and motivation I have never experienced before. Even though I have been quite for sometime in the public eye, behind the scenes I have kept busy.
HipHopCanada: You released a “Walk” freestyle video that was premiered on WSHH. How was the feedback?
Golde London: To be honest, since I already know how that shit goes down, with all of the negative comments under most artists videos, I decided to stay away from the comments section, period. I can’t speak for haters, but what I can say is the real ones know I’m putting on for my city.
HipHopCanada: It seems to be the women’s time in Toronto. Do you feel female rappers From the city have been overlooked?
Golde London: Yes, we’re definitely overlooked. The music industry is so male-dominated; I find it a lot more challenging for the women of music. I feel that we are not taken as seriously as the males. But with continued hard work, dedication and consistency, we will definitely gain the recognition that we deserve.
HipHopCanada: Which females from the city is Golde London feeling right now?
Golde London: I am very proud of all the female rappers in the city right now. I love seeing all the females doing their thing and going hard for the love of hip-hop. When I first started, there was only a hand full of girls rapping and now I am seeing so many of them and I love that shit.
HipHopCanada: Is there a specific artist from Toronto you wanna connect with?
Golde London: I would definitely love to work with Tory Lanez. I have watched Tory grow, in terms of his music, before his big break. He is so talented, intelligent and is tremendously inspirational.
HipHopCanada: Do you have any projects in the works for this year?
Golde London: Yes, I have many things in store for this year. I don’t want to give anything away, but what I will say is I’m bout to shake up this game and create an earthquake this time around. Period.
HipHopCanada: Sex appeal or bars? Can a female artist rely on her looks to sell records or can she do it with just bars? Or are both needed?
Golde London: I strongly feel that females cannot strive with just looks. She has to be talented and intelligent. Looks can only get you so far, you have to be able to bring something to the table, otherwise you will not be taken seriously in this game.
HipHopCanada: How important is it for the women in our music scene to stick together in the Screwface Capital?
Golde London: I believe that women should stick together no matter where they are. Considering on how male-dominated this field is, it’s important for women to uplift and motivate one another. That shit’s dope!
You can follow @GoldeLondon on Instagram.