Today we’d like to introduce you to Genesis Blu.
Genesis, native Houstonian, and self-proclaimed Raptivist were named “The Blue-Haired Matron” of hip-hop by Texas Monthly. Genesis tabled her psychotherapy Ph.D. for a career in music and advocacy. In a recent interview with NPR, Genesis explains how early childhood experiences with bullying, activism, and gentrification led her to write Bluming Season which will launch its national campaign early 2018. Determined to use her voice in music as a form of healing and protest, Genesis planted her feet in the rap game and in 2014, won the Matthew Knowles artist showcase. By 2016, Genesis was named Best Rapper in Houston by the Houston Press, the first woman to ever win the title. Often compared to the great MC Lyte due to her ability to rock a crowd on stage, Genesis’ influences include Nas, Tupac, and Lauryn Hill. In the coming year, Genesis will begin a national tour for Bluming Season and is working on The Good Doctor mixtape scheduled to release in summer 2018.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, I decided to quit my Ph.D. Dissertation on the 3rd chapter to pursue my dream of being a hip-hop artist and activist. Starting later in life has proved to be a challenge. Also being a female in a male-dominated and very sexist industry has been trying. In 2016, as my career began to progress I was injured and could not walk for 2 months. I fell into a depressive state and had a difficult time creating. In the end, I was able to pull from these challenges and release the Bluming Season EP.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a hip-hop artist and activist AKA “Raptivist”. I am known for my hard-hitting but positive and motivational lyrics. I think that my ability to understand the psychology of human beings and apply this to healing through music sets me apart from others. I am very proud of being a positive female hip-hop artist from Houston.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was somewhat of a “Blerd” (Black Nerd) but also social and athletic. I was placed in Gifted/Talented classes very early in elementary school. I enjoyed reading, writing, sports, and of course, music. I would befriend people from all backgrounds and has a good sense of humor. After I experienced the deaths of several important people in my life, I think I became more angry and aggressive but also ambitious and driven. I spent the majority of my free time listening to music in my room.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.genesisblu.com
- Phone: 832-919-4338
- Email: booking@genesisblu.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/mcgenesisblu
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/genesisblu/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcgenesisblu
Image Credit:
Greg Lacoste, Different World Images, Morris Malak
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
