Black Sky Blue Death / Hell Razah: Razah's Ladder Interview

Lin Que (fka Isis) : GODspeed Interview

Just when it seems as though the icy-coated, flashy, stereotypical elements of the “Rap Game” has strangled the last breath out of the Hip Hop culture, a springing forth of new artist seem to be catapulting out of the woodwork with their authentic sound and innovative lyrical content. We’ve seen it happen over the last decade. Starving Hip Hop fans are forced to huddle, like scavengers, over crumbs that symbolize hope for anything that remotely sounds like “True Hip Hop“. With the success of highly creative artists such as Kanye West, OutKast, Ludacris, Common, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli, the door has opened ever so slightly to allow “True Emcees” to squeeze in and make their mark. Pushing through the male-dominated world of Hip Hop comes just what you’ve been waiting for and missing, Lin Que formally known as Isis from the X-Clan and later the secret 5th member of the Wu-Tang all female group The Deadly Venoms along side J-Boo, N-Tyce, Finesse and Champ MC.

This Queens New York native might be remembered for her affiliation with the messenger group X Clan and a vital part of the Black Consciousness Force called The Blackwatch Movement. As she progressed further in her career, she teamed up with MC Lyte and Pam Wilder and opened up a management & production Company called “Duke Da Moon". The company Duke Da Moon would also act as a vehicle for Lin Que to get her music back in the ears of her listeners. She was then signed to Ruffhouse Columbia and shared a roster with artists such as The Fugees, Nas, and Cypress Hills. The underground loved what they were hearing. “This Is It” & “Rip It Up” was just a small taste of what she was capable of and would lead to her moving from Sony Music into her next major record deal with Elecktra Records. This is where and when she dropped the classic "Let it Fall." This track featured MC Lyte and was produced by Caspa. The video was directed by Hype Williams and is considered a classic underground portrayal of the last days of true Hip Hop. The fiends kept their eyes on her just waiting to get more acquainted with this multidimensional lyricist.

Lin Que has collaborated with various artists such as Will Downing, Mary J. Blige, Afrika Bambaataa, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Joi Cardwell, Steele/Smif-N-Wessun, The Beatnuts, Monifah, Ce Ce Peniston and more. Her last venture was a brief encounter with the Protect Your Neck group "The Five Deadly Venoms". After leaving the group for business reasons, she remained writing and creating music with producers such as .0 (Point Zero), Azteknique and Ayatollah. Lin’s uncanny ability to write blazing lyrics landed her a writing gig with MC Lyte on her “Ain‘t No Other” album. In 2005, Lin started to dabble with music production. She has produced many tracks in her arsenal.

"GODspeed" her latest album is finally here. Her no-nonsense lyrical delivery sets the foundation for this long awaited album. Her music, while still preserving its marketable appeal, portrays her struggle being a strong female in a male-dominated industry which seems to rather depict woman as “scantily dressed video hoes”. Lin Que is a breath of fresh air and has a lot to offer the Hip Hop Community. It would be nice to add a female to the roster to help relieve the growing desire for something “REAL”.

Wu-international caught up with Lin Que to find out what keeps her going, the story behind Deadly Venoms, her new album, X-Clan and more, GODspeed dropped 4th of October 2007, go out and support the album. Click on the picture above or this link to read the full interview. Enjoy!!!