Poison is not here to play. The rising rapper and singer from Queens gives us a glimpse into her dynamic journey in the music industry. Known in the New York underworld for her work with renowned artists such as Styles P and Cash Cobain, Poiison’s story is one of ambition and innovation.
Poiison’s musical influences are as eclectic as her sound. She draws inspiration from the lyrical brilliance of Lil Wayne, the boundary-pushing artistry of Madonna and the transformative presence of Lady Gaga. She definitely wants to appeal to a wider audience.
Looking to the future, Poiison is determined to inject fresh vitality into the industry. “I just want to bring something new.”
Watch her chat with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur at WonWorld Studios and watch the full interview video.
AllHipHop: You were at the BET Media House in Los Angeles when we met. Whenever I see people at BET House, I know who they are or where they are going. That was your first time, right?
Poison: Oh, yeah. This is definitely my first time. It feels good, man. It’s a different experience, a special experience, with a lot of black excellence and just creating memories, it’s been awesome. I like it.
AllHipHop: You’ve been working for a minute, but tell people a little bit about yourself and your background.
Poison: Yes. Well, my name is Poison. I’m from Queens, New York.
AllHipHop: Which part?
Poiison: I’m from Ozone Park. I’m not even from the South Side or any of those bright areas, but I’m from Queens, so that’s all
AllHipHop: Forest Hills lights up too. Yes. All areas of Queens.
Poison: I’m an artist. I’m a singer, rapper, songwriter. I do a lot of cool stuff and I’m artistic. I had a great time. I’m here to cause some chaos.
AllHipHop: First, let’s talk about your new record. You and Cash Cobain.
Poiison: He’s on fire right now. “Me, Her And You” is a song I wrote and some people I’m connected to are like “this guy.” I was like, “Oh, man, [Cash Cobain] It’s the hottest in the city. He said, yeah, “Let’s put something together,” and I knew immediately what song to send him. It was a little different than what he usually does, but we had a lot of fun. He gave me a great poem. I appreciate that. I felt like I brought him to a different space and he gave me a little bit of himself.
AllHipHop: What do you think of the city now? New York always comes out on top, right? Because there are people like Nas, Nicki Minaj, etc. Queens, by the way, but this is a new energy source. How do you adapt?
Poison: Oh, sure. I feel like I am the cause of the new vibration. I’m part of it. Feel me? Some people may not understand who I am, but over time I gained stamina. I’m going to walk around and show you why I’m a part of it. I will be different. I’m going to give birth. I want to have fun. I’m going to dig into the look and have a good time, but I’m still going to say something that I think is going to touch people, that’s going to connect with people, and I’m part of the energy of this new thing.
AllHipHop: Which of your songs is about pills? What’s that song?
Poison: Oh, “Painkiller.”
AllHipHop: Yeah, that song touched me.
Poison: This is such a classic.
AllHipHop: Yeah, it’s definitely a classic. Talk a little bit about that record, what made you design it that way? what does that mean?
Poiison: Well, “Pills For The Pain” is a very organic song. I remember I was just doing a lot of things, I mean living well, but not being happy on the inside. Went to a friend’s studio and we recorded the song. No, no, no, I’m going to be brief. Went to a friend’s studio and I’d been expressing how I was feeling and he was like, “Yo, record something.” That was honestly the first thing that came to my mind. “Sunny Day Painkiller/I don’t know what love is. It just disappeared. I don’t know. It was so organic, record it, drop it, and then it went viral. People really loved that song. To this day, People still attack me for that song.
AllHipHop: I love that record. I was talking to someone the other day and I said, “Man, I wish I had some happy pills, man. I’ll take them right now. I mean, I know they have pills, but I mean there’s some …
Poison: Serotonin.
All Hip Hop: Yes. basically.
Poison: Yes. I mean, that’s what I set out to do with my music. I’m going to reach out to you and give you some serotonin to encourage you to feel better. Even if you don’t feel great, you feel something, so I know I’ll take it.
AllHipHop: Absolutely. From a fan perspective, who are your fans? Do you have any fans? Because now it’s hard to catch someone when they’re on the rise. This is. Usually they’ve already hitched a ride, but I feel like you’re creating fans and bringing them.
Poiison: I feel like I’m having a massive workout right now. I’m about to go up the stairs, feel me? I’m meeting people. I was connecting people, but now it was just different people. Still the same people who listened to me three years ago, but yeah, like new friends, and I’m grateful for that.
AllHipHop: Who did you grow up listening to?
Poiison: Oh, that’s a good question. Lil Wayne. Definitely Lil Wayne. I love Madonna. Goddess Kaka. Yes. I love Kevin Gates, the NBA kid.
poison:
i am a huge [Gates] fan. I’m a huge fan of it. I’ve met him several times. He is so different. Yes, he’s awesome. I think he’s one of those guys who expresses passion while still maintaining a vibe. I appreciate that about him.
AllHipHop: So let me tell you. Wait, let me ask you this. Do you consider yourself a host, a rapper, or a multi-talented person? What do you think of yourself?
Poiison: I consider myself a musician. A musician. I’m a writer. I’m not the best singer, but I can sing. I’m familiar with instruments. I may not be at an advanced level, but I’m pretty cool in a lot of different areas.
AllHipHop: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Poiison: Oh, that’s a good question. I thought I wanted to play basketball.
All Hip Hop: Okay. OK I can see that in you. Yes. Why not pursue it?
Poiison: I fell in love with music.
AllHipHop: How was it working with Styles P?
Poison: Type P, wow. I absolutely love Styles. P, this is the big brother. Gentlemen. Super cool and super talented. I have nothing to say, man. It’s like, “I’ve got something for you.” Send it over. Amazing verses. We made the video. We posted a message.
AllHipHop: Yeah, talk about that message because it’s a serious message for young girls.
Poison: Girls. Oh yes. “Big Boys.” Basically, that song is just, I feel like anybody can relate to that song. If you don’t have any male figures in your life, or, not that I don’t, but I’m lucky. I feel very lucky about this. But basically, “Big Boy” is about breaking away from that male image and understanding your own mistakes and how to make good decisions. It was great that he could bless me and give me the brotherly advice I needed.
AllHipHop: I want to ask you about someone you have a working relationship with Sha Money. What was it like working with him?
Poiison: Oh, that’s drugs. The sand dollar is the Queen’s general, you know what I mean? He’s done a lot of good things for music and hip-hop, and it’s been great to work with him.
AllHipHop: Did you learn anything?
Poiison: We had a private conversation [he advised me] “Go ahead. Don’t get emotional about things. A great conversation from someone who’s been through this.
AllHipHop: He definitely keeps going.
Poiison: So that’s good advice. Yes, it’s easy. This is good advice. Sometimes it’s simple.
