24 year old Melissa Stephen has been rapping since she was only 8 years old and started writing her own lyrics when she was 15. She has since carved herself a successful career as a rapper after completing a Bachelor of Creative Arts majoring in Theatre in Australia. Recently, she partnered with Equal Ground to release the video for the pride song of the year “Victory”. We caught up with Melissa for a brief chat. Here's what she had to say. 

The rap genre is - without a doubt, a very male dominated industry. How tough is it for female artists like yourself to make your presence felt? 

Being a female rapper, who is Sri Lankan trying to make it from Sri Lanka, the odds are definitely against me. However I wholeheartedly believe this is what I was meant to do. This is my dream. It's definitely a challenge, but I am enjoying the journey. 

What makes you different from other rappers in the country? 

I can’t really say what makes me different from other rappers. What I do know is that I have a story that is unique I want to tell and I can only hope my music inspires others. 

Tell us about the “Victory” video. How did you come up with the concept? 

I actually didn’t really have a concept for the video or an idea of partnering with Equal Ground. I got a chance to perform at Art Walk in the Equal Ground segment, and I was honoured to hear they wanted to use my song as an anthem for the cause, which was the Pride song for this year. I am extremely humbled. 

What artist - local or international - would you like to collaborate with? 

Locally I would love to collaborate with Bathiya and Santhush. Or even Ranidhu. That would be an honour. Internationally, I would love to work with Jay-Z . He is my main inspiration musically. 

Who inspires you? 

Musically I am inspired by Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Jay-Z  and Beyonce. 

What's next for you? 

I am hoping to release an album really soon and would love to collaborate with as many artists as I can.