SMiFF's WORLD

Alysha "SMiFF" Caple is much more than just your average rapper - she is also a producer, songwriter, and a talented performer poised to leave an indelible mark on the music industry. Smiff's first single "Candyland" took the Hip-Hop world by surprise and set the stage for her skills to be appreciated by a wider audience. Her remarkable popularity continued with the release of her debut album Welcome 2 My Candyland in 2009. This album contained the hit tracks "Wanna Get Down", and "Can't Sink". SMiFF's hard work was rewarded with a 2010 DMV Music Award nomination for club banger "Bounce It". She also blessed the DMV Awards ceremonies with a dynamic live performance.

Realnews: How would you describe your sound/style?

SMiFF: I would describe (my sound) as rap/hip hop and pop. I chose those three because I feel that I can merge with many different genres to make a song. My style comes from the realness of my lyrics - and I say I have more realness than swag, although they both come natural. My realness outshines my swag because my audience is captivated by my verses, but my "swag" has a style of its own.

Realnews: Do you feel you face more obstacles in the rap game because you're a female?

SMiFF: No, I do not feel I face more obstacles as a female in this industry. Although it is a tough industry, females have shown that we can stand our ground and rock just as well as the males. Some females sold out to sexual lyrics, but they still "show and prove" with hard-core lyrics to show that gender doesn't determine talent. It shouldn't matter what my gender is, it is the music and how the fans can relate to my words. I will be who I am, but at the end of the day music overpowers gender, sexuality, and race!

Realnews: What do you feel about the local open mic circuit?

SMiFF: Sometimes it seems like the bigger your "crew" is, the better your artistry is! When you roll deep and everyone is on stage rockin and having fun, some people will automatically hop on that artist. Some other more under-rated rappers are just as good, but roll with a smaller crew. I personally show love to all artists, it takes ability and courage to step on that stage and get through your set. But when it comes to DMV artists, whether they're over-rated or under-rated, we're all a part of the same struggle to get to the "big leagues".

Realnews: What do you have planned for 2010?

SMiFF: In 2010 I plan on speaking on things that most artists do not speak on. My second album will touch on more emotion than my first album. My new album talks about everything. I want to reach out to all ages and different groups of people (I.e., back pack kids, hustlers, skate boarders, poets, etc.). I also want to teach and mentor people who write, and give people a place to go to get away and write (and rap) with my own studio. My studio is currently "under construction" and will be completed in the very near future. I do want to be a major artist, but mostly I just want to give children (and people who are just as motivated as me) the chance to tell their stories. Money is not everything to me when it comes to my project - getting heard is my main focus. I plan on getting attention by using the positive aspects of grinding; and eventually, I know that I will become a successful artist.