Spoken word emcee Paria B has blast on the mic

Spoken word emcee Paria B comes with a social consciousness as sharply honed as her wordplay. Read on, as she gets to the bottom of both.

What does Paria B sound like?

"Paria B sounds like something you have to listen to, to understand and fully grasp. I'm a combination of the feisty rebel girl, but at the same time I'm very sensitive and emotion filled. I'm a global sound."

How does a spoken word emcee differ from a traditional MC?

"A spoken word emcee is an emcee who has a deep poetic background, one who can entertain on both levels of artistry. DMX and Amir Sulaiman are two artists that do both hip-hop and spoken word at their shows. They demand that attention onstage because they're powerful individuals who don't just rap, they deliver every single word, poetically and on an MC tip. They literally have a heart-to-heart with their audience."

On your new disc, "Break Free," you urge women to "break free from the images that ain't reppin' you." Do you take issue with the way that women are portrayed in hip-hop?

"No, I'm not just urging and speaking to women in that song, I am urging all of mankind to break free from mental shackles that have been placed upon them as a form of oppression. I'm telling the masses to never be scared to express their true selves. Embrace the positive aspects about you and rep that to the fullest, only then will you reach the depth of your success.

"I think the blame for how women are portrayed in hip-hop goes both ways. Obviously, women are putting themselves out there for the masses to see, so you can't just point the finger at men. But men do partake in exposing the sexual side of women, so in my opinion both sexes need to be worked on. Men are portrayed as gangsta thugs in hip-hop, so who is to blame for that? I think people need to blame themselves for their actions, male and female. It all really boils down to money."

There aren't too many outlets for hip-hop in Las Vegas. How would you characterize the local scene?

"I would characterize the Las Vegas hip-hop scene as being fresh, entertaining and fun. I always have a blast whenever I'm on the mic, and I make sure to project that to my audience at every show. Also, I love hearing what others have to say. The Las Vegas scene is full of so much hope and light in my opinion."

Recommend some classic tracks by female MCs.

"Every song on Lauryn Hill's 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' album, as well as her 'Unplugged' album. Eve, 'Love Is Blind.' MC Lyte, 'Ruff Neck.' Lil Kim featuring Angie Martinez, Left Eye, Missy and Da Brat, 'Ladies Night.' Queen Latifah, 'U.N.I.T.Y.' Paria B, 'Fire In Me.' ''

Hear Paria B at myspace.com/pariab.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.