For some time, if you'd asked practically any Detroit rapper who they considered the most slept-on emcee here and almost universally they'd say Miz Korona, after citing themselves, of course. She's outbattled and outhustled local lyricists for years and her songs sport more punchlines than a comedian's routine. But despite a choice cameo in 8 Mile and various mixtape releases, it appeared Korona got stuck in some "Almost Famous" category. But since her debut album, The Injection, dropped this summer, Korona love has shot from a variety of make-it or break-it national hip-hop buzz sites, such as Rappersiknow, thisis50.com and allhip-hop.com, and has upped her own ante as a headline artist who plays second to no one. And last week the Detroit-aggressive emcee debuted her first real-budget music video for her latest single, "Playground." So, yeah, it's a good time to check in with Korona — an artist who happens to be, despite her raps, sweet as pie in person.
1. Where'd you shoot the "Playground" video and who are the kids starring?
We did the scenes at this playground on Esper and Joy Road. The store location was the Holiday Beer and Wine on Joy Road and Greenlawn. The kids, well, the little ... that's my little cousin. And the little boy who portrays Moe Dirdee, his mom is my hair stylist. I just invited the kids out and whoever had good chemistry with the director is who got the lead parts.
Actually, my little cousin, I knew she could portray me 'cause she's acts like me in real life. She don't take no mess.
2. What's the best thing that's happened to you since the album dropped?
I think the best thing that's been happening are the responses I've been getting from artists I look up to like Kuniva (D12), Guilty Simpson, Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples), Bahamadia and more.
3. What's up with your next project, Sealy Posturepedic (Most Slept On)?
I actually pushed that back 'cause The Injection is just catching some leg and I'm getting booked for a lot of shows. I want to give the album time to breathe and push this as far as I can. Plus, people think I can really make Sealy Posturepedic dope and not just be a mixtape.
4. What are your goals for 2011?
My goals for 2011 are to land a few tour dates in the States and overseas. Drop maybe two or three projects and continue to keep the Miz Korona brand growing. ...
5. Alright, so you're a good person to ask: Who is the next person to blow up from Detroit going to be?
Other than myself? [laughs] That could be a pretty long list, but I'm really feeling Boog Brown, Danny Brown and Moe Dirdee right now.
