AT a Hip Hop concert held recently, Time out saw Bobby Soxer rapping in one of her first major performances.

She was very new to everyone but the audience seemed pretty impressed with her mic skills, including the Time out team. Bobby Soxer is obviously a talented rapper and her concept of hip hop seems a little bit different to a lot of her amateur peers. Here is what she had to say for herself:

Timeout: What’s your real name Bobby Soxer? And tell us about your activities.
Bobby Soxer: My name is Htet Htet. But when I decided to start making music at the age of 14, I chose my stage name ‘Bobby Soxer’. At first, I used to be a member of a family called ‘Unique-D’ but later I sang alone. I also feature in some songs by Cyclone, Jenny, One Way and Rock Star. Now, I band with my brother Soe Phyo to form ‘Tiny Twist’ and we are making a sample album. I hope it’ll come out soon underground.

How many songs will it have?
Six songs.

What was your first experience of hip hop?
It was at the age of nine. My brother listened to hip hop a lot and because of him I started to get familiar with it.

What made you start writing songs?
It’s because I love hip hop. By listening to both local and foreign hip hop, I studied the lyrics and the subjects of the songs. I try to compose the songs in my own style. It was in 2006 that I made my first demo with Unique-D.

It was an early time for hip hop in Myanmar. Did most people accept the music at that time? How about the agreement of your parents for your pursuit?
I didn’t have many difficult in doing what I wanted but my brother had some. He had to overcome the pessimistic view of our parents about hip hop. But when it got to me they already understood our love of hip hop and even gave support for us. My brother teaches me a lot about music.

Have you faced any obstacles as a female rapper?
No, I’m really lucky. Since I entered into the hip hop community everyone has welcomed and helped me, especially G-family, Rock Star and all the members from the Myanmar Hip Hop Association. They treat me like their own sister.

You said you learn a lot from the local and foreign hip hop artists. Who are your favourites?
Abroad, I like Kanye West and Bone Thugs. Locally I like the songs of Cyclone, J Me, Bigg-Y, Yatha and Chan Aye Win. I also like Sandy Myint Lwin.

Are there any influences of them on you?
I notice that I’m a bit influenced by them. But everybody has their own feelings and opinions which distinguish their styles from each other. A subject might be interesting for one person but not to others. I only adopt others’ music to create better music in my own style. I never try to mimic others.

What are your inspirations for your song lyrics?
I’m the main source for my lyrics. I always write about myself, my life and what is happening in my environment and the hip hop community. I never write nonsense lyrics.

As an underground rapper, do you also plan to break into the hip hop industry?
After my high school exam I will try to release an album.

We’ll be waiting.
I won’t disappoint. And please try my upcoming sample. I worked hard on it although it is just a sample.