TheSource.com: So Poni, tell us about yourself and how you got your name?

Poni: I’m a Hip-Hop Artist from London, England called Marsha ‘Poni’ Bryant, I’m the CEO of my label Desire Sounds. In my early teens I was in a rap group called Dark Foundation with 7 guys. One of the rapper’s Chrome Killah gave me the name Lil’ Poni, “the ride or die chick”, the “Lyrical Rider, who could spit on any rhythm”.

I dropped Lil and kept Poni. I’m here in this music game to do something that’s never been done before. I’m from the UK, have a unique sound, I travel a lot, I’m cool with a whole bunch of people from different states and different countries, been through a lot of life experiences, so I got stories to bring to the table. I want to make people feel good and happy, sometimes bring on different emotion, relate to my songs or get close to something they’ve never experienced before when they listen to my music.

TheSource.com: How did you get into the Rap game?

Poni: My mum started taking me and my sisters to organ lessons when I was 4 years old. By the time I was 7, I was rapping and singing. We had formed a girl group called Kool Girls managed by our older brother WaDada. We performed for the multi-platinum selling UK group called 5 Star. My parents went through a bitter divorce, the divorce was finalised when I was 11. Writing lyrics and poetry was my way of dealing with emotions and getting out my pain.

I felt hypnotised by Rap music, it best expressed the emotions what I was going through. I was doing my thing on the underground rap scene in the UK for quite a while, then decided to branch out to USA in my late teens. This is when I started connecting with big name American Artists and taking my music to another level. I literally got on a plane to NYC when I was 17 with my friend and my sister who is now my manager to make things happen.

TheSource.com: Who have you worked with in the US?

Poni: I have recorded with Darius ‘Deezle’ Harrison, producer of Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” and “Mrs Officer”, and 5 other songs on Tha Carter III album. He worked on some solo songs for me, I also collaborated with Chopper-Young City and Magnolia Militia on Deezle’s production. I recorded four songs with Denaun ‘Kon Artis’ Porter of D12 producer of 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P” and Eminem’s albums. I’ve worked with E Bass who recorded with Beyonce, Jay Z, Usher and Kanye. I like to work with people from all states in America to get a diverse sound, some of the artist are 14 Kay Screw-U records from Alabama-LA, Eclipse from Mississippi, Mr Yayo, TDB from LA, YB & Future C, Henni-C in NYC to name a few.

TheSource.com: You have a new album called Whip It, what was your inspiration behind the name?

Poni: Whip It means crank it up, push harder, to move to the next level you got to apply the pressure, so let’s Whip It!

TheSource.com: What inspires you when you make your Music?

Poni: Sometimes melodies just spring up in my head whilst I’m in the middle of shopping or doing something, a few lines start going round my head, so I got to grab a pen and write them down. Life experiences also cause me to write, if I’ve got something on my mind, I’ll rather write about it than talk about it.

So a lot of my music is like my diary. I had a listener email me after one of my radio interviews on BBC to thank me and tell me that she was depressed all day, but after listening to my music and me speak she felt so much better, as she could relate to what I was saying. Hot production makes me wanna start spitting instantly, so that’s definitely an inspiration.

TheSource.com: Who has influenced you musically?

Poni: I have been heavily influenced by Rreggae and Dancehall music as I am half Jamaican. I enjoy listening to artists like Bob Marley, Garnett Silk, Beres Hammond, Capelton, Sizzla, Bounty Killah, Sean Paul and Vybz Cartell.

I love different types of rap music from Wu Tang Clan, Goodie Mob, No Limit Soldiers, Cash Money, Tupac, Dr Dre, Public Enemy, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent, T.I., Lil’ Kim, Jeezy, Missy Elliott, Scarface, Mobb Deep…I could literally cross every state in America and name a few artists who I’m feeling.

I love old Motown, Jazz and Blues.

TheSource.com: How have you been described?

Poni: As multi-faceted, because I am an artist and songwriter. I also act and won a Clive Dailey ‘Best Actor 2008’ Award in London and I am a clothes designer. My Line is called M.Bryant and is almost complete. So watch out for it.

TheSource.com: What are the favorite lyrics you have written?

Poni: “The professionalism of my trade, is in my DNA, so you can’t be trained, it’s a shame”

“Got to take a side, if you wanna get by, so many live their lives, to ride or die, or are confined, behind and suit and tie…I tried to conform but the system weren’t having it, forced me to be a social misfit”

“Hustling with bustlers, will get you cashing in, the customers be rushing in, papers stacking pretty thick, Clientele, seem to be coming from hell, wanna give you so much trouble but they paying you f***ing well”

TheSource.com: What should we expect from Poni?

Poni: Expect to hear and see more of me, exciting collaborations and tours. Im here to stay. Trendsetting. Get familiar.