Emmerald: You play a bit of basketball?
Lyric L: Ball is everything, whether I have an injury on my Achilles or not--I'm always up for it! I used to play ball at school during lunch or after school. Again, I was the only girl at so you can see a pattern emerging from my life. I then played for Ealing Borough. I had no real coaching, but I was tall, so that helped. I played street ball and battled "de-man'dem" on court and off with a freestyle. Later, I began to better myself with what I call "religious basketball"--correct coaching, fundamentals etc. I'm not as heavy as Marsha from Floetry who played for England's national team, but I loved to scrimmage and represent without a doubt. My best friend got a scholarship at Morgan State. Other friends of mine have encouraged me to keep playing ball, which I had to think about as a plan 'B' after music. I played the highest level in UK which is National League Division 1. Now I just wait 'til summer (which is mad short in London, maybe 12 weeks only) to play. I watch some NBA games live at 3am! I never really had a favourite team, but I love Phil Jackson's Zen coaching methods.
Emmerald: What other projects are you working on now?
Lyric L: I have just recorded and completed a track named "Soul Mates Soul" soon be released by Afro Beat producers Marathon Men (Fred & Simbad). I'm recording a second track that I wrote with another well know West African Producer reknown in this genre. Again, I am truly honored and excited as to how this will evolve. I was honored to perform at The Royal Festival Hall during their Africa Remix event. Other artists who blessed the stage and performed there were Ty, Eska, Dizzi & Gilles Peterson. Rock Steady Crew flew over with b-boys/girl dancers. I also teach a 5 week Creative Writing and Rap workshop for 16-25 year-olds in deep Suburban Greater London.
My debut long-awaited album has now been recorded, completed, mastered and is currently awaiting the final stages. Outstanding production on each track, including songs produced by Ty. I am very happy with how things have turned out and have been lucky enough to complete a few 12-inch singles during the waiting period. I've done "Mesmerised" produced by Mark de Clive Lowe and remixed by DJ Spinna. I've also done "Back Inside" produced by Boxsaga ft B.B Boogie's vocalist and miracle worker Andrea Clarke. Also, I wrote "Doot Dude" with New Zealand jazz legend Nathan Haines. I have worked on albums such at MJ Cole's "Cut to the Chase" which also featured Jill Scott, the "Waxocutionist" EP - with Ty, "Mixologist" with Red Man/Method and more.
I have had a very difficult time in creating all that I am/have and know. I have finally come through as the victor and dedicate all my efforts to my inspirational father who moved on, and kept his spirit alive thru me and music: 'Nke chi-da-LyricL '(Chi meaning God) that was the gift given. Life - given to me via my parent. Music - via me to you.
