We had the good fortune of connecting with Mani Da Brat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mani, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
My end goal is simple: I want to have done all of the things I possibly could make myself happy. I don’t want to be a megastar even though I still think that would be super cool. I want to make music for myself and share it with people that enjoy it. I want to go on tour a handful of times, see the world, and maybe fall in love. I wouldn’t measure my success by the awards and honors that are given to me, but by the number of people, I was able to impact. To me, that’s more powerful than anything.

On that same note though, I definitely think a Nicki Minaj collab, a Grammy or two, and a couple of other awards wouldn’t hurt… but they aren’t the end goal.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m proud of myself for continuing this journey because it’s been a test of faith. This industry is saturated and very cutthroat, so finding my niche and beginning to carve out my lane is difficult. The last 10-plus years have been me inventing myself, reinventing myself, and creating my art authentically as I feel it. It’s been hard trying to build a routine and consistency while parenting, working, and living in the moment. It’s hard, but pushing through and learning as much as I can in every aspect is so rewarding. Everything I have learned has come from trying to do everything myself– the music, the marketing, the branding, etc. I burnt myself out, but I wasn’t ready to give up on myself and walk away from the only dream I’d had since I was a kid. Someone I know told me to trust the process especially when I feel like giving up because that’s when you begin to reap the rewards. We’re at the point where the fruits of my labor are ready to be picked, and I love that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I was in my hometown, the first place we’d hit would be Hodori! It’s a 24-hour Korean spot by USC, perfect for before or after going out. We’d hit the Slauson Super Mall strictly for nostalgic reasons (and a few airbrushed pieces). Running through the Rose Garden at USC. Of course, there’d be an obligatory stop on Crenshaw and Slauson to pay respects to Nipsey. A quick trip or three to Santa Monica to wander around the pier and listen to the waves crashing against the sand. Other key itinerary items are the wax museum, finding a car show, and popping up to see my sister and cousins. Add going to the Science Center because I’m really a nerd and haven’t been since I was a kid. It would literally be a trip of being a tourist in my own city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are so many people I owe thanks to! First and foremost, I want to thank my parents for the impact their taste in music has had on me over the years. My dad specifically continues to help me cultivate my taste and learn more about the music I love and create. The same can honestly go for both of my siblings (especially my little brother) for sharing music with me as a way of bonding. My best friends, the ASBA, previous relationships and friendships, my cousins, my grandparents. Everyone I know and have ever met has played a role in my success and I want to thank them all.

Website: www.manidabrat.com

Instagram: instagram.com/manidabratttt

Twitter: twitter.com/manidabratttt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manidabratttt/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEDNyEeJHGpWMMfAjLuS0Cw

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