Ke Turner tells us how she feels about the support she has received for her new single ‘Over It’.

Atlanta-based Virginia Beach native Ke Turner recently released the music video for “Over It,” the new single from Twist A Pen, Open A Lock, her album featuring guest appearances from J. Nolan, Adela, Unkle Chee and Pluto as well as production from Doom Got Beats, Tommy Karate, Sehratonin, Code Red, Kellz Cacique and Turner herself.

“Over It” is produced by Owdareech, and features DJ Redhanded, who also assisted Turner in directing the video, as well as contributing production to the album. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Turner’s previous videos include “Trivial Pursuit” and “The High.” “Over It” received praise on social media from Greg Nice of Nice and Smooth, who took it to be aired at Sirius XM by DJ Eclipse Rap Is Outta Control Show.

Female old school pioneer Sha-Rock and Sugar Hill Records female rap trio The Sequence shared video clips of the track on their social media as well. “This song is a soundtrack for your life!” Turner says about the new track.

You’ve been receiving a lot of support from several old school pioneers like Greg Nice and Sha Rock. What do you think makes them gravitate to your music? How do you feel about it?

It’s very humbling and it makes me feel more validated as an artist. These are legends in the game. They’ve heard it all and seen it all from the beginning, so they know off top who’s seasoned. I also believe that being more rooted to the authentic hip hop sound is what draws them in. Sha rock posted a promotional video clip I did for my song ‘Over it” to her Facebook page. I was like wow, the first female emcee posted me? I felt super honored she did that! Greg even came to my listening party for my latest album! He gave me some very wise words and encouragement that day! I remember him specifically saying not to worry about what anyone else is doing and to keep doing me!

What do you think the old school can learn from the new school and vice versa?

The old school should really learn how to use social media platforms like the new school does. I believe in these days and times it’s important to keep your legacy thriving. In turn, new schoolers should take the time to study the pioneers of this game, I mean REALLY study. If they care anything about preserving the culture, they should immerse themselves in the songs of artists that solidified this genre. Both sides must be willing to let go of their pride and know that there’s something we can take from each other that will benefit us in the long run.

You’re in Atlanta but are from Virginia Beach. How do the two areas compare and contrast in terms of hip hop?

Yes, one of the 7 cities in Hampton Roads. Where I’m from has a blend of originality (e.g. Missy, Timberland, Neptune’s, Nottz with northern and down south vibes.  It doesn’t have a set sound you quickly identify like trap music in Atlanta. I’m not quite sure how the scene is as of right now in V.B since I’ve been in Atlanta since 07’, but when I came up in VA , you didn’t touch a stage unless you were fire. Here in the ATL it’s like everybody and their mother is trying to get on, so you really must bring something different to the table. There is a lot of ground to cover here in Atlanta where VA has limited venues. I feel the GreekFest Riots of the 80’s had a lot to do with this. Many establishments weren’t as open to hip hop after all of that. But the great thing about that was, when we finally had a spot that allowed us rock, we had some of the greatest emcees in one room. It was iron sharpening iron every time! Atlanta is the dopest for networking hands down! Moving here has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adulthood.

What’s your favorite verse in hip hop history and why?

I am torn between too many verses that range from KRS, Mobb Deep to Capadonna… so I’m just gonna to say it’s my own. It’s the 2nd verse from a song I did called Trivial Pursuit produced by Shade Cobain. Every bar on that verse is raw af and I find myself getting hype when I perform it. My favorite line and a lot of peoples’ s fave is when I say “Ke Turner it’s a fact, you put the I in front of that and it’s how I beat the track”…The lyrics are on http://genius.com/ go check them out! I live for wordplay!

Artists gain inspiration from unlikely sources sometimes. What or who is one source of inspiration for you that we might not expect?

The Universe, the unexplained confirmations, those serendipitous moments where you say to yourself there is a GOD! I’ve also drawn inspiration from insects like butterflies. Since they’re so light in weight I wondered where they go when it rains, and how do they guard themselves from heavy downpours. I wrote a whole song about it and compared it to going through hard times in life and how we emerge from them. 

[jwplayer player=”1″ mediaid=”122581″]