New York born and Atlanta bred rapper, Gloss Da Boss is the bubbly girl-next-door, who labels her unique brand of Hip-Hop as “urban suburban” being that while she was educated in the ‘burbs, she is also an around-the-way girl that can hold her own. The multi-talented rapper/singer/songwriter/actress cites Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, and Lil Kim as her musical influences. In 2010 she dropped the well-received mixtape Gloss World: The Introduction hosted by DJ J1 with features from Waka Flocka, Gorilla Zoe, Bobby Valentino, Gangsta Boo, Rasheeda, Trina, Princess and OJ Da Juiceman, to rave reviews. When she is not working on her stage presence, writing rhymes, or in the studio, this young DIVA is running a reading initiative she launched in 2010 to help combat illiteracy among middle and high school students called “Be A Boss”.
BCG had the honor of interviewing Gloss Da Boss to learn more about her new charity.
Tell me more about “Be A Boss”? How did it get started? What drives your passion behind your charity?
Be a Boss is a program I started in 2010 to raise awareness about the importance of reading. I read a disturbing story about the growing rate of illiteracy amongst our young people and it motivated me to do something to help bridge that gap. Going to different schools and being involved with youth activities was also my inspiration to start the program. Now when I attend schools or different events, I handout bookmarks with the program name on them and try to really motivate the youth being that I’m young myself. I want them to feel like they can relate and maybe if I talk to them about how important education is they’ll stay in the books.
What annual events does Be A Boss host to bring awareness/fund raise?
We haven’t gotten that far yet with the program, however we are planning on implementing an annual back to school event for the 2012 school year.
What is the target age group/demographic Be and Boss supports? Why is this
age group/demographic so critical?
I am really targeting students in the 6th through 12th grades. This age group is so important because that’s the age when school could become boring as the work becomes more complicated. With so much reading being done during school, after school it could become a drag so I think letting them know that reading can be fun and entertaining, which in turn can be effective. What they have to understand is that reading is reading, you don’t have to just read educational books, you can read for your entertainment as well. I think young people should be well-rounded and able to speak on a variety of subjects.
How can others get involved with your cause within their local communities?
Again, we are still developing Be A Boss, so there are so many aspects that I want to explore with this program. But, anyone can help young people get more involved in reading. You can donate books, hold book drives, read to students in local libraries and schools. The possibilities are endless. Another way to motivate young people to read is to offer incentives for their diligence. I would love to one day offer scholarships to outstanding students in my Be A Boss program.
What are your major accomplishments/awards?
The most amazing accomplishment I have received so far is to have kids come up to me and tell me that I helped to inspire them to do something positive with their lives or to hear kids say they are excited to learn.
What final words of wisdom would you’d like to share with our readers?
You can learn something new everyday. No one is ever too old to learn.
Anything additional you’d like to add?
We can all motivate each other. Being young, I understand that sometimes we can use some motivation whether it’s studying, exercising, going to school or even getting up to go to work. There’s nothing wrong with having someone there to help you out and motivate you to be the best you can be and honestly those are the best people to surround yourself with.
Where can we find out more information about your charity?
www.Glossdaboss.com
@glossdaboss on Twitter
*Bonus question: What does “Giving back is good for the soul” mean to you?
It means a lot because it’s an opportunity to give back. It also places a great value on my life. I like knowing that I have touched someone because I know how good it feels when people reach out to me and push me to be better.
