Who is ThaGataNegrra

A few years ago, I was doing a random Google search and came upon this MySpace profile about a plus-size actress/model/rapper from Newark, NJ. At first, I thought, "Okay, just another random wannabe trying to make it" but then I read her profile. And was so hooked.
I can't say enough about this talented chick. She's fresh and new and what made me a fan is the fact that she accepts who she is. She believes in her abilities--it doesn't even faze her that she's in a minority: there are practically no plus-size scream queens in indie horror, let alone African American, but GATA is so determined to break its bloody glass ceiling.
GATA is very real--straight talk only. She isn't afraid to share her frailties, and spins nothing. Unlike other actresses and personalities I've seen, GATA is the first to tell you the skinny on what her life really is, simply for you to know she's just as genuine as you are. She may not offer the information, but she will tell you if asked.
Her music is an oasis in the desert of typical hip-hop, in that it's unpredictable and can go from riot-grrl aggro to a schoolgirl in love. It's reminiscent of the last few years of the Golden Era, when the Native Tongues took over, and showcases all GATA's influences (and there are a lot, lemme tell ya!). Drawing from various branches of pop, geek, and hip-hop culture, GATA broadcasts a message of personal freedom, strength, and--dare I say it?-- girl power.
As an actress, GATA is a lot of fun to watch. With over-the-top campy horror, she is dead-bang. She does the heavy with chilling grace. Her actual scream is blood-curdling and worthy of a scream queen title on its own. Far from the "token black sacrifice" you typically see in horror, GATA is capable of surviving an entire film, despite misgivings about her curvy physique. GATA is not your father's final girl. That's not to say she doesn't mind dying...
She is a renaissance woman; she is also a writer, choreographer, alternative model, guerrilla graphic artist, DIY maven, and also makes dread wigs and hair falls.
Most important of all, I think... GATA is a survivor. In the time that I've gotten to know her (and even before I got to know her at all), she has endured many challenges, including but not limited to "style jacking"--verbatim, from name to wardrobe-- and her reputation being systematically and purposely torn to shreds (via libel and slander) by a former ally to the point that her career has taken a massive hit. (Imagine being denied roles you were already cast in, and kicked off of projects you already filmed due to carefully placed rumors!) Still, she goes on, head held high, confident that her work will speak for itself against all the scuttlebutt and gossip, and that someone will allow her to demonstrate that via the chance she deserves.
Like her namesake implies, GATA lands on her feet time and time again. This strength is what made me a fan. IMHO, if more actresses had her balance of confidence and humility, there would be a lot less perceived need for petty backstabbing and backbiting.
I remain a fan of hers because she's so genuine, and at the same time, so obviously not your average girl from the ghetto-- or any other neat, compartmentalized sector of society. She is unique and original in that she doesn't quite fit anywhere: you can try to label her and stick her in a little box with a tidy label on it, and there will still be an arm, leg, or multicolored synth lock sticking out somewhere. GATA knows she doesn't quite fit into any culture/subculture, and she loves it that way. She is truly the coolest personality you've never heard of.
Yep-- GATA's pretty damn special.
To learn more about ThaGataNegrra, check out her website at www.thagatanegrra.net. (The "Interview With a Punk Rhyma" segment is pretty illuminating, if I do say so myself.)