Sweet Tooth Media: Ami 'Dolla-Not-A-Dime' Miller: Keep the Change...Ouch!

Deep in the trenches of freestyle rapping lies fear and uncertainty. In the realm of Lyrical Cypher, one must step on the scene ready to verbally TKO any opponent that stands before them. This requires great talent, courage, and skill. Improvised conversation against instrumentals and beats that guide word flow released just happens to tell a story. This is merely a foundation. Many that participate are known as battle rappers and while many will compete, its often strange or thought a misconceived victory when a woman steps on the scene. I had pleasure of meeting a young woman who dispels all demeaning perceptions of female MC's and that young woman is BET's Freestyle Friday's Reigning Queen, Ms. Ami Miller.

Ami Miller, who was born and raised in Houston, TX graduated from Westside High School. Performing publicly since the age of 12, Ami, is no stranger to hard work and dedication. Like many other entertainers, her vision begin in the form of poetry and graduated to songs, fostering her love and appreciation for the arts. Ami attended various schools across Houston to hone her performing arts talent. Being the youngest of three children, and proudly proclaiming that once she was a daddy's girl, says that her success is owed to her Super Woman...her mom. Ami was raised by a single mother that always wanted her children to have choices. As a result she has morphed into a phenomenal, well-rounded entertainer. Her mother taught her that she can function on her own, and be her own rock. Even with all her training and vitae, which includes being an official endorser for Hunid Racks Energy drinks, Ms. Miller says that being on stage is what liberates her. While presently she prefers, to pursue her career musically, acting is something that she will certainly do later.

After spending several weeks on BET's 106 & Park Freestyle Friday, Ami Miller, went up against some pretty ragged competition. I couldn't fathom doing such a thing in private, let alone in front of millions of viewers. However, Ms. Miller says that she steps out there ready to deliver her best. Sadly, Ms. Miller stated that in the music industry women are viewed as the underdogs and are expected to come out being sex symbols as a means to obtain support. She refuses to live in a box that she didnt create and always shows up and show out. Ami feels that the biggest challenge that female MC's face when working to get respect deserved by the industry, is finding women that wont sell out. "Its the utmost importance to carry oneself with respect...I dont have to lower my standards because I have more faith in my God, music and self, than I would in any man. When she stepped out on the stage of 106 & Park for the first time, she was devasted and distracted as she received news, that her brother had passed away after a battle with cancer. Ami said that her mom, encouraged her to keep going and thats what she did. She said at that point it didnt really matter if she won or lost, she just wanted to be home with her family. (In case you are wondering, she was able to leave the show and help ensure her brother was put away peacefully). Ami says that she entered with her game face and left with her game face on. Her first battle, was against another female MC, and like all the other competition, winning was a walk in the park. When battling she states its best to study your opponent. The easiest opponents were guys, because their cypher's are predictable. When freestyling, lyrically, she is inspired by the beats that she hears or the situations that presented to her. Her freestyle technique is simple, yet refined, in that she practices, knows her competition, realizes her own weaknesses, and strengths and start out simple, talking about the obvious and building up to the burial of her opponent.

When asked which female MC's inspired and/or influenced her, she stated anything Hip Hop influences her, but if she had to drop names it would be Lil Kim and Eve. She says she loves the Boldness of Lil Kim and the poise of Eve. Like those two very influential women, Ami Miller also wants to be referred to as a Great rapper, not a Great Female Rapper. In addition, Ami, wants the world to know she is not a battle rapper, rather a diligent Lady Hustler that raps and is better than great at it. She says to remain successful and dedicated to her hustle, she must constantly improve, stay positive, expand, and network. Her next project includes the release of her mixtape, Dolla Not a Dime. Ami is in talks with a few labels and hopes to sign to those offering her the best deal, that allows her to remain in the driver's seat of her career. She plans to release "Make It Better' soon, in rememberance of her brother. Ami will start a tour later this month; New York, LA, and New Orleans are among the cities she will grace. Ami would like to say to her fans: " Thank You, I love you more than you love me, and I'm coming, dont wait for me , watch me, and then we will all celebrate...!"

Concluding our conversation, I just had to know the symbolism of "Ouch", as she ends every social media post with it. Ami informed me that its a sarcastic way of saying, I just stepped on your toes after burying you alive...Ouch, that hurts. I must say that is the best way to end any competition. It was a pleasure to meet with Ami. I am taken aback at her gracefulness, tact, and sophistication. You can find Ami's music at