Meet Mbeyeline, Independent Music Artist

MBeyeline is an artist on the rise. Her worldwide fan base is closing in on 100,000 people and growing, and she's approaching 4 million views on her YouTube channel, MBeyeline TV. At just 19 years old and being an independent artist, she will open for Pitbull in New York and France in the coming months, and her music video, Total Control, is advertised in Times Square, NYC.

1. When you were growing up in the Republic of Moldova, how did you first get introduced to R&B music?

I got introduced to R&B music thanks to my aunt. Being just a couple of years older than I am, she was always watching MTV so the music played there grew on me and defined me as an artist later.

2. What made you decide to break out as a rapper?

My "too manly" attitude doesn't fit with me just being a pretty lady performing R&B on stage. I feel rap music with all my heart. I've been through many things in my life, and all the aggressiveness can be easily converted to art through rap. Rap music allows you to share your lyrical diary with the world.

3. Why do you think there aren't more female rap artists in Europe?

There are. But none of them have made it all the way across the ocean. And none of them have the recognition I've worked so hard for and gained for myself. 4 million YouTube views, 50,000+ worldwide fans and collaborations with American rap artists--and this is just the beginning.

4. How has YouTube helped you find fans all over the world?

YouTube started my career. Through this amazing platform, I have managed to build a strong name for myself, get booked on shows, be invited for interviews on TV channels and radio stations, and now, earn money, too.

5. Finally, a two-part question: What's the biggest challenge in being an independent artist, and what's the biggest benefit?

The biggest challenge is that you basically have to do for yourself everything that a record label does for their artists. From writing the songs, to taking them to the professional studios to have them mixed and mastered, promoting them to radio stations, hiring video producers, paying for video production, having your music videos pushed to all available broadcasting channels, managing yourself, booking your own shows and gigs, taking care of all transportation to the interviews you are invited to, and so on.

The biggest benefit is that you learn all these things--otherwise you would have never known how this business goes for real. This way when you get more money and take your career to the next level, you know what's good, what's bad, what's a scam, and what's a real opportunity. You prepare the throne for a long lasting career.

Thanks, MBeyeline!