INTRODUCING MEDUSA, THE GANGSTA GODDESS
THE QUEEN
OF LA'S
UNDERGROUND
HIP HOP
“I have had the freedom to be exactly who I desire to be in my music. And in my journey.”
āā
Few artists embody the soul, lyricism, and have the impact of West Coast Hip Hop legend Medusa the Gangsta Goddess. Known as the Angela Davis of Rap and Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop, her evolution has received accolades from her peers and newcomers alike.
As an emcee, songwriter, singer, producer, actress, dancer, and educator, Medusa has earned a Grammy with Ozomotli, co-chaired the Hip Hop department at CalArts, and delivered memorable acting roles on “Moesha,” HBO’s “Stranger Inside,” and CBS All Access’ “One Dollar.”
Her latest album, “Top Shelf Funk” captures Medusa’s versatility, vacillating between explosive battle tracks and funk-driven soul. The album was produced by Georgia Anne Muldrow (Erykah Badu, Robert Glasper, Brittany Howard) at the recommendation of their mutual friend, Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc. Medusa continues to release fresh work, including the hard-hitting “Fade Them All,” the bluesy “Get Out At It (How the Game Go),” and the seductive “I Am A (Halo)’.” On tour, she even flips genres with a rousing cover of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” with comedian Paul F. Tompkins. ā
“This project is the expression of my then and now,” Medusa says. “The Leimert Park battles, my travels, my life as an adult, and that need to still let another MC have it -- it all met in the middle. This is why this is one of my favorite projects ever.”
Raised in Pomona and Pasadena, Medusa grew up on Baptist church choirs, her mother’s eclectic record collection, jazz festivals, and the flamboyant funk of George Clinton. Seeing her aunt Billie Calvin’s group, The Undisputed Truth, open for The Jackson 5 motivated her to write her first song at the age of seven -- a chorus that Billie later repurposed for Rose Royce.
By 16, Medusa was the only female pop locker in her school and a founding member of the Groove-A-Trons dance crew, battling pioneers like Shabba Doo. She later found her voice at Los Angeles’ legendary Good Life Cafe and Project Blowed, coming up with Jurassic 5, Freestyle Fellowship, Black Eyed Peas, and Macy Gray. She shares a co-writing credit with Tupac on “Life Is A Traffic Jam” from the “Gridlock’d” soundtrack, and was featured in Ava DuVernay’s 2008 documentary “This is the Life” about the groundbreaking open mic scene.
Medusa formed the group Feline Science and became one of the first West Coast Hip Hop artists to perform with a live band. In 1999, she released her debut EP “Do It the Way You Feel It” and has performed at countless major events, from Burning Treez to BBoy Summit to Rhymefest. Her catalog includes classics, “Pimps Down, Flows Up,” “My Momma Raised A G,” “This P**sy Is Gangsta,” and “On Da One” from her 2012 album “Whrs the Dj Booth?”
THE LEGEND MEDUSA
GANGSTA GODDESS /ARTIST/EDUCATOR/ACTRESS
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TESTIMONIALS
On March 14, 2025, Medusa the Gangsta Goddess celebrated the release of her latest work surrounded by love, legacy, and lyrical royalty. In this exclusive testimonial video, some of her closest friends and longtime supporters—including acclaimed artist Aloe Blacc—share heartfelt words of admiration, respect, and gratitude. From personal reflections to powerful affirmations, this moment captures the deep impact Medusa has made as a visionary, mentor, and voice for the people.
Press play and witness the love.
West Coast Goddess Medusa: A Lyrical Benchmark in Hip Hop
"Medusa went deep as she laid out her Hip Hop journey, emphasizing her roots in L.A., experiences with pop locking, and her transition to becoming an emcee. The Goddess has worked with just about every name in the culture so I got her touch on some of her collaborations with other artists."
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