Double Dutch Royalty: Medusa Returns to Reclaim Her Throne
How does one properly introduce “The Gangsta Goddess?” For those already familiar with her fierce mindset and creative movement,
How does one properly introduce “The Gangsta Goddess?” For those already familiar with her fierce mindset and creative movement, no introduction is needed. A well-established underground hip-hop legend known as the “Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop,” Medusa the Gangsta Goddess is an international musician, educator, and cultural icon—a radiant force of wisdom, authenticity, and truth.
One of the first ever Hip Hop artists to assemble a live band, she’s earned a long list of honorable titles over the years—Top Cat of Feline Science, the High Priestess of the Mic, and the Angela Davis of Rap, to name a few. For Medusa, this life is everything. She’s exactly where she belongs—her passion is palpable in every bar, and she’s always prepared for her next battle. A central figure in LA since the beginning, connection is the heart of her artistry. She’s been a proponent of change in what’s often considered a “man’s club”—her presence a powerful reminder that all talented emcees, rappers, and musicians deserve their moment in the spotlight. Now, she’s stepping back into the ring with a fresh round of musical magnetism, complete with an upcoming album and a national tour. She’s poised to shape the future of funk, carrying her electric spirit to new places and new heights.
Medusa’s rap prowess is rooted in rhythm—she knows exactly when to land the punches, bouncing over any beat with intensity and precision. On “Double Dutch,” Medusa flows with an unshakable confidence that’s both playful and commanding, weaving her bars like jump ropes swinging in perfect sync. Creating this new record with producer—and legend in her own right—Georgia Anne Muldrow, was like “planting flowers in the soil,” a fully collaborative, effortless process. Together, they tapped into the joy and funk of their youth, chiseling a daring, fresh sound from scratch. The result is a vibrant celebration of resiliency, honoring the many ways we find our rhythm in the world, even when things come at us fast. Double Dutch, the game, holds deep roots in Medusa’s community and beyond, inspiring this powerful metaphor for navigating life’s challenges. As her wise words soar above a delectable West Coast soundscape, Medusa isn’t just rapping, she’s affirming her place as a cultural matriarch and master of the mic. For anyone hesitant to hop in, she offers a steady hand. “I got this,” she says. “We are double dutch.”
The “Double Dutch” music video superbly captures what underground Hip Hop is all about: being down-to-earth, grounded, and honest, without foregoing any of the contagious energy of classic Hip Hop. As Medusa takes to the streets, her celebrity status in Leimert Park Village—one of LA’s most vibrant cultural hubs—speaks volumes. This is her realm. There’s a saying that “one becomes who they surround themselves with,” and Medusa has been a staple in the Leimert Park community for decades, a central figure in the legendary Good Life Cafe and Project Blowed scenes. The massive impact of her artistry—not just on music, but on a larger movement—is on full display: people everywhere are by her side, including collaborator Amytheset Sheen, friends, neighbors, and longtime supporters. The atmosphere pulses like a block party in full swing—Medusa has never wavered from her true self, and “Double Dutch” is a real-life, lively celebration of personal resilience and the resilience of a culture. Here, the track spreads its wings and truly takes flight, snapshotting an incredible legacy in motion.
You’re often referred to as the “Godmother of West Coast Hip Hop.” What is your relationship with that title and the many titles you’ve earned over the years?
I have been called the godmother, the Angela Davis of hip-hop, GG Gangsta Goddess. All of them make me feel like I am the feminine energy that is sent to protect the culture of hip-hop. The godmother and auntie will protect and steer you in the right direction. The direction and understanding best for your life. Angela Davis will protect the art by any & many means necessary.The gangster goddess will gangster her position while keeping her goddess-like integrity.
What was it like working with Georgia Anne Muldrow on this record?
Like walking into a glowing pyramid, meeting my youthful ancient goddess sister, with futuristic technology, that has mastered the sound of Hip-hop funk. I have journeyed a long joyful way to find. Love me some Georgia.
What inspired you to transform double-dutch, the game, into a powerful metaphor and symbol of resilience?
The inspiration was Double Dutches’ adaptation of life. In conversation, relationship’s, business, the art of expression, art as an expression, truth, spirituality, love, the duality of being…. we all double dutch, the better the rhythm the better the outcome…. Plus the historical reason it exists as play. Coming from the Dutch in 1600, 1940’s & 50’s lil black girls on street corners to tournaments in the early 70s in NY. It’s a great rabbit hole to go down, check it out!
What emotions are you hoping to stir in audiences with “Double Dutch?” Is there an underlying message that fans should look out for?
Refer to answer #3 Adaptation of life. Plus I believe I’m just THAT saucy with the rhythm and message.
Who could you have not done the “Double Dutch” music video without? What was your collaboration process like?
At Play Double Dutch team. They are OG’s, true to the game and are few in the West that teach it. All of Leimert Park and all the sistas in frame that showed up to show out. Of course the incomparable Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Charles Climnonns the video videographer. He was a joy to work with, very open to the vision and the vibe in editing was amazingly smooth
You have been immersed in the LA community and underground music scene for a long time. How do your earlier movements and projects guide your artistry today?
The earlier me is a constant reminder and guide to stay the course, be my authentic, unique, original self. It’s ok to be different from the rest, that’s how trailblazers are made… They may follow in my trail, maybe even bite my dust, but there’s only one Me-duse.
How do you approach creating new music at this point in your career? Is your process different from when you first started?
It’s always and always has been based on experience, the lens I view the world and this culture of hip-hop through. And lab hopping to find the music, producers, musicians, and artists that move me and that I feel a kindred comfort in moving with.
Tell us all about your upcoming tour! Does it feel good to be back on the road?
This tour is a variety show called Varietopia. Jordan Katz, the music director who I met rocking a Project Blowed Anniversary, asked me to be a part of it. The front man is comedian Paul F. Tompkins, then there’s magician Artoun Nazareth, musicians Adam Zimmon, Darla Hawn, and India Anderson. It’s an amazing experience, everyone is exceptional at what they do! It takes me out of my comfort zone, and allows me to showcase in front of faces and places that wouldn’t typically get to hear or see me, the responses have been electric! I feel fresh and brand new!!
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