Meet Filipino-American emcee, spoken word poet, and music video director, Ruby Ibarra.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Tacloban City and raised in the Bay Area, California. I am an emcee, spoken word poet, and aspiring film and music video director. I love to create and I’m currently working on the follow-up record to my debut album.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

The Bay Area, to me, is home. I am so privileged to live in such a beautiful and unique place. Living here has cultivated my artistry and raised the person I am today.

The Bay Area, to me, is home. I am so privileged to live in such a beautiful and unique place. Living here has cultivated my artistry and raised the person I am today.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

First and foremost, I love the diversity in the Bay Area. As a direct result of that, the Bay is rich in food, culture, and arts.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Inspiring, empowering, and access to collaborations.

How did you start your career in art?

I started writing when I was about 15 years old, but it was always a hobby on the side. I never thought of music as a possible career until about 2 years ago, around the time that I was writing CIRCA91. I was finally confident in my writing and I was in a place in my life, as well as in a space mentally, to have the capacity and inspiration to want to pursue it professionally.

I started writing when I was about 15 years old, but it was always a hobby on the side. I never thought of music as a possible career until about 2 years ago, around the time that I was writing CIRCA91.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

I’m very fortunate to be in a very supportive community and to have grown up with a very strong support system– my family and friends have always believed in my writing.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I plan on continuing to direct my own music videos and I would love to explore other mediums of storytelling– I would love to write a book as well as write and direct a short film.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

To collaborate with Lauryn Hill would be an absolute dream come true.

How would you describe the women around you?

The women around me are all leaders in their own right who come from very different backgrounds and experiences. They are my collaborators and most importantly my friends who have become family.

The women around me are all leaders in their own right who come from very different backgrounds and experiences. They are my collaborators and most importantly my friends who have become family.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Not exactly while I was growing up, but certainly before I started my own musical career: Rocky Rivera, Hopie, and Ruby Veridiano — all powerful writers and emcees/poets.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

I would like to see more visibility of womxn in hip hop– a lot of spaces, particularly, hip hop festivals, are still very male-dominated. I think there is an abundance of talented womxn in hip hop right now and so I would love to see them all on larger platforms!

Be yourself no matter what. Never compromise your art and your voice.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Be yourself no matter what. Never compromise your art and your voice.

Photos courtesy of Ruby Ibarra