You’ve seen her on your Tumblr dashboard, your Instagram feeds, your Twitter timelines giving you some food for thought, also might’ve seen her on Esquire as well. Daisy Espana, better known as Stacey Hash, sat down with Def Pen to discuss her love for Hip-Hop, modeling and more. Read the full interview below.
Def Pen: I know you as Daisy, others know you more so as Stacey Hash. Introduce the two to our readers.
Stacey Hash: Daisy is who I am, it’s what my close friends and family know me as. Stacey Hash is my alter ego; she’s wild and doesn’t have a care in the world.
Now, you’re from the Bay area, and I’ll be coming that way soon, what’s some of the good spots to eat at?
You must try Cha Cha Cha on Haight St — the best Caribbean food hands down and a personal favorite of mines.
You’ve built a huge presence online which has opened many doors for you. Is modeling something you always envisioned?
I used to hate taking pictures when I was younger. As I started getting older, people started asking me to shoot for their look-books/events, and from there it just became something I loved to do.
Being in the public domain, so-to-speak, what you do feel is the biggest misconception?
People always think I’m the stuck-up model-type and when they meet me they’re taken back because I’m the complete opposite. I like that element of surprise though.
Hip-Hop recently turned 40, when did you fall in love with Hip Hop?
The first time I heard Nas’ “I AM” album I was 13 yrs old. I just remember laying in my room listening to everything Nas was rapping about with a dictionary next to me because I didn’t know some of the things he was spitting. Since that day he’s been, my favorite lyrical artist.
Pretty sure everyone knows you’re a huge Nas fan, what song made you say, “this dude is ill”?
“Undying Love”. When I first heard that song I felt like I was watching a really good movie that I didn’t want to end. His wordplay in the song is crazy. Still a favorite ’til this day.
Now, love brings pain — when has Hip-Hop ever broke your heart?
Yes, when it became too accessible. It was like watching a good girl gone bad right before my eyes.
You’re very big on instrumentals, who are some of your favorite producers?
Alchemist, J.Dilla, Pharrell, Timbaland — a huge fan of Cardo, also.
A few weeks back you sent out a tweet admitting Jay-Z is the G.O.A.T., where did that come from?
I went to the legends of summer tour Jay/Justin Timberlake were headlining. Just being in the same arena with Jay and watching how he worked the crowd is very inspiring. And, not to mention, he’s got hits for days.
How did your followers on Twitter feel about that tweet? [Laughs]
My followers already know. I mean the Nas/Jay debate can go on for days, but they’re both the G.O.A.T’s.
What was your take on Magna Carta: Holy Grail?
Great replay value. Overall, it was a solid album.
Big Sean recently released his track “Control” with Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica, what was your initial reaction?
I was excited! It’s been a while since a record has made me excited!
Of course, there are many talented artists in this new generation of Hip-Hop, do you feel K. Dot is the leader of the pack?
Absolutely, I think him and Drake are the best artists right now.
The “I’m the king of New York” line really ruffled some feathers, what’s your take on the New York rap scene?
I respect K.Dot for that. He’s trying to bring back hip-hop to the state it used to be. Hip-Hop as of late has been all production, no lyrical content. It’s time to get rappers off Twitter and into the booth.
I can talk Hip-Hop all day with you, I’m curious to know what’s in your R&B catalog as of now?
The Weeknd & Miguel stay on rotation. I really like BJ the Chicago kid as well, he’s really soulful.
For some, music is important in the bedroom. Are you big on tunes in the room?
I’m actually not! I make my own music in the bedroom. [Laughs]
From knowing you over the years, you’ve always been very chill. Are you the controlling type in the bedroom or submissive?
I like to switch it up, so really it depends on my mood.
Now, I know a lot of guys are reading this (women too), but what kind of guys attract you?
My best advice to men out there is: BE YOURSELF. I love individuality, confidence is very sexy to me as well. Our generation is filled with followers, but I like a leader.
Before we go, I’m going to quote 3 of your tweets that stood out to me, and I want you to decode them as they relate to you.
“Don’t sell your mystery”
It’s ok for people not to know everything about you!
“If I could ignore myself I would”
I have the most interesting conversations with myself, sometimes good, sometimes bad. The not-so-good I wish I could ignore.
“It’s all for chills & thrills”
That’s what life is about.
