Poiison’s Playbook

Poiison

Queens-born artist Poiison is celebrating 10 years in music with the release of her latest project, La Madrina Vol. 2. Over the years, she’s carved out a space by blending hip-hop, Latin rhythms, and R&B—drawing inspiration from her roots and early days on SoundCloud. From performing alongside industry heavyweights like 50 Cent and Kevin Gates to building a dedicated fan-base, Poiison’s journey is about more than just hits; it’s about staying true to herself while evolving her sound. In this interview, she shares the story behind her growth, the making of her new mix-tape, and what she sees for the future of her music.

Q: Let’s hop into these newer compositions, “Stupid” and “I’m Ready” — how did these particular tracks come to fruition?

The way “Stupid” came about, I was in Miami, I had like 2-3 days off from tour. I was on Kevin Gates’ ‘The Amilio Tour.’ We were at the Airbnb and we set up the studio, and I was just feeling inspired. We had been going stupid on this tour. And, “I’m Ready” was more-so a party track. A few of my friends were in the studio playing Uno and smoking hookah, and one of my guys was just talking vibes to me. I remember him yelling, “Poiison, say what you wanna say right now to this person,” and pointing to someone in the room. Fun times. Not too much thinking, more of a vibe. Shoutout to them eight boys! 

Q: How then do “Stupid” and “I’m Ready” compare to or differ from your previous entries?

“Stupid” and “I’m Ready” are just different sides of me. I always talk about duality. It's just another part of me that y’all are getting to know. Seductive substance. We’re just having fun, but I’m always saying something.

Q: Of course both selections come courtesy of La Madrina Vol. 2 — conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you? 

La Madrina means everything to me. The godmother. The woman in charge amongst the men. The name La Madrina comes from Griselda Blanco – she was the head honcho. Same here.

Q: As a lyricist, where do you draw inspiration from? 

I’m still at the point in my life where I’m drawing inspiration from my darkest experiences. I live just to create. Everything is real. I pull from the pits and darkest places of my heart and experiences.

Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?

My artistic journey started in church. That's where we learn soul; where we learn to praise and leave our pain at the altar. My mom was super active in church. My sister was a drummer, and I’ve been in love with music ever since.

Q: Growing up in Queens, who were some of your biggest influences?

50 Cent, Nicki Minaj. That’s it for real, for real. 

Q: How do you define your style? 

I’m a genre-blending artist for sure, but I’d say I’m more melodic, rap / hip-hop and R&B. But, I got that seductive substance as well. I sound pretty nice, but it ain’t all pretty is what I’m saying. 

Q: Where does your moniker originally derive from? 

The name “Poiison” is more than just a moniker. It came from real life. There were all these strange coincidences: she was beautiful, into plants, alluring, mysterious. It started as something inspired by someone else, but over time it became much deeper. 

Honest truth, I’ve always been into Poison Ivy – anime, comics,  all of it. I feel like comics come from reality and fantasy, which is what I'm mixed with. It’s about contrast, you know, heroes and villains, softness and strength, chaos and calm. That duality, that push and pull, it’s a reflection of life – and it lives in my art. 

Poiison became more than a name. It turned into an energy. Now, it’s about spreading that energy, that good venom, through my veins and out into the world.

Poiison

Q: What do you hope people take away from your music? 

I want people to feel connected to me. I hope to give someone the feeling I felt when I listened to music. It made me feel alive. Even if I was in pain, (the music) still touched my soul. I just want to give them something (the fans) can feel and relate to. 

Q: Dream collaboration — who would it be? 

Lil Wayne, Sade, NBA YoungBoy, Pharrell, The Dream, Doja Cat, Xavi, or Glass Animals. 

Q: If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be? 

This question actually caused me to start looking up these amazing venues, haha. But right now, I can’t wait to do my hometown, Madison Square Garden. 

Q: How do you feel about the current state of music?

My feelings don’t really matter in this big spectrum. I’m just one opinion. But if I must answer, I’m in and out. I remove what doesn’t feel right, and anything I don’t like. I have my days where I love it. I have my days where I don't feel anything at all. But, it’s a great time to be a woman. I love that it just feels like a space of opportunity.

Q: What’ll be the key to your longevity?

I feel like being real is key. You can't fake being real – people will eventually see through it. I’ve got to stay true to myself, and be hard on my routines and habits that keep me grounded and on my path. That’s what will keep me timeless.

Q: Beyond music, what else do you want to do? 

I want to dive into different businesses. Health businesses. Motivational speaking. I have a passion for people. I just want to help keep them alive and motivated. I want to get into acting and modeling, too.

Q: Biggest career moments thus far? 

I just won the People’s Choice Female Artist of the Year in my city. It just feels good being recognized right where I’m from. Shoutout to “The Come Up” experience!

Q: What’s an average day like for you? 

I wake up and do my best to thank God every morning. Sometimes, I forget if I start my day moving too fast, but even if I miss it, I always remember at some point. I never get too deep into the day without it. Most mornings, I’m thanking God and having a silent start, which my therapist suggested. Then it’s skincare, food, vitamins, and jumping on a call with my team every single day!

Q: How do you interact with your fans? 

I have the Iivy League, that’s where we live. It’s a subscription group, and I kind of just talk to them like they’re my friends, which they kind of are. They pull at my heartstrings with how much they believe in me, and I motivate and connect with them. Raw, no chaser.

Q: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?

I can't lie, I’m addicted to the game. I come from hustling and getting to it. I just switched my mindset and put it into this music. My least favorite part is the politics, but that’s inevitable. Honestly, what I love most is creating and connecting with people through my music. It’s real, raw, and gives me purpose. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps? 

Don’t be discouraged. Only the strongest survive. Just keep going no matter what. Watch no one else, and just stay focused on you.

Q: Five to ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Ahhh, I just see myself in my prime, very comfortable and in full form. I’d rather not say much, though my mom recently told me to keep my plans to myself. I gotta protect my plans, and that’s what I’m on.

Q: What’s next for Poiison? 

More music and more collaborations. 

Q: Any parting words for our readers? 

La Madrina Vol.2 is out now on all streaming platforms. Find me on Instagram or any DSP and join me on this journey. Bring your hearts!! 

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