The quest for success in the female rap arena has proven one of the most challenging. However, Dominique Unique Young has been drumming up the right brand of buzz. And she’s looking to turn up the volume.

While some are only just getting acquainted with the Tampa native, she’s notably collaborated with the likes of Diplo and DJ Fresh.

Now on the cusp of releasing more new material, the rising star talks to That Grape Juice about her journey, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and why she doesn’t feel she has female competition.

Join us after the jump…

That Grape Juice: Tell us a little about your journey. Because while some people may just be hearing about you, you’ve been on your grind for some time.

Dominique: Yes. I started music when I was 11 years old, but I got really serious when I turned 17 because I met a producer here and he kinda glued me to London (laughs) and that’s when things really started to kick off.

That Grape Juice: I know you’ve released mixtapes, such as Domination’ and singles ala ‘Dance With Me.’ What is upcoming and when?

Dominique: Well, I am working on a lot of things. Exciting things! I’m cooking up new singles and an album (in time) too. ‘Karate’ is my latest official single, though.

 That Grape Juice: Do you know when fans can expect that? Who you’ve been working with?

Dominique: I have been working with DJ Fresh (who I recorded ‘Earthquake’ with – alongside Diplo). We’re working together right now.

And I am working with an amazing producer Russia. TV Noise as well.

As for when can you expect it? Definitely this year… in a couple of months.

That Grape Juice: And kind of shifting gears a little bit, who would you say are some of your biggest inspirations. Past and present:

Dominique: I love Nicki Minaj. Her lyrics are so powerful. They’re so powerful to women and they’re very fun – especially her last album. I love Drake and I am loving this new artist named Yung Bleu. He is really good as well.

That Grape Juice: What’s your take on the female rap landscape (Cardi, Nicki). And what does Dominique Young bring to the scene?

Dominique: The jealousy thing or whatever (is prevalent). But it’s whatever. I think we all should be strong and embrace like expire one another because there is room for everyone.

That Grape Juice: I saw a previous interview where you say you’re not competitive with female rappers – you’re competing with Jay Z. Is that still your stance?

Dominique: Yeah, he is the best. Why not?

That Grape Juice: So would you say it’s not really a gender thing with you?

Dominique: Yeah it’s not a gender thing. I love Jay Z. I look at him like he owns so many businesses – not just in the rap game like he invested in businesses and he is just boss on so many levels. That in itself, especially where he came from, 

That Grape Juice: And kind of honing in on that particular point, I know you’ve done modeling before and you’ve kind of dipped into other areas. What are some of your goals beyond music?

Dominique: I want to open up a business! And I can’t say it what it is right now. I want it to be a secret. I don’t really want to state my goals because I want to achieve it first. I don’t want to be like, “oh, my goal is to do this, my goal is to do that.” I just want list them to myself and most importantly do them.

So, when I do it and I achieve it, I will come back to you and I will be like, “that was my goal” [laughs].

That Grape Juice: Best advice and worst advice you’ve received on your journey?

Dominique: On my journey, the best advice I received was, Never believe in doubt and that’s what really inspired me and pushed me because then if I start saying like, oh my god, I may fail, I may fail and then it’s like, I feel like I can’t do it. So I don’t believe in doubt.

The worst advice is, you can’t do it. Yeah, people say to me, oh, you can’t do that. If you do this, it’s not going to go right. So yeah.

That Grape Juice: While you are on the rise yourself, what advice would you give to others that are kind of looking at your position, looking to kind of break into the music industry as well?

Dominique: You can’t really feed into any negativity You got to believe in yourself. You got to give it your all. Don’t feed into the negativity. Just stay positive.

That Grape Juice: In the past, you’ve cited Kanye West and Solange as collaborations you’d want. Who are some of your dream team-ups now?

Dominique: I like to work with Cardi B. She is fun. I love her personality. I really would love to work with a lot of females. I l would love to because you just don’t see it as often anymore. (I’d want to work with) Azealia Banks too. Even though we had our little back and forth, I’d love to work with her. She makes really great music. I love to work with Iggy Azalea. She has her own style. She is from Australia and has her whole thing going on. Nicki Minaj. A lot of females really.

That Grape Juice: If you can complete the following sentence. A year from now, I would like to have …..

Dominique: A year from now, I would love to have a million dollars.

Your thoughts?