Mercedes, aka Merci D., was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts in the Codman Square/Dorchester area. She was immersed in music at a young age, listening to her parent’s favorite hits and participating in church. Additionally, living in Boston also allowed her to hear the many tunes blasting out of cars passing by. During her youth, “Chicken Noodle Soup” by Webster and Young inspired her to get into the rap game. However, her passion for words and film opened her up to writing her own lyrics.
Later on, Merci D. decided to pursue creative writing and film at Hampshire College. She made sure to utilize every resource at her disposal to begin taking her music and education seriously. Mercedes ended up making a rap group named Blemme Official. The energetic vibes and spirit of the group led them to create their first mixtape, entitled Blemme Vol 1.
Reflecting on Pain, Joy, and Self-Worth
Ooze Artwork – Credit: Janaya J. via Merci D. on IG
At the start of the pandemic, Merci D. was preparing to graduate college. Despite her hard work, COVID-19 caused her to not have a commencement ceremony. Even though she missed performing live, she still had projects lined up for herself. One of her most recent projects is an EP entitled Ooze. She mentioned that creating music is a therapeutic experience that can be a form of self-care for her.
Ooze summed up her experience moving through the pandemic and all of the emotions she dealt with during this era in her life. Nevertheless, I had the pleasure of recording and mixing a few songs on the EP. Working with Merci D. is always a vibe, and her professionalism in and out of the studio is impeccable.
Empowering Her Community
Above all, Mercedes wants to make sure women like her are getting the resources they need. Therefore, she created Pridextended,
“An initiative which centers the well-being and security of Black trans and Black non-binary people.”
Merci D. (Hip-Hop Artist & Activist)
Photo via Pridextended IG
In the light of this organization, Mercedes will be hosting monthly events to help fund 1-2 trans people’s medical journeys per month. She said it’s all about having fun and building community for a “fab” cause. Likewise, she also believes it’s important to take everything by the moment, one step at a time. Especially with everything she has going on, she is continually learning to be productive in a healthier way.
What’s Next for Merci D.?
At the beginning of March, Merci D. will be dropping her fire remix of “Bussin” by Nicki Minaj on SoundCloud, which was recorded and mixed by Diggity Dom. Afterward, she’ll be on a panel at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on March 3rd at 7 pm discussing the black queer experience in Boston. However, if you can’t make it to the panel, you can view her display at the museum in the ‘Future Archives’ section of the Being Muholis exhibit until May 8th.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Exhibit Piece – Credit: OJ Slaughter via Merci D. on IG
Overall, Mercedes is a multi-talented artist, model, activist, and beam of light in the Boston hip-hop and LGBTQ+ scene. Make sure to follow her everywhere so you can stay updated on a surprise project that she is in the process of putting together. Support, support, support!!!
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*Fun Fact: Merci D.’s favorite way to consume weed is through edibles!*
