Following a four year hiatus from the limelight, Grammy Award winning R&B star Brandy made a return to the charts recently with the release of her 5th studio album ‘Human’.
In this candid interview, the 29 year old opens up to That Grape Juice about being underrated, album sales, her 6 year old daughter Sy’Rai, Beyonce being her inspiration, her love life and so much more. As ever, we don’t shy away from the questions you really want answers to. A lengthy, yet great read. Enjoy.
Sam: I’m great, thank you.
Brandy: I love your accent, by the way.
Sam: (laughs) Thank you very much (laughs)
Let me just start off by saying it really is a pleasure speaking with you.
Brandy: I appreciate it.
Sam: There was an overwhelming response from both our readers and your fans alike when we announced we’d be interviewing you. With it now being almost 15 years since you first burst onto the scene with ‘I Wanna Be Down’, how does it feel to still be anticipated today?
Brandy: It feels amazing. You work so hard to touch people and to relate to people, so when they start with you and finish with you, it feels like there’s a sense of loyalty there. They (my fans) are always there and supporting me. I always say, I feel like my fans have always believed even me, even when I haven’t believed in myself. It just feels so good to have people support you throughout the years.
Sam: After a 4 year hiatus, this past December saw the release of your 5th studio album ‘Human’ – which I must say is truly phenomenal, I love the album…
Brandy: Thank you.
Sam …tell us a little about what inspired the album’s title and direction?
Brandy: Well, I will definitely say, whilst taking the time off and going through dif
ferent life challenges – through the ups and downs, as well as the things I’ve seen, I just wanted to sing again. I wanted to sing about what I’ve experienced. Share with people (what I feel have been) some of my challenges and obstacles. I wanted this album to reflect who I am as a person. Definitely, have songs on the album, which people can relate to and feel like they aren’t alone in their situations as well. I just realised, at the end of the day, we are all in the same boat. We are all trying to get to the same place. That place of love. That place of success. I wanted this album to take you on a journey through that. That is the main reason I decided to call the album ‘Human’, because at the end of the day that is what we all are. We’re just living our lives.
Sam: That’s great. As well as serving as your return to the limelight, ‘Human’ also saw the creative reuniting of yourself and hit-maker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins (‘The Boy Is Mine’, ‘What About Us’ etc). Evidently important to you when listening to tracks such as ‘Piano Man’, how did your reuniting with Darkchild come about?
Brandy: We had been trying to work together again for years, but timing and scheduling made it hard to get into the studio with him. When he did eventually hear that I was doing a new project, he wanted to be involved. One of the first songs I heard – that he played to me – was ‘Right Here (Departed)’ and I just totally related to the song. It really spoke to me in a different way than any other song I have ever recorded, as it was what I was going through at the time. You know, just having friends and family by my side and people that I can depend on (during the difficult times). I feel like a lot of people need that and a lot of people have that too. So I thought it was a great song to sing and just express myself with. With Rodney being the person who produced it, I, of course, wanted to go from there because of our history and all the music we have made in the past. It felt like the right thing to do. It felt like home for me, because we work so well together and we have a great chemistry. So, I wanted to see where that chemistry would take us creatively this time round.
Sam: The album has a much more Pop/International sound in comparison to your past efforts. Was this a conscious choice?
Brandy: It was a conscious choice, as I wanted the music to be a lot more universal. Radio is playing anything now; it really doesn’t matter if it’s Urban, if it’s Pop, if it’s Country. Everyone is getting a shot at being on multiple radio stations. I wanted this album to be something everybody could enjoy. I wanted it to be a well-rounded, universal album.
Sam: Which is most definitely is.
Upon its release, the album debuted respectably at #15 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 73, 000 copies in its first week. With the industry being a very different place compared to prior years, what’s your take on the album’s performance? What are your hopes for the album in the long run?
Brandy: I really try not to focus on the sales or chart position anymore, because you never really know (what can happen). I just try to give my best work and make the best music that I can make. That’s why I tend to keep my focus, because if I get caught into all of that, I can get discouraged, I can get depressed, and whatever. You know, this business is so different nowadays. It’s really hard to sell records. Of course, you want to sell records and you want to do well and you want to be at the top of the charts. However, I don’t make that my primary focus. My focus is just to make good music that people can listen to, enjoy and really feel. That is my whole purpose as a musician – to share my gift with other people.
Sam: Most definitely. A lot of your fans are very eager to find out what the album’s next single is (to follow-up ‘Long Distance’). I know there have been some murmurings about ‘Piano Man’ and ‘True’. Could you shed any light on what the next single will be?
Brandy: I really like ‘First N Love’. I really like that song a lot. Of course, I love ‘Piano Man’ and I also love ‘True’. But I don’t know, I think the fans should decide what the next single should be. I think they are leaning towards ‘Piano Man’, more so than any other song. At first, it seemed as if there was push for ‘First N Love’, but it seems as if they are leaning towards ‘Piano Man’ and I want to give them what they want…
Sam: So potentially ‘Piano Man’?
Brandy: Yes!
Sam: Also, you have a collaboration with John Legend on his current album (‘Evolver’) called ‘Quickly’. There has been increasing talk about this possibly being a single. Is this a likelihood?
Brandy. I hope so. I keep hearing about it, just like you. I don’t know for sure, but I really hope so. I really love that song and love the message in the song. John Legend is such a great artist, so to sing on a record with him is such a blessing. I can’t wait to actually perform the song with him and do a video – that would be a lot of fun. So I have my fingers crossed on that.
Sam: There has been increasing talk that a re-release of ‘Human’ is in the pipeline. Is there any truth to this?
Brandy: Yes, we (myself and the label) have been talking about a re-release of the album. But I don’t know for sure yet…
Sam…I ask because, there tracks such as Freedom, Drumlife, After The Flood, One Thing etc which have people wondering what will become of them.
Brandy: I don’t really know. The ‘Freedom’ song was recorded a while back, as was ‘Drumlife’ and ‘After The Flood’. They were songs that didn’t make the album, which was kinda disappointing as you can’t put all the good songs on the album – even when you want to. I will say that I really love all of those songs, though.
Sam: You thanked producer Timbaland in the ‘Human’ album ‘Thank You’s’, yet none of his work made the album. Will he be working on your future projects? It’s rumoured he’ll be doing something on your next album.
Brandy: Yes, absolutely. I am going to work with Timbaland on my next album. He is one of my favourite producers; his talent so versatile. He can do anything. What’s more, he really loves me as an artist, which always feels good and makes me feel like I want to do my best and impress. It always makes you want to work harder when the producer you’re working with is a fan, as they always want to give you the best material possible. Timbaland has always had that attitude and I just can’t wait to get back into the studio with him. He’s amazing.
Sam: Awesome. A lot of your fans are keen to know what’s next for you promotion-wise. There was some talk of you going on Oprah, yet many aren’t sure what happened with that. Could you please clear the air on that one?
Brandy: Hmm. With the Oprah the situation, the show wasn’t going to be about the album. I didn’t want to put myself in a situation where it wouldn’t have been good for me in terms of my personal life. I mean I’ve touched on some things in my personal life, but to go into heavy detail (about certain things), I don’t think would have been the best thing for me. So that’s why the fans didn’t see me on Oprah. I would love to do Oprah in the future, though. I love her show; I’ve been on there a couple of times. I want to go on there and sing and share what music is to me as well as how much it means to me (and it wasn’t going to be a show about that this most recent time).
Sam: While ‘Human’ is your priority at the moment, have you started thinking about the direction of your next record? In terms of producers, sound etc, have you started thinking about album #6?
Brandy: Absolutely. I started thinking about album #6 while I was recording album #5 (laughs). 
I really can’t wait (to start working on it) because I want to work with a lot of different people; like of course Timbaland, Tricky Stewart and The Dream, Stargate and Ne-Yo. There’s so many people I want to work with and I feel like I’m going to have the opportunity to work with all the producers I’ve ever dreamt about collaborating with and I look forward to it. You just never know where creativity is going to take you. So I don’t have a direction yet, but I definitely know who I want to work with.
Sam: I know it’s, perhaps, too early to be speaking about it now, but, in terms of potential release dates / time-frames, is a new album something we can look forward to this year or perhaps later?
Brandy: I just know that it will be sooner rather than later. It’s not going to be (another) 4 years from now. It’s not going to be 2 years from now; it might not even be a year from now. I’m just going to keep going until I can’t go no more. I promise my fans that and I’m going to stick to my promise, because I know they’ve waited for years. They’ve stood by me for so long, so I can’t and won’t put them through that big of a wait again. And that’s a promise (laughs).
Sam (laughs). Despite selling over 25million records, some still consider Brandy to be underrated. What’s your take on this? Do you feel like you should be receiving more recognition than you do?
Brandy: I think it’s all up to me. It’s the quality of the work that I put out. I feel that in my future I’m going to create something where people are not going to be able to deny it, they are not going to be able to say “this is not her best”, or any of that. It’s up to me to work hard for that. I will get the credit that I deserve one day, if I continue to work hard and do what I’m supposed to do. But that’s another thing I try not to think so hard about, because I’m very appreciative of the people that do love me and do see what I have. But yeah, I’m going to keep working hard to win the Grammy’s and everything else that I am supposed to do in my destiny.
Sam: Your vocals, vocal arrangements, harmonies and runs have become somewhat ‘trademark Brandy’, with many of today’s R&B artists, including Keyshia Cole, Rihanna and Chris Brown listing you as being one of their inspirations…
Brandy…that is so sweet…
Sam: (laughs). With that said which R&B artists of today inspire you – both vocally and more generally?
Brandy: I would have to say Beyonce; I really like her style a lot. I think she is one of the greatest singers of our time, one of the greatest performers of our time. I really like her a lot. I really like Rihanna a lot; I think her voice is so unique. She sings songs that really put her vocals out there. Who else do I like? I like of lot of people. Of course, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, they’re great as well – I would also say I’m inspired by them also. The new girl on the scene, Jazmine Sullivan! I think she is unbelievable. I’ve known about her for a very long time – before anyone else knew of her. She’s always been great and I’m so happy to see everything happening for her the way it is.
Sam: If there was anyone – active now or in the past – you could collaborate with, who would it be?
Brandy: My God (laughs). It would have to be Sade. I would love to do a duet with Sade.
Sam: Ok. You recently changed management over to Roc Nation – Jay-Z’s venture with Live Nation. Could you tell us a little about how this came about and what it means moving forward?
Brandy: I really like Roc Nation. Jay Brown (former Def Jam exec and now Roc Nation staple figure) is really a great manager, he’s a great guy, and he has so many dimensions to who he is – as an A&R, as an executive. I think it’s great for my music career, as he’s so musically inclined. He manages, probably, every producer in the game right now. I look forward to seeing what we can create together along with Knockout. I’m still attached to my mother and my brother (who run Knockout). We’re all going to put our heads together and see what can happen in the future.
Sam: For the record, what exactly transpired between yourself and Kelly Rowland? Rumours have been rampant for the longest while about what cooled your friendship. Could you please shed some light on this?
Brandy: Our friendship hasn’t ended. We just don’t hang out as much as we used to. It’s just one of those things where you grow apart and go down different paths, you know what I mean? That’s it. There’s no…
Sam: Drama? (Laughs)
Brandy: No drama (laughs). It’s interesting; no one has asked me that before. There’s no drama. I have so much love for Kelly. We we’re actually born on the same day. So (there’s) no drama. We’re just on different paths.
Sam: Your beautiful daughter Sy’Rai is now 6 years old. How do you juggle being a mother as well as an artist?
Brandy: It’s very hard. To be a mother it takes a lot of quality time. For me, right now – because I’m working so hard with the project, I have to create quality moments that we can both remember. So I have a lot of special moments with just the two of us. I just balance it out. I have a lot of help around me too; I have my mum, my cousin helps me with her too. We balance it out and it seems to work out great. I miss her a lot, that’s for sure, because I’m so used to being with
her all the time.
Sam: After an initially iffy break-up, you have gone on record to say all is well with you and Sy’Rai’s father Roy. How would you describe your relationship with Roy today?
Brandy: We’re friends. We are partners in raising our daughter. It’s great to have a relationship where there’s no drama. You hear all over the world about parents who are no longer together having drama; I’m just happy that we don’t have that issue. I encourage every parent out there to make amends with their ex-partners, because it’s really good for the child and, you never know, you could be missing out on a great friendship for you both. That’s how I look at it. It’s worked out with me and Roy to be a situation where we can be great friends and raise our daughter together, which is a beautiful thing. I’m really blessed to have that.
Sam: Very. Are marriage and more children something you envisage for yourself in the future?
Brandy: Absolutely! The clock is ticking (laughs)…
Sam: (laughs)…
Brandy…I tell myself everyday “It’s not too late, it’s ok, it’s not too late!” I definitely want the marriage and more children…of course! I love being a mum and I love being loved as well, so I look forward to that. I just work hard on bettering myself and continuing to be a better me, so I can be ready for that when it happens. Because I know it’s going to happen…I know it… it just has to! I can’t be single for the rest of my life. (laughs). That would not be a good look…that would be horrible (laughs).
Sam: Which brings me to my next question – are you currently dating anyone?
Brandy: No! That’s the problem (laughs)! I’m not, but trust me I really want to. I’m not going to settle (for anything substandard), I’m going to choose the right person for me and we’re going to go from there. It’s like “God, at least let me get some candidates up in here to choose from!” (laughs)…
Sam: (laughs!)
Brandy: But it happens to the best of us, doesn’t it?
Sam: It happens to the best if us.
Both: (Laughs!)
Sam: You recently performed your smash ‘The Boy Is Mine’ with Monica in Atlanta. How did that come about and can we expect more in the way of duets from you two in the future?
Brandy: I reached out to Monica while I was in Atlanta and I invited her to the show. I was telling her that I was basically going to promote on the radio that our duet was going to be a surprise, although everyone had pretty much figured out it was going to be Monica. But anyway, we talked and I asked whether she’d be down to sing ‘The Boy Is Mine’ and she was like “I don’t remember the words!” I’m also bad with remembering some of the older stuff; however I happened to remember ‘The Boy Is Mine’. So we were practising on the phone and going back and forth and I was telling her the words. We did that and (come show-time) she came on stage and did her thing and I did my thing. She actually performed one of her songs on my set and it was just a great night for me. Atlanta was just so much fun and there was so much love in the room. Just to have Monica there to surprise everybody with that was just…unforgettable. I think people really enjoyed seeing us together on stage.
I’ve talked to her plenty of times about doing another song together or maybe even doing an album together. She seems to be all for it. We both just want to make sure we have the right material. We’ll see what happens. But we’re definitely in conversation, we talk very often now and it’s great to have her in my life. I feel we’re going to move forward and do some great things together.
Sam: Kind of a random question here, but do you watch any of your performances on Youtube?
Brandy: Yes, sometimes I do. Especially when I know I’ve done a good job, then I’ll go watch it. But if I feel like I didn’t do a good job, then I won’t watch (laughs!)
Sam: (laughs!)
Brandy: I know I’m supposed to because it’ll help me not do it again, but it’s almost like I lived it and I know I should not do what I did on the last show again ever (laughs). So I don’t watch the bad stuff.
Sam: ‘Moesha’ was a big part of many of our childhoods – my own included. Will you be embarking on anymore TV projects in the future?
Brandy: Yes. I am actually taking meetings for TV projects now. It’s just about finding the right project, because ‘Moesha’ was very special and made a big impact. It also inspired a lot of people. So whatever I do, I want it to have the same foundation. I don’t want to do something just to be on television. I’m really trying to find the right project to do.
Sam: Do you keep in contact with any of the Moesha cast, such as Countess Vaughn (Kim Parker) or Shar Jackson (Niecee)?
Brandy: I haven’t spoken to them in a long while. I recently met with one of the creators of the show and he gave me an update in how everyone was doing, so hopefully I’ll talk to them in the next week or so.
Sam: Many of your fans would love for clarity on the track ‘Black Pepper’ (from the ‘Afrodisiac’ recording sessions. Will we ever hear it?
Brandy: I can try and see if we can hear the track. Absolutely. But I haven’t heard it since I done it, so I don’t know where it is. I’m sure Timbaland has it. I can check on it for you guys for sure.
Sam: That’d be great. We haven’t seen you here in the UK for a while now. Will we be seeing you soon?
Brandy: I’m on my way! Around March / April.
Sam: We definitely look forward to seeing you. Do you have any tour plans?
Brandy: Tour plans? Yes, I do. I want to go overseas first and say ‘Hi’ to everybody as I haven’t
said ‘Hi’ in a long, long time. I want to do some shows over there and maybe come back and plan a tour for everywhere, but right now I just want to get out there and see everybody before I do a tour.
Sam: We’re rounding up now, so we’re going to do a quick word association game. I’m going to throw out a few names and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind.
Brandy: Ok, sure.
Sam: Beyonce…
Brandy: Awesome
Sam: Barack Obama…
Brandy: A hero
Sam: Ciara (UK pronunciation – “Ci- Ah-Ra”)
Brandy: Who?
Sam: Ciara (US pronunciation – “Ci-Eh-Ra”)
Both: (laughs)
Brandy: Young Janet
Sam: and Brandy…
Brandy: A rainbow! (laughs)
Sam: When life sometimes gets a bit too much, and it takes to much effort to keep a smile on your face or keep your spirit up, what do you do to make yourself positive and smiling?
Brandy: I go play with my daughter, pray and write in my journal.
Sam: Also before we go, would it be possible to give us a quick acapella of your new single ‘Long Distance’?
Brandy: Sure…
Sam: Thank you very much!
Brandy: No worries. It was great speaking with you.
Brandy’s brilliant new album ‘Human’ is in stores & iTunes now. Do be sure to pick up a copy.
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Your thoughts on the Brandy interview?
Just a bit of a heads up; Beyonce’s latest videos – ‘Diva’ & ‘Halo’ – will be making their simultaneous debuts tomorrow on iTunes, but you know where to keep it locked to catch them too…That Grape Juice!
For those of you still trying to get tickets to Beyonce’s London stop on her hotly anticipated ‘I Am…’ tour, you will be pleased to know that ol’ Bouncy has added another date to the mix in the nation’s capital – May 26th 2009, at The 02 Arena. Tickets are on sale now!
Click here to purchase tickets
The added date comes on the heels of Beyonce’s recent appearance on the X-Factor, when 18 million people watched her duet with Alexandra Burke on ‘Listen’ – a duet which many believe sealed Burke’s subsequent victory. What’s more, Beyonce’s ‘Listen’ is also enjoying a resurgence on the UK charts as a result – the track is currently sitting at #6 on the iTunes chart, which is a major indicator of where she’ll end up on Sunday’s final tally. A win/win for all no doubt.
Your thoughts?
This week sees the official release of Kanye West’s fourth studio album ‘808’s & Heartbreak’. Led by the ‘unconventional’ smash ‘Love Lockdown’, many seem to be giving the album, which West insists be classified in the ‘Pop’ section of iTunes, the thumbs up.
That said, we, here at That Grape Juice, want to know what you think of the album…whether you’ll be buying or not.
Will you be buying?
After a four year hiatus from the music scene, R&B star Ashanti made a return to the charts recently with the release of her 4th studio album ‘The Declaration’.
Speaking from her home in New York City, the 27 year old songstress opened up to That Grape Juice about her comeback, album sales, feeling like an underdog, collaborating with Beyonce and co for charity single ‘Just Stand Up’, her relationship with a certain St.Louis rapper – Nelly and a whole lot more. As ever, we don’t shy away from the questions you really want answers to. A lengthy, yet great read. Enjoy.
Ashanti: I’m good, how you doing?
Sam: I’m fine, thank you. Where are you at now?
Ashanti: New York City!
Sam: At home?
Ashanti: Yep
Sam: Ok, we have a lot of ground to cover, as, once we put word out to your fans and our readers that we’d be interviewing you, there was a really big response. So with that said, I’ll fire away…
Ashanti: Ok
Sam: You’ve just released your new 4th studio album ‘The Declaration’, which I must add is absolutely fantastic – personally my favourite Ashanti album to date…
Ashanti: Thank you!
Sam…what exactly are you declaring with this project?
Ashanti: Basically I’m declaring a sense of growing up, a sense of freedom, a sense of taking control and being independent. I did the whole project on my own and I learned so much about myself, about the industry and the politics that goes along with it. So for the whole project, I feel the name is just perfect. It just matches everything.
Sam: The album experienced a few false starts – so I know there was the track
‘Switch’ that was thrown out there, as well as ‘Hey Baby’, ‘My Number Babe’ too. Why was this? Why was there so many false-starts with the record?
Ashanti: I think with me being gone for 4 years, everything changed so much from the last time. I put out my last album, ‘Concrete Rose’ back in ’04. So, I basically said, ‘let’s record a bunch of records and let’s see what happens’ (laughs). It was like “Oh I like this, lets try this, oh I like this too, lets try this instead, oh this is completely different for me, let’s see how this works’ (laughs). I had to kind of familiarise myself with everything again, see what the lane was looking like and just threw a bunch out. I think it’s so crazy because it’s like every single artist has done it. Nearly all the major releases that came out this year and last year experienced the same thing.
Sam: Very true. You worked with some of the industry’s biggest hit-makers on this record; from Darkchild, to Jermaine Dupri, to Akon to LT Hutton. Who did you enjoy working with most and why?
Ashanti: I would say every experience as different. All of them were great, though. When going into the studio, the vibe was completely different when working with JD in Atlanta, Atlantic City with Rodney (Darkchild). By far, though, me and LT Hutton clicked the most…
Sam:…yeah, he has the most tracks on the album, if I’m correct?
Ashanti: Yeah, he has a lot of tracks on the album. I actually recorded a bunch of records with him – like between 14-17 records as a whole. We just really clicked. I believe he was the second producer I worked with on the album. Straight from the beginning, he’s funny, he’s talented, and he’s very humble and down-to-earth. I still talk to LT now; he’s someone I absolutely consider a friend. He gets me; I can go into the studio and be like “make me a beat like this” (laughs) and he’ll do it and we’ll make it grow from there.
Sam: Fantastic. The album debuted respectably at #6 on the Billboard 200 upon its release selling through 86,000 copies. With the sales being less that what your 
past releases have enjoyed, do you feel any added pressure to match your past numbers?
Ashanti: Well obviously we all want to strive to do our very best and to top ourselves each and every time. So I think the pressure is a good pressure and a regular pressure – if that makes any sense (laughs). It’s like you’re under pressure and you feel like “Man, I want this happen, I want this to do the very best!” However, we are living in reality and the reality is that the economy sucks right now. Some people have to decide, ‘am I going to buy a CD or am I going to buy gas, because they’re about the same price right now!’ (Laughs) You know what I mean? There’s so much that comes with the territory; it’s being gone for so long, reacquainting myself with the scene musically, the economy being the way that it is, the politics in radio, switching over from labels. It’s just been so much. The best thing for me, I must say, is that this has absolutely been a critically acclaimed album. I am just so so happy that the response from the fans, from the critics has all been the same like ‘Oh my gosh, I love the album!’ With me doing the whole thing by myself, it really is a great feeling.
Sam: I can definitely vouch for that, in that, whether you’re speaking to your friends or reading reviews etc, the general response to the album has been really great. The majority seem to consider it, on a number of fronts, to be some of your strongest work to date. There is generally a really good feeling about the record. Congratulations on that.
Ashanti: Thank you.
Sam: You mentioned earlier that you’re having to reacquaint yourself with the industry and that it has changed. Do you feel like an underdog? Do you feel like you have more to prove this go round?
Ashanti: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely, I feel like the underdog! Obviously no one has exactly the same story, but I definitely feel like no one has MY story, you know what I mean? This has been an uphill battle in every way shape and form; with everything that happened with the indictment, Murder INC, to being gone for so long, with the politics in the switching of my labels, just a lot of stuff. My story is complicated to say the least (laughs). It’s good, though, because it keeps me motivated and it keeps me fighting hard and just learning. The best experience is the experience gained from life’s lessons, making mistakes, learning from them and getting better and becoming stronger.
Sam: You recorded over 52 tracks for this album, what will become of the unused tracks? Will we hear any of them?
Ashanti: Well, we definitely want to use all of the tracks. Being that I’ve been blessed to be able to try other things outside of music, it’s a broader spectrum for me now. I can now say “Oh, this track would go perfect with this movie”. So we’re definitely looking to get placements on some movie Soundtracks, television etc. Definitely utilise all of those records. Not forgetting…you get to sell them. It’s one of the best feelings as an artist and writer, when there are new artists on the come up, to be able to say “Oh this track would be perfect for such and such”.
Sam: A lot of people have their favourite tracks on the album, one of mine being ‘Struggles’.
In terms of future singles, is there anything we should be looking forward to? Obviously we had ‘The Way That I Love You’ as the first single; ‘Good Good’ as the follow-up, over here in the UK ‘Body on Me’ is CONSTANTLY on the radio…
Ashanti: Yeah I heard! It’s doing good over there. We may have to come over and see you guys soon (laughs)…
Sam: I’m sure many will be hoping for that. So, what in terms of new singles can we expect from the album?
Ashanti: You know what; it’s weird, a couple of people have mentioned ‘Struggles’ to me quite often. I did a show in LA about a week ago and it was amazing – like 10,000 people came out, it was hot, the vibe was great – and the whole left section of the audience kept screaming ‘Struggles! Struggles! Struggles!’ I was like “Oh my gosh”. I don’t know. It’s a toss-up. I love ‘Struggles’, I love ‘So Over You’, I love ‘You’re Gonna Miss’. So who knows…
Sam: A case of wait and see, I assume then?
Ashanti: Yeah. I’ll let them (the label) know that you like ‘Struggles’, though.
Sam: That’d be great. I’m not just speaking for myself when it comes to the track. As you said, the track is very popular, so hopefully it gets the single treatment…
Ashanti: Hopefully.
Sam: Moving on; having been in the industry for so long, you’re no stranger to
people’s negativity. How do deal with it?
Sam: We’ve seen the pictures and heard the rumours; for the record what is your relationship status with Nelly?
Ashanti: (Chuckles)
Sam: (Laughs!)
Ashanti: Me and Nelly, we’re really really really good friends. We do a lot of hanging out, a lot of working together. He’s a really good person. We’re really good friends.
Sam: Just good friends?
Ashanti: Yeah. Really really really good friends (laughs)…
Sam: Mhmm…really really really good friends (laughs)
Both: (Laugh!!)
Sam: I’m not going to ask too much more about Nelly, but you thanked him for teaching you so much in the album credits for ‘The Declaration’; what exactly has he taught you?
Ashanti: You know, he taught me to always try and push further. (He taught me) to think outside of the box, to not be scared to try something different. So, for example, going into the studio, working with different people and try to break from the norm, without feeling scared or (feeling) a certain way. It’s like sometimes if you go to a pool and the water is cold, what’s the best way to do it: do you stick your one toe in and gradually go in or do you jump into a cannon-ball? Either way, you’re going to have to jump in sooner or later (laughs).
Sam: That’s great. The internet is abuzz about how much you’ve stepped your game up this go round vocally, stage presence-wise. In your time away, has there been anything in particular that you’ve been doing to hone your craft?
Ashanti: Well, I definitely surrounded myself with so many different people – so Nelly and other people outside of my expected norm. You just learn a lot; going into the studio with so many different producers, going to different shows, and just becoming more confident and growing. That time off was almost like a double-edged sword; it was great because I learned so much, I had the opportunity to film 2 more movies and to do other things outside of music, and then obviously I have this uphill battle coming back, after being out of the music for so long. That said, you learn from these situations. The best thing is, whatever happens – good or bad – you take that knowledge and that way you’re a better person at the end of the day.
So as far as me becoming better, yeah you become more confident – you experience yourself a little more and that all stems from coming out of the box and thinking out of the box and trying thing different, because you never know unless you try.
Sam: True, indeed. Speaking of the internet, do you check out what the blogs are saying about Ashanti and your industry contemporaries?
Ashanti: Uhm, I’m not an Internet junkie; I log on every so often. Usually for me, if I’m not in New York or if I’m overseas or something – where the time zones are completely different and I’m just up at night for no real reason – I’ll log on. But, my little sister (Shia), she definitely keeps me posted. She, on the other hand, she knows the Internet in and out (laughs). She carries her laptop with her, her Blackberry, everything, everywhere! She definitely knows what’s going on.
Sam: You recently took part in the ‘Stand Up 2 Cancer’ campaign song ‘Just Stand Up’ alongside Mary J, Beyonce, Ciara and many other female artists as well. How did the whole project come about and your involvement with it as well?
Ashanti: Well, basically, LA Reid reached out to all of us to come together for this amazing cause. I think every person has been touched by someone – friend, family member – being lost to cancer; so everyone was just over-the-top willing to come together and do something for this really great cause.
Also, Babyface (who produced the song) was the first producer I worked with on my record. So me and him established a really great relationship. With me being with Universal, which LA is a part of (Def Jam head), it was nothing; he reached out. He was like ‘listen, I want you to be a part of this, it’s going to be great!’ That’s kinda how we all unfolded.
Sam: How did it feel performing the track live? I saw you and the ladies
performing the song recently at Fashion Rocks.
Ashanti: It was amazing. I can’t even front; going into it – with all the girls names that were going to be apart of it, I was like ‘Oh man’ (laughs). Going to the rehearsal, I didn’t know if there was going to be some cattiness or whatever. You know when a bunch of females get together, you never know what could pop off (laughs). You know what, though, it was so cool. Everybody was talking, having conversations, rehearsing around one piano. All twelve/thirteen of us were crowding around this one little tiny piano with Babyface, everyone was singing and laughing. Genuinely, it was a really good thing. To be on stage for such an amazing cause – so many amazing people coming together – it was great. It felt good.
Sam: It was a great performance, I must say.
Music aside, what other projects can we look forward to from you? I hear that you’re starting a new label, Written Entertainment?
Ashanti: Yeah!!! You’ve been doing your homework (laughs).
Sam: (Laughs!)
Ashanti: Written Entertainment is something I want to get started really soon. Basically, with me being a writer, I want to form my own company to get records out there (via other artists too). There are a bunch of other projects that we’re going to do underneath that umbrella. Like, I’ve been doing a lot of stuff in Hollywood; there are two projects that I’m working on right now – keep your fingers crossed for me – that will involve me being a little more involved behind the scenes as opposed to in front of it. You definitely have to think outside of music. I mean, music is my passion and I love it and it’s the best thing for me to be able to go into a studio and create. Yet, at the same time, you don’t want to limit yourself. You can’t keep all your eggs in one basket.
Sam: You’re oft described as being one of the most down to earth artists out. After all of your success, how do you continue to remain so level headed?
Ashanti: I surround myself with family. With me, it’s like, you know, the money and being recognised (for what I do) is cool, but at the end of the day, I’m still the same person. It’s really not so different. I have the opportunity to do something that I love and they happen to give you some good money (laughs), but at the end of it all, I’m still the same person. It didn’t change who I am.
Sam: You mentioned your family, as to why you remain so level headed. Could you share a time with That Grape Juice when your family had to put you in check?
Ashanti: Let me see. Sometimes, like when we’re going shopping or something. I’m a very very very indecisive person – I’m a Libra. So it could be like the smallest thing: “Should I wear the Nike socks or the Adidas socks…This one has a little check, this one has a red check…this one fits different” It’s ridiculous. So, if I’m going shopping or something – and my mom and sister are with me – we’ll go to like 11 stores and I’ll buy 2 or 3 of the same thing, they’ll be like “You know what? You are playing yourself right now”. That’s my sister, she’s like “You’re ODing, you’re doing too much…cut it out.” Sometimes they have to reel me back in when it comes to being indecisive and doing too much.
Sam: Ok, a lot of new music has been released this year and we still have a lot to look forward to on the horizon. What are your top 5 songs at the moment?
Ashanti: Top 5 songs at the moment? Hmm. I love The Dream’s song ‘I Love Your Girl’. Did you guys get that out there?
Sam: I’ve heard it personally, but they haven’t really launched him over here as such – yet.
Ashanti: Ok. I like Lil Wayne’s ‘Mrs Officer’ (sings “wee oh wee wee oh wee”). I love that song. Oh and I love my song with Robin Thicke ‘Things You Me Me Do’ (laughs) – I be bumping that in my truck (laughs).
Sam: My friend stays playing that song!
Ashanti: Aww. Tell ‘em I said ‘Thank You’ (laughs).
I’m also really liking Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘I Need You Bad’. Lastly, number 5; well I actually got to hear Nelly’s new album ‘Brass Knuckles’ and he has a track with T.I. that I think is pretty hot (‘Hold Up’).
Sam: A lot of your UK fans wanted to know whether you’ll be officially launching the project over here and whether you’ll be coming over here anytime soon.
Ashanti: Well I definitely plan to. I haven’t been over there in so so long. I miss you guys. I definitely want to get out there and do some big shows. I hope and pray that we get to do it before the year is out. I know I’m going to Japan in October and December, so hopefully we can get over to the UK during that period. If not, then possibly top of ’09.
Sam: Ok. What are your tour plans in general?
Ashanti: Yeah, I wanted to do something kinda intimate, which I haven’t really had the chance to do before. We’re working towards me doing a House of Blues run; small intimate settings, which are really cool as they give the audience a chance to get up close and personal. I can go out and perform records from my first album, to right now. So a small House of Blues run and then hopefully turn that into something in ’09.
Sam: The hotly anticipated MOBO (Music of Black) Awards are coming up here in London on October 15th – you performed at the show a few years back.
Ashanti: I remember MOBO. When I was there last, someone broke my award in the limo – must have put their bag or something on it (laughs). They sent me another one, but I had to wait for a while for the replacement (laughs).
Sam: What does Music of Black Origin mean to you? What does MOBO Music mean to Ashanti?
Ashanti: I would say, the fact that we create the best music in the world. It’s a phenomenon, it’s amazing to be a part of that and it’s a passion. It comes from the soul, it comes from the heart. It can heal your heart, it can break your heart, but it’s all about that emotion. To have so many talented black artists doing what they love and being respected for it is definitely amazing.
Sam: Well, Miss Ashanti, it really has been an honour speaking with you.
Ashanti: Thank you so much.
Ashanti’s fantastic new album ‘The Declaration’ is in stores & iTunes now. Do be sure to pick up a copy.
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Your thoughts on the Ashanti interview?
Earlier this summer, That Grape Juice was fortunate enough to sit down with Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Ne-Yo in a swanky London hotel. With his third studio album ‘Year of The Gentleman’ nearing release at the time, he spoke openly with That Grape Juice about the record – which since went on to debut at #1, ‘beef’ with Chris Brown, his love life and much more. Though limited time made for the interview to come to a halt, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s a great read all the same. Enjoy
Sam: Having burst onto the scene little over 2 years ago, this singer/songwriter has quickly gone on to establish himself as one of the premier talents on today’s music scene. Of course I’m talking about Grammy winner Ne-Yo.
How are you, man? It’s great to finally be able to meet with you.
Ne-Yo: Thank you
Sam: You just landed in the UK a few days back, how has your stay been thus far?
Pretty good, pretty good – I like it out here. I haven’t really been able to do any of the ‘touristy’ stuff yet. It’s crazy as this is like my 10th time coming out here and I still don’t know anywhere outside of the area right here (referring to hotel locality). This is the hotel we always stay at; so it goes airport, hotel, (show) venue and hotel, venue, home.
Sam: This August sees the release your third studio album, ‘Year of The Gentleman’….
Ne-Yo: Uh uh…September.
Sam: Has it been pushed back?
Ne-Yo: September 15th.
Sam: Any particular reason for the pushback?
Ne-Yo: I was not going to put out an album that was not 100% right; and I wanted the record to be 100% right – so that’s pretty much it.
Sam: What exactly is the meaning of the album’s title?
Ne-Yo: ‘Year of The Gentleman’. That basically comes from me personally feeling that what it means to be a gentleman is a little lacking nowadays. From the way we view and treat our women, to outward appearance. All that stuff. It’s a little lacking these days. The guys that takes the time to make sure he looks at least half-way decent before he walks out of the house are few and far between nowadays. The guy that will pull out a woman’s chair for her, open the car door for her. That’s a little lacking nowadays. That effortless ‘cool’ that you used to see back in the day with the likes of Nat King Cole and the Rat Pack, stuff like that. Not this, what we have today, where it’s like ‘Hey, everybody look here, I got diamonds and money and girls…look at me’. It wasn’t like that back in the day. Back in the day it was about being charming, about being charismatic, about suave, about swagger back then. You didn’t have to try so hard to get someone’s attention; they’d just give it to you anyway because you were ‘that guy’. This album is basically me trying to lead by example and showcase what it is to be a gentleman.
With that being said, I am not a perfect gentleman – yet! I am a gentleman in training. So there are still some aspects of being a gentleman that I have to learn; but I’m willing to learn, which I guess puts me a little ahead of the curve.
Sam: Good stuff. Congratulations on hitting #1 with the record’s lead single ‘Closer’
Ne-Yo: Thank you very much…
Sam: The song has performed significantly better here than back home in the States. Why you think this has been?
Ne-Yo: Well, the song is inspired by the UK and going out here in London. I remember that night, we went to a couple of different clubs. Two clubs were very American R&B/Hip-Hop based and I remember saying to my people “I can get this back at home. I want to k
now what goes on here”. So they took me to another spot – I guess it was like a Techno/House club – real small venue, yet filled to the capacity. It had the whole green lasers; people had their hands in the air, eyes closed and in a trance from this music. I mean, I’ve never really been a fan of dance music, it’s just never really been my thing, but the common ground I found with that music, is that I like to make music that makes you feel something. That’s the whole M-O of the music I create – I try to evoke some kind of emotion – happy, sad, whatever. That music (Techno/House) is strictly about how the music makes you feel, to the point where the lyrics don’t even matter (laughs). There was one I heard that had but 3 words in the damn song (laughs). It’s all about the feel and what the music does to you. So I tried to capture that vibe, put the little ‘Ne-Yo’ spin on it and do my own interpretation of what I heard and felt that night.
Sam: Having served up R&B/Pop smashes with your previous releases, ‘Closer’ is somewhat left-field for you musically, with its Euro-Dance sound. Is this something we can expect to hear more of on the album?
Ne-Yo: To a degree. I did a lot of things on this new album that I haven’t done before. I think that one of the reasons ‘Closer’ has performed much better over here is that over here you guys are a little more susceptible to change, a little more open. Whereas back home in the States, people kinda get programmed into one thing and one thing only. If it ain’t 50 Cent or doesn’t sound like this, then we don’t want to know about it. That’s one of the reasons I like it out here – outside America in general because people are open to more things out here.
Sam: Ok, in general, what can we expect from the album in terms of producers, features etc.
Ne-Yo: No features. This is my first studio album with no features whatsoever. I kinda wanted to leave it like that, as I’m doing a lot of experimenting with different sounds and genres of music. So if something –touch wood (laughs) – went bad, I didn’t want to have anyone else to blame but me.
Producers, I used everyone that I normally use. My production company, Compound, Stargate and more.
As far as the sound of this album, I’ve been basically been calling the album a buffet, as there is literally a little something there for everybody. There’s something there for the cats that are strictly Urban, for the cats that are strictly Pop, for the cats that are into Alternative that don’t even know my damn name yet! A little bit of everything for everybody on this record.
Sam: Awesome. What do you hope to accomplish with this album?
Ne-Yo: I hope to help blur some of these lines, knock down some of these walls and barricades that have been put up in music. (I want it to be) Not Pop, Rock, Urban, but simply to come down to two categories of music – good music and bad music. I pray that my music is always in the good music category.
Sam: Amen.
Ne-Yo: Thank you, sir.
Sam: Next single?
Ne-Yo: A track called ‘Miss Independent’. (Coyly) You heard that one?
Sam: Uh huh (Sidenote: I’m not sure I’m supposed to have nodded as the track wasn’t supposed to have ‘surfaced’ at the time LOL).
Ne-Yo: …the track sees me pay homage to a woman that’s got her own. There’s something very sexy about that to me. Nothing worse than a chick you’ve got to (completely) take care of.
Sam: Ok. Like many, you recently put your own spin on Lil’ Wayne’s ‘A Milli’ track. However, your version in particular has garnered more attention than others, with many questioning who exactly you’re taking aim at…
Ne-Yo: (Laughs!)
Sam: For the record then, Mr Ne-Yo, what was the deal with that?
Ne-Yo: There was no deal (laughs)! Everybody swears I was talking about Chris (Brown). It wasn’t about Chris; Chris is my homeboy – why would I shoot at him? I actually said in the line “To anyone in general, this is not //But if you claim A Milli you ain’t got, this red dot is on your forehead”. That’s basically me saying, don’t think I’m talking about anyone in particular, I’m just talking shit. It’s one of those records you get on and basically talk shit. Everyone was talking about how much money they got, I was like ‘Hold on!!! Lemme talk about how much money I got!’ (laughs)…
Sam: As I’m sure that ‘Irreplaceable’ cheque guarantees (laughs)…
Ne-Yo: There you go (laughs)…
Sam: Your performance at this year’s BET Awards had many people talking, as you were largely considered to have stolen the show, so to speak, in comparison to more established acts. That said, do you feel you are in competition with the Usher’s, the Chris Brown’s and whatnot?
Ne-Yo: Yes, but it is a friendly competition – it’s not competition that’s based on animosity. We don’t do what the Hip-Hop cats do, where it filters into the music, then goes beyond the music. There is no such thing as “R&B Beef”. I mean, come on, we sing for girls, take our shirts off and shit. We don’t fight, no, that’s stupid.
I consider Chris Brown to be one of my close and dear friends. He’s like my little brother. Usher, I’ve met him and have the utmost respect for him – he’s done it better than anyone else. He set the bar for everyone else. It is competition, but it’s not angry competition. We can be compared to boxers; we can be friends outside of the ring, but everyone knows there is only one (#1) spot, which means there may come a point where you may have to get in the ring with your homeboy and knock his ass out! Don’t mean you ain’t friends no more, just that there is only room for one #1.
Sam: As we’re pressed for time, quickly, are you currently dating anyone?
Ne-Yo: Nope, unfortunately no.
Sam: Ok, I mean, you’ve been snapped with a few ladies, but I won’t probe…
Ne-Yo: (laughs) I mean I have ‘friends’, but I don’t have a steady girlfriend. The ‘special’ ones
know who they are.
Sam: Mhmm…Ok. Moving on; with the success of So Sick, you were catapulted into the limelight and haven’t looked back since.
How have you adjusted to fame, particularly in your personal life? How you deal with the inevitable fair-weather friends and family?
Ne-Yo: Wow. Good question. (I try and deal with them) One at a time. It’s something that is a part of this game, it’s gonna happen. There’s no real way to avoid it; you make a little money and everyone finds out about it. All of a sudden you have 90 new cousins! “I’m your favourite aunty. Don’t you remember I changed your diapers?” “No I don’t and no you cannot have a Mercedez Benz” (laughs). I mean you just deal with it; the rumours, accusations, the invasions of privacy and all that stuff, it’s really just part of the game. You can’t stop it. What are you going to do? Go beat up everyone that has ever said anything negative about you? That will be a lot of beating up you have to do (laughs). So you just kind of roll with the punches. It is what it is.
Sam: Craziest fan encounter, briefly?
Ne-Yo: Craziest fan encounter? This young lady broke into my hotel room and was there waiting for me, when I showed up. It was in New York, during the promotion for my first album.
I must have walked into my room and she was like “Oh my God” and I was like “Oh MY God, what the hell you doing in here?” She replied “I’m your biggest fan, I love ‘So Sick, yada yada yada, can you sign this? Can I have a picture with you?” I was like “Ok, we can do all of that, slow down. How did you get in here” (laughs). She didn’t want to tell me at first, I guess she had a friend that worked at the hotel that told her I was there and gave her the key to my room and she didn’t want to get this person in trouble. I was like ‘Ok, I won’t say anything, but, for future reference, you may not want to be breaking into people’s hotel rooms. Had I called the cops, it could have been a really bad situation for you.” It was all good though; she apologised, (I) took a picture with her, signed her thing and she left. The girl was 15 years old…
Sam: Wow…
Ne-Yo:…that could have been really, really, really bad for me, you know what I mean?
Sam: Yeah!
Ne-Yo: That’s the craziest thing – thus far! Well, that and a chick that got my name tattooed on a (long pause)…region that you just wouldn’t show (laughs). She came to one of my shows and took it upon herself to show it to me while I’m on stage singing (laughs). I was singing ‘Sexy Love’ and I looked at her and she gave me one of these (gestures to his chest) and said to look at the tattoo.
Sam: I’ve just been notified that we’ve run out of time. Thank you very much for your time.
Ne-Yo: No, thank you.
Ne-Yo’s awesome new album ‘Year of the Gentleman’ is in stores & iTunes now. Do be sure to pick up a copy.
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Your thoughts on the Ne-Yo interview?
music heavy-weights including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Mary J. Blige have joined forces for a star-studded single called ‘Just Stand Up’,” benefiting the Stand Up to Cancer campaign. Check out the report via MTV below:The unprecedented gathering features vocals from Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood. The tune is being produced by the powerhouse duo of Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who are working together for the first time in nearly 20 years.
The song will be available for purchase exclusively on iTunes on September 2 and will get its TV premiere on September 5 during the live “Just Stand Up” special, which will air simultaneously and commercial-free on CBS, ABC and NBC. According to a press release announcing the project, the song was conceived by Reid, the chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group, after a meeting with the women behind the Stand Up to Cancer campaign.
It’s great to see so many major names come together for a worthy cause.
Your thoughts?
Mariah Carey took to the stage at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards, which aired in the US last night. The 38 year old diva performed a medley of ‘I’ll Be Loving U Long Time’ and ‘Touch my Body’. Though marginally better than most of her more recent showings, I’m still none-too pleased with Mimi’s live performance game. She was clearly lip-syncing during some parts, whereas in others it was hard to tell. For an artist renown for being ‘The Voice’ her insistence on miming like her life depended on it is becoming a little tiresome. What’s more, her lack of stage presence makes watching paint dry seem more appealing than a 2008 Mariah performance. SMH…
Anyway, here’s hoping the performance helps the, otherwise great song (IMO) on the charts; after an impressive start, the single has pretty much stalled on US radio, iTunes and consequently the Billboard charts.
What do you think of the performance?
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