Original Post Date: October 7, 2008We’ve watched Brandy Norwood grow up right before our eyes. From her early days of wanting to be down to claiming the boy was hers over a full moon, Brandy has been that friend you saw on the regular. Even as Moesha, Brandy was always a relatable individual who never seemed to compromise her values for the sake of the camera. After a rather tumultuous brush with the media over an accident that wasn’t even her fault, Brandy slid away to focus on her life outside of the spotlight. She’s now come full circle – a mom in her late ‘20s ready to return with a brand new album titled Human. In speaking with Brandy, that’s exactly who she is – a human being, mother, daughter, and forever the girl next door. Her new album delivers an evolved sound and a reunion with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. In this two-part vibe session with Brandy, we learn about her family life, her potential rap career, and keeping her head above water, always with a smile. AllHipHop.com Alternatives: So, in coming back out after a brief hiatus…Brandy: Not a brief hiatus; this is long. I appreciate you trying to show me some love. [laughs]AHHA: [laughs] What was it about the industry that you missed more: the singing or the acting?Brandy: I think it was both for me. Singing is of course my first love, and that’s how I release a lot of different things that I go through in my own personal life – singing about them and sharing them with people. So of course I wanted to sing again. Back in the day when I first released my first CD, Moesha came after that, so I kind of wanted to stick to that pattern of coming back out and you know giving the fans the music. Definitely something they deserve and get back into acting later, so I’m definitely back for the long haul for sure.AHHA: Your new single is really an uplifting song, as it’s still the R&B format that people can listen to and get a message out of. What made you decide to come out with that as your first single?Brandy: Well, “Right Here (Departed)” was a song that I could relate to because I’ve been blessed to have so many great people in my life and some new people are in my life that I can depend on and be there for and they’re there for me. When I first heard the song I was like, “Oh my God this is a beautiful song.” It was the first song that Rodney [Jerkins] played me, and it was the first song that reunited us back together. So also I felt like it was a song that everybody could relate to because everybody needs somebody and everybody likes to feel like that they have somebody that’s by their side and that’s gonna stick by them no matter what. It’s so interesting because “I Wanna Be Down” was my first single ever, so that’s kinda like I wanna be down with the person I love too. It’s kinda like a comparison to that, but I love the song and I’m so glad they chose me to do it.AHHA: So, you’re saying you wanna be down with the person you love, so there’s someone?Brandy: No, it’s kinda interesting how “Right Here (Departed)” is a song that means I’m down with the people that I love be it, mom, dad, friend, sister, brother, whatever it is, daughter – of course my daughter. That’s pretty much it but I don’t have a significant other. I was gonna ask you if you had some friends if you knew someone who was single. [laughs] But no, I don’t have a significant other, no.AHHA: You titled the album, Human. Do you feel that being “Brandy” sometimes the media and the whole industry almost dehumanizes you?Brandy: Absolutely. I think that being in the public eye people forget that at the end of the day, the same emotions that regular people go through don’t feel any different to us. Actually it’s a little bit harder because we go through a lot of the things in the public eye and it leaves room for people to judge and be very opinionated on what your life is supposed to be and what they think you should have done and what you should do. So yes, the media does tend to make celebrities superhuman, like we don’t go through those things that everyone else goes through and that’s not true. That’s one of the reasons I named my album Human, because at the end of the day, that’s what I am. I just sing and you may see me on TV, but at the end of the day I’m just like you, I’m just like the next person. AHHA: Do you feel that’s a bit different though because you’ve been in the industry for so long, how old were you when you came in?Brandy: I was about 15.AHHA: Fifteen, so you almost grew up with everybody watching you and whatnot. How was it growing up like that and having certain expectations? I know around the time where you had your daughter and everything, the spotlight was on you and people were looking at you like they expected a certain thing from you. How was it going through that and kind of having step to the back a little bit to be human and do the human aspects of your life?Brandy: Well to address the first question, I was trying to cope with growing up in the industry and taking on responsibilities that adults took on. Like I was working all the time – you know hours and hours and hours of work. I was making money and trying to make decisions for myself, but all at the same time there was this image being created for me where you know the whole good girl. So it’s sorta like it didn’t give me room to make mistakes or people to understand because this entire image was created for me. That got tough you know ‘cause when you make mistakes, you’re judged so tough on that and I just had to just develop that tough skin and understand that I am living my dreams; I am doing what I love to do. I’ve always wanted to be a star and this is what I chose, so I have to accept the responsibilities.But being young, it’s hard and I went through my own personal quiet time when I wouldn’t talk to anybody about it. I just went through it on my own, but I do have family and friends to support me. My mom has always been there for me, I could go to her when I needed to and she would help me out and help me through certain things, but you know at the end of the day I was doing what I loved to do.And my daughter of course you know, having her and doing a TV show around my life and birthing and giving life to a baby…you’re out there and people see you and they may have things to say positive or negative, but at the end of the day it’s in the public eye and sometimes that can be hard of course. It’s still a beautiful thing you know what I mean? AHHA: When you were growing up in the industry and you had an upbringing that was kind of strict. Do you feel that you were spared from a lot of the things that some of these teenage stars are going through now because of that upbringing?Brandy: Well I definitely can say that I have great parents who kept me aware of how great God is and how blessed I am to be where I wanna be and to do what I love to do. I do think just having honest parents and parents who also give you an open mind and give you a say in what you wanna do – it wasn’t so strict where I couldn’t do what I wanted to do, but I had to do it in the means of rules and I do think it helped me stay on track. There are things that I’ve done that I’m not proud of and my parents aren’t proud of, but we all have those things. I think when you set a solid foundation, you’ll come back to that and you’ll realize that’s who you are and you’ll move through whatever you’re going through. AHHA: So with this album, are you considering it a comeback album?Brandy: Everybody is saying that it’s a comeback album because I’ve been gone for so long and I don’t mind that statement at all. I definitely feel like this is an album where I’m reintroducing myself to the world, to my fans that have been with me for such a long time and fans that don’t even know that they’re fans yet, and I’m proud of this album. I’m proud to be back to what I love to do, and I just hope everybody embraces this album and really get a chance to know who I am and who they are through this music.AHHA: Are you doing experimenting with different sounds?Brandy: Well my sound has definitely evolved. I can’t recreate Never Say Never, I can’t recreate Full Moon; those are albums that are set in stone. The first album Brandy and Aphrodisiac, those albums were the albums that they were and now this one has evolved to another sound. Of course it’s a little bit of those elements, but this sound is pop, it’s urban, it’s country, it’s so many different things. I feel like everybody is gonna feel it because it touches on every type of music and I’m so proud of it because Rodney and I were able to get back together and have that chemistry that we’ve always had and really just give our all. What I love about the songs are that they’re message-driven, every song is about something that everybody has gone through and at the end of the day you ‘gon be okay, whatever it is. That’s why I picked the first single because it was just so inspirational and every song on this album is an inspiration. AHHA: The sound has evolved period in R&B. You don’t get the sound that you used to back in the day or a lot of ballads; everything is more pop now. You said your new album is a little bit more pop than what we might be used to. Do you think that’s what they wanna hear, what do you think the market is looking for?Brandy: I think they just want the same type of music that they’ve been hearing. It’s up to the artist to change the music and to give them something different. That’s why I’m here as well, because my album is pop, it is urban, it is all the things that I named. At the same time, it’s not the same type of pop that is on the radio today; it’s not that at all. And like I said, it’s inspirational, I’m here for a message. I can’t fool around with this surface music, I have to really have something to say and have something to give because that’s what people deserve. AHHA: Do you see yourself in some of the newer artists? When asking you who you grew up on, the artists are completely different from someone like Rihanna. Like who’d Rihanna grow up on, she grew up on Brandy. Brandy: Absolutely, I definitely see my influence in a lot of the artists that are out today and it’s so flattering and it’s so beautiful to hear a lot of my background vocals, and a lot of my lines. But it’s just I’m just very proud to be a part of this game again, this industry full of great artists. Like a lot of the people you named I like a lot. I love Rihanna I think her voice is so special and unique. I appreciate every artist that’s out there right now, I do.AHHA: Do you think there was a time when you had a hard time reaching people?Brandy: No, I don’t think that; I think that I wasn’t inspired. I didn’t feel like I had anything to give. I was very very caught up into my personal life and I’ve been doing this for so long. I never really had time to just concentrate on me, and one of things that I’ve come across was a quote. I can’t quote it verbatim, but the end of the day if you don’t have your character in place, if your character isn’t solid you’re not gonna remain successful, your foundation is not gonna be solid. So I had to build that back up; I had to build my character. I had to figure out who I really am as a person and what my purpose is on this planet and how can I be an example for my child. That’s what I was trying to figure out in the four years that I’ve been gone and I’ve gone through hell and back to figure that out, but I think I got it now.AHHA: Has being a mommy changed your approach to music?Brandy: Being a mommy has just changed my life period. Just like being an example for a little person that’s really looking to you to guide her every step of the way. That has completely changed my life. My responsibilities are a lot different, but I can say that everything that I’m doing now is for her to be proud of me and for her to see that she can do anything that she wants to do especially if somebody as close to me is doing it. That’s what I’m here to show her, is that you can do anything you wanna do and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t. No matter what you do, no matter what people say you can do everything that you wanna do and that’s what I’m showing her.AHHA: That’s really nice. Your mom and your family were instrumental in the business side of your career.Brandy: Still is, yes. AHHA: What are the pros and cons of having your family manage your career?Brandy: Well, the pros and cons are sometimes you don’t know how to separate the two. You know it’s very hard for me to tell my mom that I thought she made a mistake or “mom that wasn’t a good decision.” That’s very hard for me to do, but you know that’s all it is just switching the hats – just being a daughter and being an artist and then her being a mom and a manager that’s very tough. You know I don’t know, but somehow we have managed to make it work and it is great to have her by my side. I trust her and I know that she’s always gonna keep it real with me and tell me the truth at all times and that’s the pro right there. Like I can deal with the rest, you can make as many mistakes as you want to; I can make as many mistakes. As long as we have an honest relationship, and that’s what we’ve always had. I’m so appreciative to have her and I’m glad to work with her now that I’m an adult. When I younger it was different; I wasn’t able to make decisions, and she just made them all based on the guidance that she was given from a higher power just making the right decisions for me. And now I’m able to help her help me, so it’s a good thing; it’s a beautiful thing.Check back tomorrow for Part Two with Brandy where she talks about her name in the media, Ray J, and Brandy rapping!

Original Post Date: January 17, 2008We wait only a few seconds for Lyfe Jennings to start his interview as he digs into his coat and grabs his cell phone to make an urgent call to Matthew Knowles. It’s all but apparent that this Toledo, Ohio native has had an incredible life turn-around – from stick-up-crime kid to platinum-selling artist. In the sporadically lit artist lounge of Columbia Records, there’s a TV with some BET video countdown and Lyfe Jennings sits not too far from the set surprisingly friendly and approachable.As he speaks on topics outside of the music spectrum, one can say Lyfe is the “urban Bob Dylan.” Jennings uses music to raise questions about human relationships, sex, and situations that ring true to many who listen. This makes Lyfe political without blatantly being political in a world, primarily a country, bogged down by an intense regime of socio-economics. The Columbia Records artist has managed to become a commercial success and maintain a personal voice in his music – a feat few conquer.His debut single, “Stick-Up Kid” was about his thieving lifestyle before prison. Nowadays the five-time Apollo winner makes his musical growth noticeable, singing about a woman thieving his heart and leaving him to call the cops. The artist in Jennings is even taking him to explore the acting spectrum as his current book collection consists of acting books, and has even been reading for movie roles. With the new album Change, Lyfe seems equipped to show an audience the transformation that’s brought us this revered musician.AllHipHop.com Alternatives: You dedicated the video for “Cops Up” to Lala Brown. How’s it been dealing with her premature death?Lyfe Jennings: It’s regular. You know, when you lose somebody. You wish it wasn’t so. But you know [you] just…get on with it because you have to. Not ‘cause you want to; ‘cause you have to.AHHA: You collaborated with Lala on “S.E.X.” – that track seems to be a shoe-in to get positive feedback from parents. Have there been any young people that have expressed their appreciation for that song?Lyfe Jennings: I actually had a major outpour about the song from parents, grandparents, and kids. That was like, to me, one of the only songs I’ve heard myself that everybody liked across the board. I think it was really great you know young people telling me that it really made them think about it, and they postponed some things that they were going to do.AHHA: Speaking of parenting, how’s it been being a father and traveling as much as you do?Lyfe Jennings: It’s hard. I got to say it’s hard. But I miss my kids to death right now. I’ve been saying this for the past two days. It’s bad right now. I want to see them.AHHA: What’s the best thing you’ve been able to do since you started making a good living making music?Lyfe Jennings: I always say the greatest thing I ever did was to be able to get my kids insurance. That is a great accomplishment for me because when I was growing up I didn’t have insurance. It was taking you to your auntie’s house to get stitched up with a needle and thread when something happened. So that was great, they have insurance so they’re straight.AHHA: Back when you first began your recording career you expressed how Erykah Badu’s Baduizm inspired you while you were in prison to record music. Have you told Erykah herself about that?Lyfe Jennings: Yeah, I did actually tell her. I don’t know her real well, but I see her on occasion. Actually, every time I see her I tell her because I want to make sure she knows.AHHA: What was her response?Lyfe Jennings: She was like, “Thank you.” She was definitely humbled and she was like, “Hearing messages like that is what keeps [me] doing what [I’m] doing.”AHHA: What would you say to someone who is getting out of prison and they look at you and they ask, “I don’t sing. How can I better my life when I leave these walls?”Lyfe Jennings: I think you should always go with your passion, and I think if your passion is music you should do it. If it’s carpentry, something along those lines, you should do it too. But I think the one thing you should keep in mind if you’re coming out of prison is you have to have preparation. In order to do it, don’t come out of prison like, “I’m going to do it when I get out of prison.” Your work starts today. Your life is not starting tomorrow. So therefore your craft, and your intention, and your desire shouldn’t start tomorrow.AHHA: How was it walking in the streets the first time right after you left prison?Lyfe Jennings: You become new at it, kinda. My thing that tripped me out the most was cars. It seemed like everything was moving so fast. I was scared to cross the street. There’d be a car way down there, but it’d be looking like it was flying. By the time I decided to cross the street it was here. That just used to freak me out. And then kids, you know, you definitely not just used to being around any kids at all. So when you’re around kids they look funny to you, because they’re small. [laughs]AHHA: What’s it like recording songs like “The River”? What’s the atmosphere like recording such a cathartic song?Lyfe Jennings: It’s simple. I don’t do certain things when I record, like candles or nothing like that. I really just like it raw. I try to do stuff in one take. It’s almost like acting. You know how they tell you in order to act a role you got to pull something from your life that has a similar emotional response to it and then use that to become the character? I try to pull what I was thinking about at the time when I wrote the song, and I become that song and I just sing it.AHHA: It must be cathartic, but how do you keep yourself from going back to that place when performing these songs that came from a dark place night after night?Lyfe Jennings: Sometimes it’s good to go back in time because it gives the time more emotion. But I don’t get tired doing some songs. I’ll be feeling like I got something to say. The live show is different for us every time; it’s something different.AHHA: What song changed the new album, Change, for you?Lyfe Jennings: To me, one of the greatest songs on the album is called “Will I Ever.” Will I ever fall in love? There always comes a point in your life – whether you’re with somebody or whether you’re not – to where if everything that you ever envisioned in a significant other hasn’t been reached. You just wonder [if you’ll] ever find that.AHHA: Are you narrating the new album the way you narrated Lyfe 268-192 and The Phoenix?Lyfe Jennings: Yes, I am, but I’m not doing it on the album. It’s going to be a special edition online, because some people like it some people don’t. But the thing they both have in common [is] they should have a choice because they’re spending their money on it.AHHA: Are you picking up where you left in The Phoenix?Lyfe Jennings: I definitely am. It’s a continuing story.AHHA: Lyfe 262-168 was about your life on the streets, and off the streets. The Phoenix dealt, a little, with your new found celebrity. What’s Change going to pick up from?Lyfe Jennings: This album is just about after the celebrity and fame, people getting used to it and just different situations that come up. I mean, it’s all relationships. That’s pretty much what all three of the albums is dealing with.AHHA: Your real name is Chester. How did the name Lyfe come about?Lyfe Jennings: When I was in prison, all the stuff that I wrote was about life situations. My name used to be “Music For Life,” but then a cat was like, “Naa, that’s too long. You should just call yourself Life. You should change the ‘i’ to a ‘y’. You ask all the questions that everyone else would be asking.”AHHA: What TV shows are you into?Lyfe Jennings: When I watch TV I watch stupid shows. I watcg something like “I Love New York.” That’s funny to me. The greatest show to me personally of all time is “Wildboyz” on MTV. Oh my God, Steve-O, man, them dudes is crazy. I watch re-runs of that show.AHHA: Where do you think the country stands politically?Lyfe Jennings: I think they are looking for somebody to follow. A lot of people knock Bush, and they have valid reasons to knock Bush. But at the same time it had to be hard being a president. I mean, you got to choose between the lesser of two evils and when you choose that evil you know that everyone is going to bash you, but you can’t tell them why. That must be hard. But there’s just something about a leader. There’s just something about somebody that has confidence in them. It just seems as though Bush doesn’t have a great deal of confidence in himself. I think that they’re looking for something different.You look at health care – the way it is over here. They will let you die. Literally, if you do not have insurance they will let you die. We looking for somebody that can impact change not just in the White House but in our community – stuff that affects us everyday.AHHA: Have you been following the presidential election?Lyfe Jennings: Not really not like that.AHHA: Has there been anyone candidate that’s caught your attention positively or negatively?Lyfe Jennings: Hilary Clinton definitely caught my attention, because her husband to me was a successful president. Maybe not personal, but I think we all make mistakes personally. I know he’s going to definitely haves something to do with [the presidency] .It’s almost like Bush’s father was president, and I’m quite sure he gets a lot of advice from him. [Hillary]  has somebody that she can go to when she’s in situations.Also, Barack Obama because he seems like he’s speaking the truth and he has a lot of different ideas. Maybe some of them will work, maybe some of them won’t. But the point is that he’s actually been thinking and…he has his own opinions about stuff.AHHA: At one of your live shows in June 2005 you threw a bag full of money to the audience – money that had been paid to you for playing the show. You let the audience know that the people running the show told you that it didn’t matter whether you had a sound check or not – you were to go on because they were paying you. You flipped it and told the audience they were being paid to be there. Do you still find yourself in those situations where you have to let others know – “F**k this, you don’t tell me what to do”?Lyfe Jennings: Well, I’m always like that. You definitely have to respect the person’s space because if they pay you to come – this is these guys’ job. So you respect, but some people just take it above and beyond. That particular show they wanted me to go on without sound check, so that means I can’t be the best artist I would like to be. You can’t take that away from me regardless if you paid me or not. In retaliation to them, to show them, it probably didn’t affect them. They still paid the same fee, but for me it was like I just wanted to show you that this money that you give me is really nothing. My artistry is worth more than this, and I’m doing this for the fans not doing it for you.

Original Post Date: January 22, 2008Strange, eccentric, odd- a few words some may associate with Star Trak’s teen sensation, Teyana Taylor. As for her, she prefers “bold, creative and different.” The world got their first taste of the 16-year old Harlem globetrotter when MTV featured her on it’s widely popular reality show, My Super Sweet Sixteen. While for some that lifestyle- one of real-life Barbies, Range Rovers and chromed out bicycles- may seem “strange, eccentric and odd,” it’s just another day in the life of Hip-Hop’s new tween queen.Fast forward a year later and Taylor’s success story already supersedes most of her peers. From being a peculiar, young skater girl who had a flare for performing, to choreographing for Beyonce and releasing her debut album under one of the biggest names in the music industry, Taylor shares with AllHipHop.com Alternatives her view from the top. And though she’s reluctant to claim her celebrity status just yet, a co-sign from Jigga and Pharrell suggests nothing but the pinnacle of success for Harlem’s golden girl.AllHipHop.com Alternatives: Hey there.Teyana Taylor: Hi. How are you?AHHA: I’m well. You sound a little tired.Teyana Taylor: Nah. I’m in the bathroom getting dolled up so I can get ready to go to ballet.AHHA: You have to get dolled up for ballet?Teyana Taylor: ‘Cause I gotta go to ballet, but you know, I gotta go outside and interact with people. So I’m not really getting dolled up for ballet, but afterwards I’ll be outside and stuff.AHHA: It’s been a year now since your infamous Sweet Sixteen party. Do people still come up to you talking about it?Teyana Taylor: Yeah, they do. That’s another reason I have to be dolled up. [laughs]AHHA: I heard they followed you around for over a month…what was that like?Teyana Taylor: It was crazy. It was fun in the beginning, you know like, “Oh my God!  The cameras are following me around.” Then it got tiring and they kept telling me to do stuff. Man!AHHA: The music industry and the entire Hip-Hop culture are so centered on socialization-partying and such. As a teenager, is the party scene different for you?Teyana Taylor: I be gettin’ into some of the clubs. It be fun. It’s cute. It’s real cute. But I like partying with my friends my age, so I don’t really do the clubs. AHHA: If you weren’t at an industry event hanging with the “cool kids,” what would you and your entourage back home be doing for fun?Teyana Taylor: Watching Jimmy Neutron, joking on each other, riding our skateboards; you know, everything else that a regular kid would do. So it’s cool. AHHA: You’re signed to Pharrell’s Star Trak label. Tell me how that all came about?Teyana Taylor: This A&R, or whatever, he told his boss Kevin Law, who is the Vice-President of the A&R Department at Universal [Records], about me. So I met with him and he asked me, “If you could name five people you would want to work with, who would you want to work with?” And the first three names were Pharrell. He was like, “Wow, really? Me and Pharrell have been friends for a really long time.” So I was like, “Okay that’s what’s up.” And it was crazy, ‘cause the very next day he called me back and told me I had a meeting with Pharrell that Thursday. I was ecstatic. It was like, “Oh my God!”AHHA: Is it absolutely amazing working with Pharrell and Chad, even after developing such a close relationship with Pharrell?Teyana Taylor: They’re like brothers to me. At the end of the day, he’s always going to be my idol. I still look at him like, “Oh my God! I’m working with Pharrell,” you know? It’s always gonna be that no matter what. AHHA: The album, tell me a few of your favorite tracks and why.Teyana Taylor: Top three favorite songs… That’s a good question, ‘cause I be in my room having my little fake concerts all the time. I like “Color Me Pink,” because me being the whole tomboy, skater girl, the songs shows a different side of me. It’s about how this boy makes me want to dress more like a lady. Another song that I like is “Young Girl.” I like “Young Girl” because it’s about the things young girls go through, like having babies, doing stuff they don’t want to do, and stuff like that is really important to me. It’s a really deep song. And I like “Translation.” In the beginning we are talking in our little Harlem slang, and when the background voice says “translation,” we break it down for everybody that’s not from my hood or doesn’t understand how we talk.AHHA: Okay. I see we have some swagger on the album.Teyana Taylor: Yes. Definitely some swagger on the album. [laughs]AHHA: You do all kinds of music, from Hip-Hop to Pop and R&B. Do you intend to master and focus on one genre at a time, or will you give listeners the many facets of you all at once?Teyana Taylor: It’s going to be everything. I’m trying to do it all and do somethin’ that’s never been done before. I want this project to be that, you know?AHHA: Cool. Pharrell played a large hand in the career of another eccentric young woman from Harlem, Kelis. Over time, her originality faded a bit to become more mainstream. I know it’s early, but have you thought of the sacrifices that come at the cost of being an individual in this industry?Teyana Taylor: Right. I think about stuff like that all the time, especially since I’m young.  I’m always like, “Oh my God! Will they like me?” That’s gonna go through every teenager’s head, especially when you’re a new artist and nobody knows you. It’s pretty hard. Maybe an adult can take it better than a teen but…AHHA: So are we sticking with our originality or folding under pressure?Teyana Taylor: Definitely sticking with originality. I can’t… I won’t allow anyone to change me into something that I’m not. I’m an individual and that’s what I’m trying to teach all [my peers’] acceptance. That it’s okay to be different and to be an individual.AHHA: While we’re on the topic of your individuality, talk to me about the skate culture.  People rarely see young, Black skater girls. How did you get submerged into the culture?Teyana Taylor:  Every since I was little I was always different. I was into rock music; just always different in some kind of way. And when I got in school I didn’t have many friends, so all I had was my skateboard. You know, my skateboard got me places. It was like a best friend thing between me and my skateboard. I was an only child, so my skateboard was my brother. It was my every thing. So I just started doing it.AHHA: Why not a bike? [laughs]Teyana Taylor: I don’t know. [laughs] That’s what everybody was doing, especially in Harlem. It was kind of like love at first sight. My mom actually bought me my first skateboard. My friends and I were just crazy with it, with the cargo shorts and the DC [shoes] and the SB [Dunks], and my mom just came in the house with the skateboard. Every since then, I just started riding a skateboard hard body. AHHA: I’m deathly afraid of those things. Maybe you could teach me to skate next time I’m in Harlem.Teyana Taylor: Yeah, definitely.  It doesn’t take long to learn, especially if you have a good teacher. I’ve taught a bunch of little boys in my neighborhood to skate; which is cool ‘cause instead of them fightin’ and running around getting in trouble, they’re doing something positive. AHHA:  Good deal. How has growing up in Harlem and being a skater affected your sense of style?Teyana Taylor: Harlem is already flashy. How I think about it is the same way someone can spend 300 or 400 dollars on a pair of Gucci [shoes] is the same way I can spend 300 or 400 dollars on a pair of Dunks. Just because it ain’t a sneaker with a whole bunch of G’s on it doesn’t mean that it don’t cost money, you feel me? I can be flashy and still be different. ‘Cause I’m paying just as money as you’re paying for your clothes, so there’s nothing you can really say to me. People are startin’ to like it though. You know, people in Harlem are really on the high top Dunks with the slim jeans. It’s a pretty cool trend. AHHA: Tell me, if you were going to a graduation party for one of your friends, what would you wear? Then tell me what you’d wear if you were invited to one of Diddy’s all white parties?Teyana Taylor: That’s when I turn to my mother, ‘cause she got all the styles. [laughs] She knows what she’s doin’, so she’s the first person I turn to know what’s crazy about her is that she’s the type of person, if you gotta go out somewhere, she’ll go all out. She goes out so hard, no matter whose graduation it is, no matter whose party it is. She goes in, and I love her for that. Like, it could be someone’s Sweet Sixteen and you would think it was mine cause she be havin’ me lookin’ good money. AHHA: Have you thought about starting your own clothing line?Teyana Taylor: Yeah, I definitely wanted to start a T-shirt line, skateboards and some sneakers too. I’m trying to do it all.AHHA: Hell, you might as well open a store.Teyana Taylor: Basically, that’s what I’m thinkin’ about. That’s what I want to do.  I know it’s hard work.AHHA: You sing, rap and dance. Often times when people try to do all three on stage, one talent seems to be lacking. Have you been working on your stage performance much?Teyana Taylor: Oh I already told you! I be out in my living room. You know how you have those big screen TVs where you can see your whole body in the TV. So I perform.  I put on my CD with the tracks to my songs and I be ready to go. It just be dumb funny because I really be goin’ in like it’s a real concert, like “DC, I love you! New York, I love you!” [laughs] I sit down on my couch and pretend I’m on 106 & Park. AHHA: [laughs] Well it seems to be paying off. You were in Jay-Z’s video for “Blue Magic.” How did that come about?  Was it a huge co-sign from Pharrell, or was it based on your own relationship with Jigga Man?Teyana Taylor: I was like really, really really excited. My A&R had called me like, “Alright, I need you to bring four girls with you.” I’m like, “Okay, cool.” I’m thinking that I’m going to show something to someone or something, but when I got there I met Jay-Z.AHHA: You’ve done some choreography for Beyonce, but was that your first time meeting him?Teyana Taylor: Yeah. I had never met him. I’ve seen him, but I had never met him and talked to him. It was amazing. I was going crazy on the inside, but I had my game face on, on the outside. And when we talked he told me, “I specially requested you, so I need you to bring your swag.” ‘Cause Beyonce had told him about me. He was like, “Yeah, Beyonce kept telling me ‘she’s a superstar.’” And Beyonce was like, “Yeah, I was telling you…”  So I was just so honored and really just like, “Wow.” I mean, this is coming out of [Jay-Z’s] mouth. It really meant a lot to me. I mean, this is Jay-Z we’re talking about. It was crazy.AHHA: That’s hot. So if you could collaborate with anyone from any genre to create your perception of a hot record, who would it be?Teyana Taylor: I would love to collaborate with Lauryn Hill. Yo! I would start crying if I could collaborate with KRS-One, Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill. Definitely KRS-One though.AHHA: Girl, you’re 16. What do you know about KRS-One?Teyana Taylor: I love KRS-One. I think a collaboration with him would be so dope. Like, even though I’m young, it’s like I’m promotin’ the same stuff he’s promotin’, you know? So he’s kind of like an idol to me. I really appreciate the things he talks about.AHHA: With a spectacular Sweet Sixteen, a record in the making, Pharrell and Jay-Z in your corner and fans around the globe, do you feel like a celebrity yet?Teyana Taylor: Not yet. I want to start sellin’ some albums first. Let’s see how them albums go, and then we’ll see about that celebrity status. I’m just hype to see what’s going to happen, you know? AHHA: Well are you ready to go out into the world now?Teyana Taylor: Yeah, I’m definitely ready-AHHA: I mean are you finished getting ready in the bathroom. [laughs]Teyana Taylor: Oh, I’m almost there. Just gotta put on some lip gloss. [laughs]

Check Out Teyana Taylor in Jay-Z’s “Blue Magic”

Original Post Date: March 20, 2008Ever since Ciara one, two stepped onto the Hip-Hop/R&B scene, it became cool again for ladies to rock hard on the dance floor instead of always slow-winding on some cat’s groin. With her Lil’ Jon-blessed debut “Goodies” in 2004, the proclaimed First Lady of Crunk‘n B upped the ante, leaving motionless crooners fine-tuning their choreography.

Railroading through the sophomore jinx with the success of her 2006 album Evolution – Ciara is proving her resilience in the game, as a modern-day role model for young entertainers. BET underestimated the thrust, positioning her at the bottom of the network’s “Top 25 Dancers of All Time” countdown, beneath Diddy and Bobby Brown. But that hasn’t knocked her hustle any more than ripping her pants on the Scream Tour runway.

With a hearty James Brown-style rebellion on the back of her jersey tatted “25?” Ciara was named spokesperson for Roc-a-Wear clothing’s new advertising campaign “I Will Not Lose.” Ciara proves that regardless what skeptics may think, she will rise from the hate-filled ashes.AllHipHop.com Alternatives: Tell me how you got involved in the “I Will Not Lose” Campaign. Ciara: Well Roc-a-Wear reached out to my management team, and they told me about the campaign “I Will Not Lose” and I felt you know with the message behind it, it felt like it was definitely something to be about because that is my mindset. I do believe that I will not lose or at least that’s the way that I think when I approach anything I do in life. So I said absolutely…and I also love the fact that Roc-a-Wear is trying to take their clothing to new heights and higher levels and they’re also maturing, they have more mature pieces. I feel like there were a lot of things about that that would be really cool to be a part of.AHHA: So tell me about your story and how you personally will not lose. Ciara: I don’t think I have the story that you would hear from a lot of artists in this industry, or at least I will just speak for myself. Growing up, I didn’t have the training or I wasn’t able to be pushed in like talent shows and all things to train me and make me better, so I feel like I have so much more to do with so little time and I feel like the only thing to get there is by thinking I will not lose.

I think my whole thing is I’ve come too far from where I started, and I don’t see myself going back. I have so many goals, and I really think the only way to get there is by believing I will not lose.AHHA: What kind of adversity have you had in your career that has gotten you to this point or maybe made you stronger in your career?Ciara: I think it was more about people not believing in me. When I first started, pretty much no one really wanted to give me a shot. And even when I got signed and still to this day, no matter what place you’re in until you just get there like Michael Jackson status or Madonna status then you really don’t have to worry about nothing. But still you always like okay I got to prove, that I got something here.

I guess for me, it was kind of like that because no one…in the beginning there weren’t too many people that were like, “She can do it.” There was a lot of people that doubted me, and that also gave me motivation. I can say that’s apart of it. AHHA: So do you still feel like you’re doubted a little bit at certain things? I know there was a question with the dancing this year that just past. You killed it at the BET Awards, by the way, but the 25 and the question mark because you were ranked that way?Ciara: Well BET did a countdown, a dance countdown…They put me at number 25 which was the last number on the list. And I just was like wow, like I put in a lot of hard work to do what I do. I rather not be the one to toot my horn like I am this, I am number one and I am whatever.  But you know that was definitely crazy to me.

I love Diddy, I think he was right before me and I mentioned that he was somebody I remember was in a lower number and I’m like, “Diddy has his hop.” He has his hop that he does and he rocks, I love it because I do it sometimes too…but what is your definition of dancing? And I guess maybe they have their own way of defining it and it was just other people that were in different places. But I’m like “Okay I get number 25,” but I kept it moving. I did ask BET what the 25 was about. AHHA: What is your definition of winning?  Ciara: We talk about the difference between winning and losing. Let me just be real, winning is really being on top in my eyes and for my goals. Also I think winning happens in many different ways and whether it’s the way you win personally or professionally and in my eyes it’s being the best at what you do. Really standing out and also being able to be remembered, that’s really important to me. AHHA: Give me an example of a very difficult situation and how you got through it.Ciara: I always have the mindset that there is nothing I can’t make it through. I think if anything it’s pushing through the energy of the doubters and non-believers but one thing I will say is, my faith within myself has always been very strong, my confidence within myself has been pretty strong, for the most part.

I have areas when I get shy like when I’m on stage and it’s other moments. But I’ve always pretty much believed in myself from the beginning. I really felt like I had to be strong in the area, because there’s no way I’d be able to persevere or make it to this point where I’m at right now.AHHA: Who has inspired you to be the successful person you are today?Ciara: My inspiration comes from a couple of people. I’ve chosen in my eyes their strongest attributes, I kind of created a person I haven’t named but it’s basically the professional performance and entertainment of Michael Jackson, the drive and ambition of Michael Jordan, and from the woman aspect of things, the financial success of Oprah.

It’s kind of hard to say one person, I would say my friend Missy for her humility. When I’m around her I know that she has been in the industry for so long and she remains so humble, and I really believe that’s why she has been here as long as she has and has been able to remain on top and really just doing it. And that’s one thing I love about her and Patti LaBelle – the list can go on for days and days – for many different attributes that I take from each different person, to be all these different people combined into one at some point in time that’s what my goal is. But I get inspired by those like Michael, Madonna, Prince.  AHHA: What do you think about Jay-Z?Ciara: I think he’s real cool. I got to say I know he started this a good amount of time ago and it’s really cool to see him still doing his thing, and still being able to be creative and think of new things, the clothing line and all the other ventures he does. I think it’s real cool and I’m happy to be a part of it.AHHA: Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on stage?Ciara: I think I have had a moment. I think there was one time where I almost slipped, but nobody saw it. Like on stage dancing? I’ve been making it through so far. But Oh! And I had one time where my pants ripped, it was on the Scream Tour actually, but I don’t think too many of my fans got to see that, it was a secret. But I had to run from the set we were on down stage.

I was panicking like “yo, yo, yo, yo,” people couldn’t really hear, the music was so loud, we was trying to get through. I made it back up to finish the show and then my second pair of pants ripped again, but I made it through. And I guess it was embarrassing within my team, so that was a secret I just let out the bag. Yeah that’s pretty much it for dancing. I haven’t had that moment, knock on wood and I’m not looking forward to it either…so that’s it for me.AHHA: What’s your favorite love song?Ciara: My favorite love song…Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” She has tons of songs that I love. I was actually listening to her yesterday. You know what’s a beautiful song? “Dangerously in Love” by Beyonce. It’s a beautiful record. Love songs…you’re making me think.AHHA: You have a nice one, “And I.”Ciara: Oh thank you! That was actually one of the first ballads I wrote in my career. I was 15 years old when I wrote that song. And I was inspired from a real life experience. AHHA: What are you working on now, what’s next for you? Ciara: My album. I am excited I’m getting ready to go in. I have a lot of goals in mind with this album. I want to tour, tour, and tour and go around to all the places I haven’t been to yet. So I have a lot of big goals for my fans. I just want to make my fans dance, that’s when you go in a club you rock from the beginning until the end. So the young girls have songs to dance to and routines to keep on creating.

I must say, because I went to a basketball game the other day, it was a group of young girls in the middle of the court and they were using one of my records. And every time I see that, I get inspired. So I just want to create more music for my fans to dance to. AHHA: I always wanted to know what you thought when you heard this song. It was on Bow Wow’s last album, I can’t think of the name. It was clearly written about you, do you know what song I’m talking about?Ciara: Well I don’t think there is anything wrong with a person expressing what they feel in a song. That’s one thing about music it is somewhat of an outlet for you to express yourself. Even for myself, when I write I go in and write, I write about things that come from my heart. So I don’t think there is anything wrong with a person expressing what they feel on a record. You know it’s definitely cool for a person, if it’s about you, it’s cool for a person to say great things. And in this case this is my past and in this case. My eyes a long time from now, that’s the way I look at it. At the end of the day, when I do a reflection – when I walk past him I’m able to say “Hi.” I think that’s the way to be, and it’s all about being positive and I’m looking forward to my future. So I’m in a different space.Oh and Diddy I have to say, I love you. I don’t ever want you to think I was attacking you. But yeah the Top 25 countdown, that was crazy. And at the time I wouldn’t speak on it at that time, but my fans, because I go on some of the blog sites and the fans was right there. I was like “Okay ya’ll was holding me down.” So I will make sure I rock for you even harder next year.AHH: Who would you pick as the Number One dancer?Ciara:  My judgment on dancing, I judge it to the core of what I feel is true dancing. I think what it was for them is there is a difference in entertaining and dancing. One of the ultimate entertainers is Michael Jackson and Prince; I think he’s on fire. He is one I think he may not do many dance moves, but you’re going to be locked in watching his show from the beginning to the end and if he does any move, you love it.

There’s a difference between entertainment and dancing to me, and if you’re going to judge dancing on its own, I would pick a street dancer or an artist that rocks all the way day in the streets. But one person I don’t know if they know but I think they’re aware of…is on fire when it comes to the moves, that are raw (and when I say raw, I mean hardcore), is Omarion. He is on fire with the moves; I’m not going to front. He’s clean with his moves when he does it. There’s a difference when you can get crazy and get raw and rowdy, but Omarion gets it cracking.

One person that also dances like fluid moves through him is Usher. Usher is on fire. I think once he gets a routine, he’s going to lock it in and make it look like nothing else. He’s to me for our generation, when it comes to male singer; he’s the one that really knows how to combine the two, dancing and singing. He is at this day and age, a true entertainer. He has it all to me.  AHH: I think you definitely respect for the ladies. What about any other women?Ciara: I think it’s very obvious, and it’s funny because people compare us a lot. But I think Janet, to me, is one of the women that really, puts her foot in her performance and she really knows how to do both together. So she is a true entertainer.

Original Post Date: August 14, 2008Chris Brown has been the center of attention for everything but his music lately (with the exception of penning Rihanna’s latest single “Disturbia”). Be it his dancing, cuddling with RiRi at KFC, or out-swagging the next male artist, CB has remained a staple in the spotlight – for better or worse. However, we managed to catch up with Chris Brown while doing something not so gossip-worthy… THISDAY, Africa’s leading media source, raises awareness for African issues through its annual star-studded THISDAY Festival. This year’s Festival themed “Africa Rising” focused on finding “sustainable solutions” rather than the “problems” facing Africa. Now in its third year, THISDAY Festival has gone cross continental for the first time with events in Abuja, Lagos, Washington DC, and London.The global festival sets out to project positive images of Africa by showcasing the renaissance of Africa’s music, fashion and the arts alongside global artists. Chris Brown, who was one of the many artists on the THISDAY line up in Lagos, shares his not so vast knowledge of Nigeria, his career, identity, and working with none other than Michael Jackson.AllHipHop.com Alternatives: What made you want to get involved with the Africa Rising Festival; what do you know about Nigeria?Chris Brown: Well I was asked to do it last year, but was busy. They called again this year, and this time I could do it, so here I am. I’m not going to even lie. I don’t know anything about Nigeria. I just know what I do. AHHA: What have you heard about Lagos before you came?Chris Brown: I heard it was hood. I heard it was going to be full of guns and everything, but just like any other place, people have good stories and bad stories and exaggerated stories.

“I ain’t even trying no more. Like honestly, I’m not a groupie type of guy so I’ll wait for his call before I keep calling him. Anyway, he’s harder to get hold of than Jesus.” – on collaborating with MJ

AHHA: How do you define yourself as an African in terms of your descendents?Chris Brown: Well, it’s kind of hard because I’m made up of so many different cultures and races. I’m Native American – like my Grandfather is an Indian chief like you see in the films [makes Native American chief tribal calling gesture] – but my Dad is Black. I haven’t actually looked at my culture and into what tribe I’m actually from, and it’s something I would like to do, but right now at this point I’m busy with my music.AHHA: You wrote Rihanna’s new song “Disturbia.” Is that something you would like to do more of?Chris Brown: I’ve got a three guy writing crew called Graffiti Artists, and so most of the time when we write, we just have fun with it. So whatever type of concepts that we have, we just have fun and try to put it out in record. For obvious reasons it was fun writing “Disturbia.”AHHA: What does “Disturbia” actually mean?Chris Brown: A weird state of mind, that’s what “Disturbia” is. Just kind of-like weird.AHHA: At one point there was talk of you and Michael Jackson collaborating. Whatever happened to that? Is that still in the works?Chris Brown: Hopefully… You know he’s such a difficult person to get hold of, he’s busy and I’m busy. I reached out to him at one point and we spoke about it. So if he wants to do it, then I’m sure he’ll get in touch with my people.I ain’t even trying no more. Like honestly, I’m not a groupie type of guy so I’ll wait for his call before I keep calling him. Anyway, he’s harder to get hold of than Jesus. AHHA: So what about doing collaborations with someone more current like Ne-Yo or Usher?Chris Brown: Yeah that would be incredible. I think we would have fun. That’s definitely a possibility for the future. It would depend on the record and how they would want to do it.

“I think that now he’s given me that lee-way, now that he’s been gone for so long, I think it is time for me to come. At the same time I’ll still welcome him in and still want him to still do great and still do great records.” – on competition with Usher

AHHA: You, Ne-Yo and Rihanna all basically started up at the same time. It must be great that all have become successful…Chris Brown: It’s incredible, especially as we all started so young. For a while it seemed only artists over the age of twenty-three and up were breaking into the industry, and then we all came along. It’s a great thing, especially as even to this day we are all still doing a great job, and this is just the beginning. This is just a steppingstone for what we will achieve in the future.AHHA: R&B has recently taken a more Pop/dance driven route. Will we be seeing you go down that direction?Chris Brown: Most definitely… I am trying to be the next Michael Jackson, hopefully… You will definitely be hearing some more Pop-driven records from me. I want to be the Prince of Pop; I don’t want to say I’m the King. I hopefully can be the Prince.AHHA: Usher put out his album this year. What do you make of his comeback?Chris Brown: I think it’s cool. I think it’s dope. I think there’s still going to be room for me though. I think that now he’s given me that lee-way, now that he’s been gone for so long, I think it is time for me to come. At the same time I’ll still welcome him in and still want him to still do great and still do great records. So me and him are just going to be battling at the top of the charts for those records. AHHA: So who if any do you see as your competition?Chris Brown: Competition…Err, I think everybody is. At the end of the day, I think everybody is going to be competition. Friendly competition though, because everyone will be making a hot record. Everybody always comes with a hot record or dope record that becomes Number 1, so I’m just competing with everybody. But my Number 1 competition is myself.AHHA: Is it hard to deal with all the media interest into your personal life?Chris Brown: Not really. To be honest, I don’t really care. Like my personal life is my personal life. I don’t focus on negative things. I just focus on the positive.

“Like certain people in my fan club or whatever will be like, ‘Oh he’s Hollywood now,’ and this and that. I’m like, ‘No I’m not.’ It’s just that my records are doing well. I’m just a bigger artist.” – on some fans not accepting his success

AHHA: Ok but with the whole media spotlight, having a relationship can often be difficult to keep private. What’s your take on it? Like does it annoy you when people pry into your private life?Chris Brown: Always, always… Regardless if it’s an interview or anywhere… I think private life is called private life; it’s self-explanatory. So it’s supposed to be a private situation, but in this industry you can’t always think that you can have that because people are nosy. People want to get the juice on you; people want to know what’s going on. I find people won’t even ask me about my work or music anymore; it’s just about my private life.AHHA: So do you get bothered about the blogs/internet interest?Chris Brown: I don’t really read them. When I read them it’s just to laugh. I take it as a compliment; I must be important for them to even spend time talking about me. AHHA: Good Attitude. Normally the more famous a person gets, the less normal they feel. How do you stay grounded?Chris Brown: Well not me personally. I feel like the more famous, I get the more I want to show people that that’s not the case and that I’m still the same person. I think the people around you might change a little bit though because they think that you think that you’re bigger. AHHA: Is that what you’ve experienced?Chris Brown: Hmm. I would say to a certain extent, part of my fan base has. Like certain people in my fan club or whatever will be like, “Oh he’s Hollywood now,” and this and that. I’m like, “No I’m not.” It’s just that my records are doing well. I’m just a bigger artist. I’m not saying there’s nothing changed about me, and I’m still doing the same things but I haven’t changed as a person.AHHA: You were a part of the Jay-Z/Roc-A-Wear clothing “I Will Not Lose” campaign. How did that come about?Chris Brown: I was asked to be a part of the campaign before doing my US tour. They worked with us on our tour; sending over merchandise and other bits so we had a working relationship. I think it was a good campaign to be a part of – not just because of the various other celebrities involved, but just because of the message behind it.

“I think private life is called private life; it’s self-explanatory. So it’s supposed to be a private situation, but in this industry you can’t always think that you can have that because people are nosy.” – on his love life

AHHA: What is your relationship like with Jay-Z?Chris Brown: If I see him, I say what up. I have a cordial relationship with him. We haven’t got any real friendship or anything. Like we have never hung out or anything. AHHA: Do you have any other fashion endorsements?Chris Brown: Some of the deals I will be doing are being negotiated right now and because I’m a businessman, so I’m not going to say yet. [laughs]AHHA: Who are you’re favorite designers?Chris Brown: Certain people make different things. I like the fit of Levi’s jeans and I wear more skinny jeans like skateboarder jeans. Sneakers are always Nike, Adidas, Jordans. Designer-wise I like Dolce, Gucci, Luis Vuitton, everything. AHHA: Is it true you support Barack Obama?Chris Brown: I have met Obama, and I think he’s a great person, but I don’t get into politics.AHHA: Fair enough. So music wise are you working on a new album?Chris Brown: Yeah we started on the new album maybe like – s**t when was it – we started on the new album maybe November-ish. Like I been starting on writing some stuff, but we haven’t really started all the way. AHHA: So finally what does the future hold for Chris Brown?Chris Brown: In the future, a little bit of everything. More albums, more films, more video directing, touring, writing, fashion…everything. Expect a little bit of everything. As much as possible…and just having fun.