Nenna Yvonne is a talented 21 year old songwriter and singer, who was born in Nigeria but raised in New York. She currently has a EP out titled, “Model Citizen” and it includes the single, “Some Girls.” The visual for the single will be released soon, in the meantime, check out a acoustic version of the song below and let us know what you think.
Check out this track from new artist named Ashaya. The song is titled “XOXO” and is on her debut EP, “Jukebox Remedy.”
*Ashaya first graced the music world in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia as a classically trained dancer/singer. Combined with her love of dance and singing, the young performer started her recording career at the age of fourteen. From recording, Ashaya performed on various sets in Atlanta and Washington, DC opening up for acts such as David Banner, Fabolous, and J. Cole. Her very first single “Best Friend” featured on Grammy-nominated producer Chris Hines debut compilation album “Master Mind” gained airplay on New York’s HOT 97 FM. However, it wasn’t until her senior year at her now alma mater Howard University, that Ashaya decided to continue her career as a singer/songwriter and embark on creating Jukebox Remedy, her debut EP. Jukebox Remedy features tracks such as “Cranberry and Vodka,” “Through My Mind,” and “XOXO.”
To learn more about this up and coming artist, visit:
http://flavors.me/ashaya
http://twitter.com/itsmeashaya
http://youtube.com/Ashaya01
‘XOXO’ the new single from Ashaya, available for download here http://bit.ly/bU1sDt
*taken from Ashaya’s bio
MMIM: Can you tell our readers why you picked the title “No Gravity” for your second album and what we can expect to hear on this project in terms of special appearances and music/lyric direction?
Shontelle: I chose “No Gravity” because it’s a new mantra I’ve adopted. Not even the sky is the limit. There IS none. I can and will go wherever I want to, whenever I want to. No barriers. It’s also the title of a one of the tracks I wrote on the album. Musically I have evolved. I was exposed to so much different types of music and many different cultures as I toured the world. You will hear much of that influence in my new music. Lyrically and vocally I have matured and improved. I can’t say too much about the features but in studio I worked with alot of hot people including, Bruno Mars, Mr. Hudson, The Jackie Boyz, The Aristotracks, Jimmy Harry, Tony Kanal (No Doubt) and Rock City just to name a few.
MMIM: Your latest single “Impossible” has been receiving rave reviews. What was the inspiration behind this song?
Shontelle: Thank you. I just wanted to put a song out that people can relate to. I miss hearing ballads on the radio. All I hear is dance, dance and more dance. All the rest is hip-hop. I love all that stuff too and it’s all on my album but I feel we’ve gotten so “hard” and no-one just “listens” anymore. I just wanted to have minimal music & production and make it intimate. All about my voice. I want people to listen to the lyrics. It’s a song you’re supposed to “feel”.
MMIM: You have a background in entertainment law where you studied at the University of West Indies. Do you feel this has given you an advantage as you pursue your goals in the music industry?
Shontelle: I do believe it’s helps. I’ve got a savvy edge because of my law studies. Stay in school kids!
MMIM: Do you believe that its more challenging for an artist to become successful in the US when they are from overseas?
Shontelle: Very much so. The game is very political and when you’re from outside, it’s worse than being a immigrant. It’s like being the new foreign exchange student in class. A class with a a lot of mean bully kids LOL! But the good thing about people is that they eventually come around. I don’t feel like such an outsider these days.
MMIM: Can you tell our readers about any upcoming projects or tours outside of your album?
Shontelle: Have seen the new Veet ads? Those are my legs you see in all the magazines. I’m also on the road now doing a US club tour. You can see the dates on www.shontelleonline.com
MMIM: Where would you like to see 2010 take you?
Shontelle: To the top of the Billboard and radio charts! To the 2011 Grammys! Yea let’s go! Who’s with me? 
MMIM: How can our readers keep up with what Shontelle is doing?
Shontelle: You can keep up with your girl onTwitter,MySpace,my official fan site, Facebook,Kyte, Ustream, You Tube,Vevo, and last but not least my official website. Yea basically you can find me everywhere. Thanks for holding it down for me.
My Mood is Music had the pleasure of chatting with R&B songstress Vivian Green. Check out our conversation below where she discusses her upcoming album, Beautiful, the joys of motherhood, and much more.
MMIM: It’s been five years since you put out a studio album. Can you tell us what Vivian Green has been up to since releasing your self titled album Vivian?
Vivian Green: I have been being a mom. I haven’t been doing much but that. I have a son and he is actually six today (3/30). His name is Jordan and when he was born he had some issues with his health. We were in and out of the hospital, so I was focused on him. Once his health started to improve and he started meeting every milestone I went shopping for another deal because during that time I had left Sony Music. When I was able to focus on work again I had to find a new home and create a new album. I have been doing a lot of praying and I have grown a lot as a person. It’s been Jordan’s world this whole time. He is now in kindergarten and he is killing it, so I couldn’t be happier.
MMIM: We are glad to hear Jordan is doing well.
Vivian Green: Thank you.
MMIM: Your new single “Beautiful” is just that. It’s a beautiful ballot. Can you tell our readers what the inspiration was behind that track?
Vivian Green: I was in a relationship and I ended that relationship. Instead of being angry about it like I have been on past records I wanted to write a break up song that focused on the positive take of a break up versus what I did on Emotional Rollercoaster. I didn’t want to make that same type of record and I wanted it to be really different. I didn’t know it would be a single so I am happy its doing well on the charts and that people get what I am trying to say. I am in a different place in my life where I don’t want to go negative all the time. If it’s a break up I won’t say anything bad about you, but I will say something nice. I also want the next girl to get treated better so she won’t leave him like I did.
MMIM: On your past albums A Love Story and Vivian you touched heavily on relationships and a lot of your songs women can relate to first hand. Will you be using that same formula on Beautiful or trying something different?
Vivian Green: This is a very positive album so you won’t see the same thing. When I wrote Emotional Roller Coaster and Gotta Go Gotta Leave I was very sad and all of that emotion came out in the songs. For example, Better Man gives both the woman and man’s side about why a relationship doesn’t work out. Then Save Me is like a fun uptempo reggae song, where it’s more about the feel than anything else. Then there is Caught Up and I am in the club with my girlfriends having girl talk in front of a small audience. The tone of these songs are more fun and not negative. I am in a different place right now and I hope people openly receive it. Of course I talk about love because I enjoy talking about love. There is also a song dedicated to my son called Jordan’s Song.
Click after the jump to see the remainder of the interview.
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MMIM: You have had three successful studio albums, can you tell our readers when we can expect to see a fourth album from you?
Lloyd: Sometime next year. No date yet, but I’ve already started working on the album. I’ve gone in with Cool & Dre, The Runners, Jim Jonsin, and a few other so far. We’re taking our time. It will come when the people demand it.
MMIM: You recently released an EP through your label Young Goldie Music. What motivated you to put out an EP, and what can we expect to hear?
Lloyd: I put it out for free on my site, www.younggoldie.com. I wanted to get some new music out to my fans, and I made it free just to show my appreciation. The project is a little more personal than some stuff that you may have heard before. I wanted it to completely represent me as a sign of my independence, since it’s my first release after leaving The Inc. Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Bun B, and Juelz Santana are some of the names on the project with me. You gotta hear it.
MMIM: Could you see yourself releasing your next album via your own label or possibly parenting with Young Money?
Lloyd: You have to have some form of distribution and support system to win in this industry, so I’m definitely going to partner with a major. My last two albums were released under my production company Young Goldie Music so it will definitely be a part of the next deal too. We haven’t made any decisions yet, but we’re talking to several labels including Young Money.
Wayne is a friend and has always supported me, so he was one of the first people that we talked to.
MMIM: You have a passion for helping youth within the community; can you tell us about any upcoming efforts that you will be involved in?
Lloyd: We just finished a few toy drives with the radio stations in Atlanta, and in 2010 I plan on launching my own nonprofit company to help children that are growing up without a father in the home. That¹s something that I can relate to. I’m always willing to support something positive in the community.
MMIM: Where would Lloyd like to see 2010 take him?
Lloyd: Even being out of the lime light for most of 2009 I did over 50 shows internationally in 15 countries. The world is a lot smaller now. In 2010 I’m gonna continue that international grind and go even harder here in the states.
MMIM: What is the best way for our readers to keep up with you?
Lloyd: I’m on twitter and facebook, www.twitter.com/lloyd_yg and www.facebook.com/lloydmusic, and I launched my blog earlier this year, www.younggoldie.com. I also have this pretty cool service called SayNow where I can talk directly to my fans on my cell phone. All they have to do is call me at 404-492-6549 or 1-877-77-LLOYD.
Donell Jones is a well-known R&B singer, songwriter and producer from Chicago. He is most notable for his hit singles such as “U Know What’s Up” featuring the late great Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and also “Where I Wanna Be”. Early in his career, Jones gained notice as a songwriter penning songs for established R&B artistry such as Usher with his 1995 hit “Think of You” and 702’s hit “Get It Together”. He has also written for many other artists to include groups like Brownstone and Silk. Jones later moved on to reach great heights in his musical career and beyond as he has truly blessed us with his talents.
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Donell Jones but MMIM had the opportunity to speak with the talented Donell Jones recently and it was a pleasure to do so. In our conversation with Donell, he covers his whereabouts during his hiatus, gives us exciting news of his current release “The Lost Files”, and apprised of his new album coming in 2010. He also discusses his personal feelings about the current state of music. After reading, make sure to share your comments.
MMIM: We’ve all missed you these past few years Donell, how does it feel to come back to mainstream?
Donell Jones: It feels good, I mean it’s been a minute; I just really wanted to get back out and share my music with the world. I’ve been hearing a lot of my fans say they miss that style of R&B so I’m just ready to come back out and share my music with them.
MMIM: Well you’ve blessed your fans with your current release, “The Lost Files” on Nov 24, which I feel is a good prelude to what’s to come next year. This includes some of your unreleased songs spanning from your debut album in 1996 to 2004?
Donell Jones: That’s correct, there’s songs on there that I did when I first got in the game up until then. Because usually what happens when I record an album, when it’s time to start recording, I’ll start over and in that down time, those songs I make in that down time, I usually just push them to the side and just start from scratch so I got so many songs, this “Lost Files”, that’s just volume one. So you’ll be hearing more of them, I just wanted to throw that out there, just so that my fans can get back familiar with my music and the style of R&B that I do.
MMIM: What would you say to be your memorable record on this project?
Donell Jones: It’s a couple of them, “Forever” that’s one song that I love a lot, “Superman” is another.
MMIM: Yes, Yes, that’s definitely one of my favorites too.
Donell Jones: And “Free”, “Free” was a song that I wrote, that was when the World Trade happened. I forgot what year that was, but I wrote that right around that time that those planes crashed into the World Trade Center.
Click more to see the remainder of the interview.
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MMIM had the opportunity to chat briefly with Ryan Leslie last week while he was in D.C for the Lexus Listening Lounge event. Check out our interview below with the talented singer, songwriter, and producer has he discusses his upcoming album, in addition to how it felt to be recognized as BET Rising Icon.
MMIM: You have a new album coming out entitled Transition. Can you tell the readers at My Mood is Music what we can expect on this album? Will it be a different sound from your first album?
Ryan Leslie: Well I try to be consistent with my music. I don’t really like to be a hype man. For example there have been so many times. I was at lunch today and someone told me about a drink they had and that it was the most incredible drink in the world. They always sets you up for disappoint. In this case I would like to say that I poured my heart out on these records and as a human being its my hope that people will relate to some of the topics that I cover. Just really the experiences of a summer that I had in the throws of a secret love.
MMIM: You are very internet savvy from You Tube and a phenomenal website. Can you telll us why you feel that its important for artists to have a presence on the web in regards to interacting with their fans?
Ryan Leslie: I think that the internet provides a distribution channel that you can control . If you have content that you can’t get on television, local cable, or even radio you can get it on You Tube and it doesn’t cost you anything. If you are someone that has an art that you want to distribute I encourage you to use You Tube as a distribution channel to share your art with the world.
MMIM: You were recently honored by BET and given the title of a Rising Icon. Can you tell us how it felt to be recognized and what’s next for Ryan Leslie?
Ryan Leslie: When given a title there comes a lot of responsibility. When someone refers to you as a rising icon I. Quickly think of the musicians that I consider icons such as. Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Jimi. Hendrix, Michael Jackson. The list can go on and on. For me to live up to the contribution artistically that those artists have made is a huge responsibility. I am very appreciative and grateful to BET for recognizing what I’m contributing and I am going to do everything that I can to live up to the title of an icon.
MMIM had the pleasure of interviewing the beautiful songstress Melanie Fiona. Her voice will bring anyone to their knees as she is a singer that truly embodies soul. With her voice you can fill her passion and within this interview she discusses her upcoming project The Bridge, how her parents have inspired her career, what is was like working with Questlove on her mixtape, amongst other things. Enjoy the video where she answers all of the questions listed below.
Interview Questions
* Can you tell our readers who is Melanie Fiona?
* We have read that your parents were also heavily involved in music. How has that impacted or inspired your career?
* Your debut album “The Bridge” was released outside the US on June 30th. Can you tell us how that album was received and when it will be released in the US?
* Speaking of the album, we love the single “Give It To Me Right!” What can we expect to see on “The Bridge.”
* You also recently dropped a mixtape with ?uestlove. Can you tell our readers how that project came about?
* In addition to your upcoming album, what else is in store for Ms.Fiona?
* How can our readers keep up with what is going on with you?
* Any last thoughts you would like to share with MMIM?
Melanie Fiona Interview from Kim Rene on Vimeo.
Born in the UK but raised in Jamaica and NY, Nathan was destined to be an international star. Being the son of reggae singer Lorna Gee, Nathan was inroduced to music at an early age. In his teens, Nathan spent most of his years in London where he developed his music style which was strongly influenced by the culture and music of both the US and Jamaica. Check out the conversation MMIM had with the talented artist and leave love.
MMIM: You have an international background from both London and Jamaica. Can you tell our readers how that has influenced your musical style?
Nathan: Living in different places means I’ve grown up with reggae music, pop music, and other genres. Being from the UK, the genre lines are blurred, and this allows you to mix genres easily, and this is what I try to do.
MMIM: In 2007, you released your debut album. Can you tell us how that album was received and what we can expect to see on your upcoming album?
Nathan: Masterpiece did well. A lot of people liked it. We released it independently and a lot of people said that if it was a major release it would have done better. It was a culmination of everything I have worked on all my life.
Nathan (cont.): On my new album fans can expect a more confident sound. I am more sure not about the kind of sound I want achieve musically. I’ve grown into the type of sound I want to make.
MMIM: Can you tell us what was the inspiration behind your current single “Super Woman?”
Nathan: I wanted something that girls could relate to and kind of aspire to. It’s about that feeling when you meet someone who has everything you need and want without even having to try. It’s a celebration of that moment.
MMIM: You have said that you want to start your career off by being independent first. Can you tell us what is your reason behind this?
Nathan: A lot of people, who sign deals before they know who they are as an artist, become at the mercy of the record company. When you’re independent you have more control, are more self-reliant and you have a say in creating your own buzz.
MMIM: Congrats on your performance at the Essence Music Festival last month. Can you tell us what you enjoyed most about that experience if you have any upcoming tour dates?
Nathan: I loved everything about it. I was there with a lot of people and the performance was great. The crowd was really receptive. I can’t wait to perform more! Since then I’ve performed in Indianapolis, DC, and NYC (@ BB Kings).
Nathan (cont.): All of my tour dates will be on my myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/nathanofficial
MMIM: Can you tell us what would be the ultimate duet or collaboration for Nathan?
Nathan: It’d have to be me with a female…lol…like Alicia Keys. Lauryn Hill would amazing also!
MMIM: How can our readers keep up with what Nathan is doing?
Nathan: Twitter (http://twitter.com/Nathanofficial), and Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/nathanofficial).
MMIM: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Nathan: I have a tattoo on my back that no one has seen yet. I’ve had it for about a month and it took 14 hours. I’ll get pictures on facebook soon!
*Esmée Denters is undoubtedly on her way to musical stardom, with her debut album filled with songs she co-wrote with a host of top-notch hit-making producers. Esmée is one of the first artists signed to Justin Timberlake’s Interscope imprint Tennman Records, but a mere two years ago, this Dutch 20-year-old was just a pancake house waitress with a webcam and a dream.
An aspiring singer who fell in love with her father’s Stevie Wonder albums as a child, Esmée was 17 when she began posting videos of herself on YouTube singing her favorite hits by Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Pink, and Natasha Bedingfield, which she recorded in the bedroom of her suburban home of Oosterbeek in the Netherlands. “I had seen all these videos of amateur singers, which gave me the idea,” she says. “I was just interested in what other people thought of my voice,” she says. “My friends had told me they liked my singing, but I was curious to get strangers’ opinions because music was what I really wanted to do.” When the videos were a hit and viewers started to make requests, Esmée was encouraged and began posting several clips a week, including songs she’d written herself. Within nine months, Esmée’s videos had racked up 21 million views and the teenager became the No. 1 Most-Subscribed to Musician in the history of the popular video-sharing website.
MMIM: What made you want to post your videos or YouTube? Was it just “out of fun” or did you do it in hopes to be discovered?
ED: It was more because I wanted to know different people’s opinions. I always had this dream of becoming a singer, but I definitely never thought that putting covers on YouTube would get me there. It really amazes me every time I think about how everything happened. I am really thankful to everybody that supported me by watching my videos on YouTube.
MMIM: Tell us about your upcoming project.
ED: My album “Outta Here” is set to come out this fall. I’m very proud of it. Justin really let me have a lot of creative input on what I wanted the album to sound like. He also was the producer on all of the songs and a writer on a couple of them. I got to work with some amazing producers like Stargate, Ryan Teddar and Toby Gad. I wrote on most of the songs that are on the record. Writing is really one of my favorite parts of being an artist. Creating a song is one of the most fulfilling things there is. The record is made up of all kinds of different sounds. It’s a pop record mixed with some other influences like dance, soul, and even little bit of rock. I really wanted people to see how I have grown since I started out on YouTube. I really wanted to make a record that fits with the 20 year old girl that I am now. The record has some great up-tempo’s that are just fun and great for a girls night out. But then there are also a couple of ballads and mid tempos were I touch on some deeper subjects, like the song “Victim”.
MMIM: How has it been working with Justin Timberlake?
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Time and time again rap groups fade away, but those with a strong foundation like Detroit’s own Slum Village are often hard to dissolve. My Mood is Music had the pleasure of speaking with T-3 from Slum Village where he discusses the group’s upcoming album, their role on the Rock the Bells Tour, upcoming projects, and much more. This group is anything, but tainted yet actually refined as they continue to uplift the legacy of J. Dilla by delivering quality music.
MMIM: Your website refers to Slum Village as a “liquid association” with members coming and going during the group’s evolution. Can you tell our readers what the current state of Slum Village is?
T3: The current state of Slum Village ( Laughs). It’s me Elzhi and Baatin.
MMIM: What about Illa J? (J Dilla’s brother)
T: He has helped us with a couple of songs.
MMIM: What is Slum Village currently doing to keep the J Dilla legacy alive?
T3: We are on the Rock the Bells Tour and it started about three weeks ago. We are also getting ready to drop a new album.
MMIM: Speaking of the new album. Your current single with Marsha Ambrosius, Cloud Nine we really like it.
T3: Oh okay, thanks.
MMIM: The album is called Villa Manifesto correct?
T3: Yes
MMIM: What can we expect to see from you all on this album?
T3: Well you will see all three members on this album, which is good. Baatin brings a lot of flavor to the pot, since he has a lot of character. This album will let people know what we have been doing for the last four years since we’ve dropped an album. It’s a real nice album. We are about to shoot the video for our single, Cloud Nine. However, before we shoot the video for that we are doing a skit, which is hilarious. We are shooting that next week where Baatin will be singing and rapping, so definitely be on the lookout for that. The skit is still untitled, but it’s exciting because our fans will see us three together again.
MMIM: Nice! So how do you all plan to release that. Will it be through different online channels?
T3: Yea just online. We want to release it virally, but the skit will definitely be on the album. The skit was produced by Kareem Riggins, who also did our Tainted track.
MMIM: I love the Tainted track, and how you all collaborated with Dwele.
T3: Dwele is actually directing the video for us, so it should be pretty dope.
MMIM: We are looking forward to seeing that and sharing it with our readers.
Click on more to see the rest of this interview…
The bar for R&B artists has lowered dramatically, with the emergence of auto-tune, super-producers and hot choreography, which is why Chrisette Michelle is such a breath of fresh air. The New York native broke the mold in 2006 when Sean ‘Jay Z’ Carter featured her on his hit single “Lost One” from his Kingdom Come album. Since then, Chrisette Michelle has worked with artists such as The Game, NeYo, The Roots, Nas, Ghostface Killah and DC’s own Wale.
Chrisette’s unique blend of R&B flare with jazz infused riffs led to the success of her 2007 debut album I AM. Two years later, a little edgier, and showing much more vulnerability, Chrisette is back with the release of her sophomore album Epiphany. My Mood Is Music caught up with the sultry singer between tour dates as she shared her experience with a bad break-up, her father’ struggle with cancer, and adding fashion diva to her growing list of accolades.
MMIM: First off, congrats on the new album.
Chrisette Michelle: Thank you!
MMIM: This is your sophomore album, how does it feel?
Chrisette Michelle: Great! I’m really excited to share the new music with everybody. It feels kind of like it did the first time though, you know just waiting to see what happens, what’s next.
MMIM: I see. Now it’s titled Epiphany, and the title track is about an epiphany from a relationship standpoint, is that a personal experience?
Chrisette Michelle: Yeah, definitely. I think everyone’s been through a break-up once or twice. I know I have. And it’s about coming to the point where you realize that this is just ridiculous. I have been calling that moment an epiphany.
MMIM: Is writing from personal experiences harder than writing someone else’s experience, or vice versa?
Chrisette Michelle: When you write about anything as an artist you want to be able to identify with the lyrics, because you always want to be true to yourself first. But this album being about an emotional experience is definitely easier than a song like “Your Joy,” which is about a happier time in retrospect.
MMIM: What’s the hardest song you’ve written?
Chrisette Michelle: “Your Joy” was actually really tough, but after I wrote it; because my dad was diagnosed with Cancer. So to perform it was literally a very emotional experience, even to this day. So MANY times at shows people request that song, and they have no idea what they’re asking for.
MMIM:I’m sorry to hear that.
Chrisette Michelle: It’s alright.
MMIM: Would you like to write for other artists?
Chrisette Michelle: Definitely! The girls who can sing big ballads, like Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia and people like that.
MMIM: Okay. Speaking of other artists, I noticed that you have a love for the DC music scene, having worked with Raheem DeVaughn, Wale and really embracing the whole go-go sound, where’d that come from?
Chrisette Michelle: When I got to the Jimmy Fallon show that afternoon [Chrisette Michelle was a guest on Jimmy Fallon's late night show on May 22, 2009], and they played [Epiphany] regularly, I was like there’s no way I will be on the show with The Roots and not flip this go-go style. I love working with The Roots; they are amazing. And I really wanted to be someone to embrace the DC music culture because I think that culture is incredible. Also, when I come to DC I get a lot of love, so I just want to give it back.
MMIM: That’s what’s up. Do you classify yourself as an artist, like R&B or Neo-Soul? I know a lot of times labels and/or fans try to put you in a box.
Chrisette Michelle: Oh, I’m a slave to no genre. I don’t mind what box people put me in, as long as you go pick it up. [Laughs] Some people don’t make it to a “box,” you know?
MMIM: If you could go back to let’s say the 70s and live the life of one famous singer, who would it be?
Chrisette Michelle: Probably Diana Ross. She just embodied such beauty to me. I love Dorothy Dandridge and Ella [Fitzgerald]. I would love to be Ella, especially with my love of theatre.
MMIM: Nice! You ever think about Broadway, you have the perfect voice for theatre?
Chrisette Michelle: Definitely. I went to school and studied vocal performance, so there were a lot of theatre performances. It’s something I would love to get into; I’m just so busy right now. Like, currently I tour about 300 days out of the year. But it’s something I want to do, for sure.
MMIM: Looking forward to that. Now I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but you’re becoming a fashion icon. How does that feel?
Chrisette Michelle: It’s so weird to me. You’re not the first person to say that to me. The way that I dress is a part of who I am as a person. In elementary school I used to be stuck on what I wore. I mean, I still am, but you don’t get to showcase who you are in the very beginning in this business, because you’re not really seen. But now that I’m more out there, people are seeing a little bit more of my style. I mean I have rack and racks of shoes and clothes. I love shopping. I love fashion.
MMIM: Now I was listening to one of your previous interviews your interviews and you touched on the fact that you have ADHD. Tell me more about that
Chrisette Michelle: Ahhh yes. My mom studied psychology so it was very easy for her to diagnose me and my little brother. I just remember her taking me to get a test done when I was younger and mid-way through the test I was like, just stop because I know what you’re going to say. The lady was like “Yes.” It was frustrating at first. I didn’t want to hear it, but two years ago I finally went and had someone confirm that yes, I do in fact have ADHD.
MMIM: How does that affect you?
Chrisette Michelle: Really, I feel like if my passion didn’t require creativity and being pulled in a million different directions that it would be difficult. I don’t think you can have ADHD and do something that doesn’t allow you to do multiple things at once.
MMIM: I can see that. Do you have OCD too, because I’ve heard stories about your spic and span tour bus?
Chrisette Michelle: No I don’t [have OCD], but my tour bus is impeccably clean. You won’t find any empty pizza boxes or smelly socks lying around. I mean you have to live there for weeks at a time, you know?
MMIM: [Laughs] I understand. I know you’re touring with Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild this summer. How do you think their tour buses are?
Chrisette Michelle: Anthony [Hamilton] will probably have a clean tour bus. He eats green food and drinks green juices. He wears crisp Abercrombie and Fitch shirts, and is just always put together well. I’m not so sure about Musiq though. I get the sense that he may not be as neat. I’ll have to let you know.
MMIM: Please do. Tell me, what does Chrisette Michelle want out of 2009?
Chrisette Michelle: Hmmm. For my music, I just need for this album to be a platform for what’s next for me. There’s so much I want to say and do that I haven’t done yet, so I’m ready to move forward, and the third album will speak volumes.
And as far as my personal life; I just want to keep up my friendship and family relationships, because those are the most important. They keep me grounded. And my fans, I love my fans. I’m an Internet girl. I spend so much time on MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. I really adore interacting with my fans. They keep me laughing, and I don’t take that for granted.
Some music is timeless, and the work of the late great Bob Marley epitomizes this notion. His sons continue this legacy of greatness by making authentic reggae music that evokes the same timeless feel as their father.
Since recording his first song at age five, Julian Marley has become a self-taught musician, playing the bass, drums, and keyboard. At the age of 14, he released his first album Uprising. The British born, Jamaica raised Rasta then traveled to Jamaica to record Lion in the Morning with his brothers Stephen and Damian Marley. His next album A Time and Place, released in 2003 was Marley’s last recorded work.
Six years later, Julian Marley is back with a new album Awake, as well as a newfound inspiration for music and life, found in the passing of his grandmother Cedella Marley Booker. The album, which features guest appearances from Stephen Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, and American rapper Mr. Cheeks, symbolizes growth and restoration of classic roots reggae. Julian Marley opens up to MMIM about life in Jamaica, the passing of his grandmother, and the continuing the legacy of his father.
MMIM: What have you been doing the past six years, brother?
Julian Marley: Lots of work, working with the family and my brothers. There have been a couple of projects we’ve been doing down in Jamaica, and lots of concerts for causes in Ethiopia and stuff. We did the Marley Brothers Tour and a couple of other things. And of course just working on the upcoming album.
MMIM: Do you identify with mainstream reggae artists who are more a part of pop culture?
Julian Marley: I listen to it still. You might find me on one or two, but I definitely have a responsibility to bring this reggae music back up to the forefront, musically.
MMIM: You’re one of the few reggae artists, or artists period, that plays several instruments. How did that come about and how is it reflected in your music?
Julian Marley: Really it was just our father’s ear; we just always picked up instruments. We listened to music all the time, and there were a wide variety of instruments in the music we listened to. I was around my grandmother when I was six or seven and she used to play the piano and that was when I first started playing keyboard. The first instrument I learned to play was the drums though, and then I went on to learn the guitar.
And yeah, being able to play many instruments makers you better rounded, because you can be somewhere and always work on your music and not have to wait on someone. And it’s always good to be a musician as well as an artist because you can work thoroughly.
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Producer, DJ, crowd pleaser, artist. In today’s music industry, all of these occupations seem to mesh together. But in a sea full Mr. “Me Too”s, Salaam Remi swims upstream, continuously pushing the envelope.
Since emerging onto the scene in 1992 with Hip-Hop group Zhigge, Remi has become an unstoppable force in the music industry, as well as the world of film. From breathing life into the careers of iconic Hip-Hop artists, such as The Fugees and Nas, to catapulting the careers of Amy Winehouse and Jazmin Sullivan, Remi has gained respect as not just a producer, but a talented musician. His musicianship can be heard in films such as Rush Hour 3, Sex and the City, and most recently the Mike Tyson documentary.
With twenty years of success behind him, Remi still has his eye on the prize, and My Mood Is Music was flattered to be along for the ride.
MMIM: Hey you! Finally catching up with you.
Salaam Remi: I know. I’m actually in St. Lucia with Ms. Winehouse right now, in the studio.
MMIM: Ahh yes. Last time we talked you did say that you were working with Amy [Winehouse]. How is that going?
Salaam Remi: That’s going great. I’m really excited about the new album. You know I’ve worked on her previous two albums, Back to Black and Frank, so our working relationship is really good.
MMIM: That’s exciting! How is the relationship between you and an artist, like Amy Winehouse, affected by personal struggles in their life?
Salaam Remi: At end of the day, when it comes to the collaboration with an artist, and me it comes down to our personal conversations; and that never changes. We’re always on the same page. No matter what’s going on around her [Amy Winehouse] our conversations remain the same. She’s the same person she was when I met her at 18 years old. It’s the same case with Ms. [Lauryn] Hill; my interaction with her is always the same, no matter what her conversation is with anyone else on the Earth. Whether we work together or not.
MMIM: So when can we expect new material from Ms. Winehouse? I’m still bumping Frank?
Salaam Remi: We’ve been working hard, so it should be really soon.
MMIM: Awesome! Last time we talked, you were working on Nas’ greatest hits album and Hip Hop is Dead, as well as the Rush Hour 3 soundtrack. What are you up to now?
Salaam Remi: I’m working on Cee-lo Green’s new album, as the Executive Producer. We’re about a quarter of the way through with that. I just co-produced the [Mike] Tyson documentary. I feel really good about it. I’m looking forward to more of that type of action. I have a new artist named Livvi Franc on Jive [Records] that I’m working with. She has a single called ‘Now I’m That Bitch,’ which I produced. It’s dropping commercially in a couple weeks. I have a song on Mary J. Blige’s new album. I just started on the new Jazmin Sullivan album as well.
MMIM: I guess you’re saving small children too, in your free time? [laughs] How do you have time for all of these projects?
Salaam Remi: It’s back to back. I’m always traveling. Like, the biggest thing I’m doing this month is my project with Spragga Benz. We have an album coming out called Shotta Culture, which will be accompanied by a documentary. It should be out this summer. It’s basically about his life, from being a Kingston [Jamaica] kid to a grown man. I’m just on the go. Whether it’s a new artist or an established [artist], I just want to come with a strong body of work. That’s what keeps me going.
MMIM: Do you find that difficult to do, when you are working on so many different projects?
Salaam Remi: Not at all. When I’m working with an artist, I make sure I get the best out of everything they have to offer. Like, I will only do it if I know I can put a thousand percent into it and make it potent.
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MMIM: So who is Young Capone and what people or experiences have influenced you throughout your career?
YC: Young Capone is a growing man coming into his own on a daily basis. He strives to better his own character as an artist, and at the same time as an entrepreneur. As far as the people who have influenced my career, I can speak on numerous encounters with various individuals including Jermaine Dupri and Nitti who have influenced my stepping stones throughout my career. The experiences on the other hand, I can say that personally and professionally I have allowed certain events come into play, good and bad, that have given me time to reflect on if the choices that I have made thus far is right for my direction in the Entertainment and Music Industry. Being the type of man that I am NOW; I can say that I do not dwell on any of the choices or mistakes that I made previously. Now, I know to think things through on a business standpoint with my whole team that makes sense for my position and career as a whole.
MMIM: You have your own label, Trotti Entertainment. Can you tell our readers how this came about and what the challenges and perks are?
YC: After departing on a mutual basis and prospective with So So Def, I wanted to take time out and reflect on who Young Capone really was or wanted to be in the Music Industry. Once I got the opportunity to reflect on my career path: myself and my business partner created TROTTI, ENT. in 2008 in order to align my goals and wants as an artist and a brand in Hip Hop. With my current situation, being an owner of my own imprint, means that I am the driver in the seat and the individual at the end of every day that can either ruin or create a mogul that other upcoming artist can respect and view as a role to come to for advice or even as an example. That alone is a tremendous responsibility, as well as, a great opportunity that most recognize to establish later in their career. Being 23 years old, and a CEO while having a successful mark in the game is a blessing of its own.
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