Comin Back Up

Tatyana Ali is featured in the current issue of the “prestigious” King Magazine where she talks about being Black in Hollyweird and her new album:

What are your thoughts on black Hollywood?
It’s kind of like the Wild West out there, and not just for black Hollywood. In a traditional sense, things look bad—there are people out of work, shows aren’t going up and a lot of films aren’t being made, because of the fear of actors going on strike. But I think it’s a real fertile time to stake your claim. With things up in the air, it creates new space for people who are trying to break through, business-wise.

The same can be said about the music business, yet you’re still dropping a new album.
I found my voice with this album, The Light. I can never stop singing. Remember, I recorded my first album [1998’s Kiss the Sky, MJJ Music] when I was 16, and other people wrote most of the songs. I really wanted the next album that I did to express who I am. And the only way I can do that is to write it myself. So in that sense, I found my voice.

Did you also recruit a gaggle of producers like last time?
No, I finally paired up with a producer named Johnny J, who has sold 100 million albums worldwide and is responsible for a lot of 2Pac’s music.

You’re not going to start rocking bandannas and have THUG LIFE tatted on your body, are you?
Absolutely not, not that there’s anything wrong with that. It’s not my personal style. But I’m not gangster—no THUG LIFE tatted on my chest [laughs].

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