gt.com: you have a beautiful name. do you
know what it means?
TEAIRRA: ::laughs:: It has no meaning! Mari was passed down from generations
in my family. Teairra is a common name for a princess crown!
gt.com: it's definitely fitting, since you are figuratively called
"The Princess of Roc." what was it like to work with Jay-Z and to become a part
of the Roc-A-Fella Records family, and how did that come about?
TEAIRRA: It's great! I mean, I'm really happy right now -- everyone treats me so
well. I'm like a little sister! I'm really happy at this point. It came about when I
started with this local production company in Detroit. We put together a demo and shopped
it around. L.A. Reid got it, and he signed me!
gt.com: speaking of L.A., what
is it like working with "modern music industry legends" like he and Jay-Z
everyday?
TEAIRRA: It's great, they are both great guys, and they are geniuses. You can't go
wrong with them! I learned from them just to stay focused, really. And just to know that
everyone is not going to like you.
gt.com: great advice! okay, in your first single, "Make Her Feel
Good," you used the classic hip-hop sample "My Melody." what made you
decide to include that particular sample in your debut?
TEAIRRA: Well, when I heard the track, I knew that it was a
big track. Like I said, when I heard it, I knew it was huge and the symbol, and I loved
it.
gt.com: you're not the only musical one in your family -- we hear that
your grandmother sung backup for Aretha Franklin. tell us a little more about growing up
in a musically-gifted household?
TEAIRRA: It was great, because she would tell us all of the different stories. But
since I wasn't born when she was singing with Aretha, I really don't know everything. I
think music makes the world go 'round. So, it was a big part of my household.
gt.com: amazing! now, when was
the first time you knew singing was the career you wanted to pursue, and what was the
first thing you did to jumpstart your career?
TEAIRRA: I can't even remember! As far as I know, as long as I could feel the
feeling, I felt like that. The first things I did were singing in the choir, school and
church choirs, talent shows...everything I could do, I did.
gt.com: now it's paying off! okay, pretend our readers are searching a
music store and stumble across your debut release. why should they buy it?
TEAIRRA: I think they should buy it, because it's real and I don't sugarcoat things.
I talk a lot about real life situations. I think that there is one song on the album that
each person can relate to. Like, my favorite song is my second single called "No
Daddy." It's my favorite, because it is the most personal and it's truth in my
life.
gt.com: good enough! now, your style is so chic. What are your secrets to
creating the perfect look, and what is the one makeup item you can't leave home without?
TEAIRRA: Always having lip gloss! When I'm not doing photo shoots and stuff like
that, I don't really wear a lot of makeup. I wear heels all of the time. I wear fitted
jeans and nice, fitted tops. I'd have to say Rocawear is my favorite designer! I love so
many things, but Rocawear is my favorite. They really have nice stuff!
gt.com: agreed! you shot your first music video. tell us more about
that?
TEAIRRA: That was really, really fun! Since it was my first time, I didn't expect to
be so tired, and I didn't expect to get up so early. That was a really fun experience.
When Jay-Z came to see me, a lot of people bumrushed the whole set!
gt.com: hilarious! okay, some people may not realize that you're only 17.
what is it like being such a success at a young age, and how do you juggle both high
school and a blossoming career?
TEAIRRA: I mean, it's great! I wouldn't ask God to change it for anything. Especially
being with the team that I'm with. I love it! With school, I just stay focused. I have a
home tutor now, so I just try to do my work in the morning, and get it out the way, so I
can do everything I need to do until I'm comfortable.
gt.com: good for you! so, have you ever found yourself completely
starstruck by a fellow celebrity?
TEAIRRA: I haven't found myself completely starstruck, but I have caught
myself shaking when I meet certain people. Like Mariah Carey. When I met her at a party, I
was like "Ohmigod!"
gt.com: a lot of musicians, once conquering the music world, dip their
feet into the waters of acting. is that something you are looking to pursue or would you
rather just focus on your music? what would be your ideal role?
TEAIRRA: Yes, I am looking to pursue that later on down the line. I want to do
everything, movies and television. I'd love to do an autobiographical role!
gt.com: interesting! finally, what's next for you? what can we look
forward to?
TEAIRRA: Later on this year, hopefully I will be hitting the road with somebody. And,
just keep your eyes and ears open, because there are a lot of things coming up!
gt.com: looking forward to it. Thanks a lot for the interview,
Teairra!
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