In this interview, the songstress talks about being a Def Jam artist, gives advice on dating, how to deal with breakups, and much more. Continue reading to check out our interview with the fabulous Amerie:

Life @ Def Jam

ATF: So how does it feel to be a Def Jam Recording artist? It has to be such an honor to be on that legendary label.

Amerie: It sounds like you need to be a Def Jam artist (laughs)…But no seriously, It’s really great. It feels awesome to be over there now. I’m really happy with the new situation. The team is great; working with L.A. Reid is just wonderful all in itself. He’s a legend and he’s just amazing.  I love working with someone who is passionate about music and what he does.  LA looks at things from a creative stand point.

ATF: So why did you decide to make that jump to Def Jam? Columbia is looked at as a well rounded label, while
Def Jam is known for their heavy rap influence.

Amerie: I just felt people at a urban level would more understand the temperature. They understand the direction and the timing of things. Not that people at Sony didn’t, I just feel some of the ideas on how to approach certain things are better. I am now working with people who really live and breathe the music and the culture.

ATF: Okay, so you know coming from Columbia, their sole attention has always been Beyonce, and you had to compete with that. Now you head over to Def Jam where they have Rihanna and Mariah Carey. So where do you think you fit in at Def Jam around these “heavy weights”?

Amerie: Well you know were just very different. Mine and Mariah Carey’s music is very different as so is mine and Rihanna’s music. The thing I like about the label was that I didn’t feel any pressure. Every artist is really appreciated for their own individual sound and style. It’s really a great place to be creative.

Story Behind “In Love & War”

ATF: So what is the production like on this album? In Love & War is a very strong title.

Amerie: The concept of it was just pretty much going though the hard times and the growing pains of a relationship. There is no idealized notion of a relationship on the album. The album was going to be called Break Up to Make Ups but that changed after I wrote the song In Love & War with Warren Campbell. The album is a very Hip Hop, Soul, Rock fusion.

ATF: So where did you get inspiration for this album? Usually artist draw inspiration for their personal lives. Is that true for you?

Amerie: Most of it were things that I have been through in the past in my relationships. A couple of them were things that my closest girl-friends have went through. All of it is very very real. That’s why I think the album is so relate-able.

ATF: So is the album a little bit of male bashing or it is more like empowering for women?

Amerie: Is there really such a  thing has male bashing? You tell me who has male bashing song.

ATF: I’ll take it back to Destiny’s Child “Writings on the Wall” album. That album was full of songs against men.

Amerie: I don’t think they were male bashing. They were just telling it like it is. But I do want to say no my album is not full of male bashing songs. The songs are unisex, they cane be from a woman to a man or vice versa.

Amerie Gets Personal

ATF: So what is the “girl-talk” about with some of your close female friends?

Amerie: It’s usually about men. We talk about the stuff you guys have done (laughs). We are constantly giving advice to one another about our relationships.

ATF: So we haven’t really seen Amerie’s name in the headliners or on blogs. Why do you avoid high profile relationships or industry guys?

Amerie: I don’t have a thing against industry guys, I just think its hard to date someone who does what you do. The schedules would just pull you apart some much. Someone has to always be able to see the other person. But if your both on your separate tours it makes things difficult.

ATF: So what type of guy do you seek?

Amerie: I just want a man I can be myself with. I’m not really big into looks; I’ve never really been into looks. People use to always accuse me of falling for the funny looking guy. I would say I just like character, someone who has personality. That guy that may not be on the cover GQ, probably had more time to develop a personality and some smarts. He really doesn’t have to just rely on his looks to get a girl. I just like men who know themselves and are confident. Sometimes I can be really dorky like playing computer games and reading Harry Potter. I want someone who likes me for me.

Amerie Gives Advice To The Ladies

ATF: What type of advice could you give a girl going through a new breakup?

Amerie: The best advice I can give a woman going through a breakup with a man is to find a new one (laughs). That’s probably not the best advice, but there is something to that. Its not always good because you may just go for the opposite of what you had already. Its bad because you only really chose the new guy because he was so much different than the old one. Its best to just pretend the relationship never happen in all honesty. Just take the time to reflect about the decision you made and make better ones next time around.

ATF: Okay so how about someone who is getting into a new relationship?

Amerie: I would say just take things slow, I know that’s easier said then done though. When you first get into something everything is just so excited and you just want to see that person all the time. But you just need to take your time and learn your partner. All the red flags may be popping up but your too busy having fun with them.

ATF: What advice can you give a man pursuing a woman?

Amerie: All women love being swept off our feet. I don’t know one female that doesn’t love that. We love romance and we love taking our time with things.

ATF: So what are Amerie’s THREE favorite break up songs?

“I Hate You So Much (Right Now)” by Kelis when you really mad and fed up.

“Conceited” by Remy Ma just to uplift you and make you feel sexy again.

“Beautiful Ones” by Prince because the beautiful ones hurt you all the time.

Amerie In Closing

ATF: Why should people by In Love & War?

Amerie: The album sounds great. I really love the energy. There aren’t many albums that has a fusion of all these genres on one album. Lyrically the album is a story of a relationship. Anyone could totally relate to this project. The album is just very real!

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

New Yorkers are all about work during the day, and party at night– a lot of us don’t have time to work out at the gym.  So, we caught up with Dolvett and asked a few questions like

How can woman can a woman stay fit without hitting the gym 3 times a week?

Read the rest of the interview to learn some fitness tricks and more about Dolvett Quince.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Dolvett Quince: I was born in Stanford, Connecticut and now reside in Atlanta, GA.  I own an exclusive fitness studio and I’m an actor and model

How long have you been into body building/personal training?

Dolvett Quince: 10 yrs

When was it that you started Body Sculptor inc? We hear that they have a live DJ playing and intense but fun work outs!  What makes this place unique from the rest of the work out centers in ATL?

DQ:I started Body Sculptor Inc in 2003. People always compliment our energy, it definitely sets us apart from the rest.

We hear you train many celebs. Can you name a few that you’ve worked with and tell us some of your experiences working with celebs.

DQ: Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker…helped them stay lean and fit between and during their various projects. I have also been training NFL free agent tight end Daniel Wilcox, an 8^th year tight end who last played for Baltimore Ravens, and his wife Shauna Wilcox.

Living in New York City most people are about work , work, work, and many women complain that they don’t have the time to work out. We always hear women saying that they try to eat right and follow a certain diet without exercise. What would you say about that?

DQ: If you have time to work, work, work then you have time to work on your health/body

How can a hard working woman that works over 60 hours a week fit a work out plan in her schedule?

DQ: I created a dvd specifically with that in mind…it’s a complete workout in 30min and the only equipment you need is a chair!  It’s called ‘Me & My Chair: The No Excuses Workout’

How important is it to stay fit and keep exercising?

DQ: It is imperative to your health and longevity, maintaining energy throughout your day, and it’s a great outlet/release

For people that don’t have time to join a gym, what would you suggest?

DQ: The ‘Me&My Chair’ dvd is an excellent choice…it’s a low-impact, high intensity 30-minute workout system that helps you tone up and slim down using only a household chair as equipment. I packed it full of helpful advice, encouragement, and even nutrition tips- and it’s under 25 bucks. With the economy in its current state, providing people with cost effective ways to stay in shape is very important to me.

Do you plan on expanding Body Sculptor Inc? Possibly bringing it to New York City?

DQ: Absolutely. I look forward to bringing BSI to New York City as well as other cities in the near future. In the meantime, look us up when you come to Atlanta or check out my website www.bodysculptorinc.com

Interview Conducted by: Martine

The R&B songstress is gearing up to release another album, and she ain’t changing for anyone. During her interview with ATF, Teairra spoke on relationships, fashion, rumors circluation around her, and the making of her new album At That Point.

Continue reading to check out the interview.

ATF: Hey there Teairra!

Teairra Mari: Hey, how are you?

ATF: I’m good, so we hear you have a new album going up.

TM: Yeah I sure do. The album is called “At That Point”, which will be in stores October 20^th of this year. I have features from Nicki Minaj, Pleasure P, Flo-Rida, Rick Ross. I also worked with a few producers, Rico Love and The Runners just to name a few.

ATF: Tell us how was it working with The Mistress, Nicki Minaj?

TM: It was great, I loved working with her. She is actually like really funny. When I heard the space for a rapper on the track “Automatic”, I knew she would be perfect for it. I thought off her right off the back. So you know I sent her the record and she sent it back to me that same day.

ATF: So what are some of your favorite tracks off the album?

TM: “Automatic” with Nicki Minaj and this song called “Emergency“. I love the whole album but those our my favorites this week (Laughs).

ATF: You know your last album was very rough and “tell it like is”. You even got a stamp on it warning listeners.

TM: Well this one I am still doing the same but in a more adult kind of way. No Parental Advisory Sticker this time, I’ve learned to express myself without cursing. I use to curse like a sailor in high school. That album was truly a reflection of who I was at the time.

ATF: What is your musical lane right now with this new project?

TM: It’s the same. Still Teairra Mari, just a lil older. I’m more experienced, so I have more to talk about this time around.

STYLE

ATF: So describe Teairra’s personal style…

TM: It’s very girly-girl, very lace and pearl. I love big beautiful rings and necklaces.

ATF: So what is your fashion addiction? When you go to the mall what is the first thing you look for?

TM: Shoes! I have like a shoe obsession.

ATF: So who are some of your favs?

TM: Manolo Blahnik, Giuseppe, Gucci, oh and Betsy Johnson too.

STYLE TIPS from Teairra Mari

If you have a big necklace, it’s best to wear just stud earrings. If you love bangals put them all on one arm and keep the other one nice and clean. You can place a ring on that opposite arms hand. Its never good to look like you are doing too much.

I learned this one from Tyra Banks. Always have a pair of nice earrings, lip gloss, and a big pair of shades in your purse. Even if you look disgusting and you have those three items you will always look presentable.

ATF Rumor Mill

Famous Quote – “Why would she ever go there? Keep my name out your mouth, sweetie.” Teairra Mari towards Rihanna

TM: I didn’t mean it in a negative way, it actually was in a print magazine. So people took it out of context. But you know that situation is so dead to me. It’s like it wasn’t a big deal at all. I was actually just being funny, that’s just how I talk. I am from Detroit and we be like “Un ,Un sweetie, keep my name out ya mouth Boo!” That’s just how I talk when I am being funny. So that’s all that was about

Teairri Mari and Pleasure P dated?

TM: No that’s really just like my brother, no we were never together.

ConcreteLoop.com Picture – Coupled Up w/ Laz Alonso

TM: That was actually just for this TV show we did, for TV One. We just went on this date and cooked. We went to this culinary art school and boy was the dish we made good (Laughs).

Coffee Hour with Teairra Mari

ATF:  What do you and your girl-friend talk about?

TM: We talk about everything from hair and make-up to boys. At this point in my life I am on this whole positive kick. We just made up a saying actually.

“Positivity inspires Productivity which equals Progression & Prosperity” – The Four P’s

ATF: You had the single “Hunt 4 U”, so what man is Teairra on the hunt for?

TM: A clean guy, a respectful guy, you gotta have street creditability, and style; it doesn’t have to be over the top. I like simple at the same time stylist.

Build Your Perfect Man

The Swag of Lil’ Wayne

The Sexy Confidence of Kanye West

The Bank Account of Donald Trump

The Face of T.I.

ATF: So when you do find you perfect man, how does he keep you?

TM: Just remain the same man I fell in love with. It’s simple, stay clean, stay swagged out, and stay on the grind.

if you want more information to Teairra Mari check out the links below:

Twitter – @Teairra_Monore

Myspace – www.myspace/teairramari

Interview Conducted By Ian Jarrell

ATF: So how have you guys been doing?

Brutha: We been doing great just grinding. The last project didn’t do as good as we hoped it would do. So we’ve been grinding it out to make sure that this next project is perfect. The album is coming really, really soon. It’s all about this music man.

ATF: So what has been the biggest change thus far with making this new album?

Brutha: Well first off, this album is more us. We weren’t allowed to be ourselves on the last album. But this time we have made a great body of work. So people are going to now here what we have inside.

ATF: So what is the production like on this album?

Brutha: This album is full on baby making music. (Laughs). We got Rick Ross on the album. The album is basically the stories of our lives.

ATF: So is their going to be a second season of the show, Brother to Brutha?

Brutha: Um No. We aren’t really focusing on reality shows right now. We are just focusing on our music. Last time we focused on that show and it kind of took away from the music. It’s just 100% about the music now.

ATF: So do you think that being on a reality show was a smart thing to do?

Brutha: Well yeah because it got us out there and got our foot in the door. It served its purpose then but we are on a different page now.

ATF: Now we know that Shakir Stewart of Def Jam was a big driving force behind you guys at Def Jam Records. How do you feel being at Def Jam without him being around anymore?

Brutha: It’s definitely hard without Shake being around. He was not only apart of our project, he was like family to us. We grew really close to him and learned a lot from him. It’s hard but he would want us to keep it pushing you know.

ATF: So where do you see Brutha in the next 5 years?

Brutha: Well we hope to still be making music and singing together. You know a lot of groups break-up when the get successful. We want to stay together and at least put out an album a year. We want to tour across the world and perform in front of millions of people.

ATF: So with the recent passing of Michael Jackson everyone memories of him are all over the place. A lot of people remember Jackson 5, which is pretty similar to you guys being that your all brothers. What did the Jackson 5 and MJ mean to Brutha?

Brutha: Man the most! The Jackson family period meant a lot to us. Our father use to make us copy everything Mike would do. He made us all learn the song “ABC” front to back. The Jackson 5 was the first inspiration for us.

ATF: So besides the Jackson 5, what other groups blue print do you follow?

Brutha: Most definitely Jodeci, also Boyz II Men and New Edition. We were influenced by every group that was considered great. Our dad was big on teaching us who the greats were.

ATF: Now you know there aren’t many groups that are out right now, besides like Day26. Who is really shutting it down right now. They just won Best Group at the BET Awards. What do you feel about being compared to them?

Brutha: There really is no comparison. We are brothers; we have been together since we were little. They are actually a manufactured group. You know they gotta eat and we gotta eat. Our goal is to take over the lane and that’s what we gotta do. We don’t think any of these groups messing with Brutha right now. We are taking it to another level. It ain’t no comparison to those guys and us. They gonna have to respect us at the end of the day.

ATF: Sounds like a MTV vs. BET rivalry to me.

Brutha: (Laughs) what ever you say man.

Rumor Mill

ATF: Now speak on this age mess Anthony.

Anthony: You know what man I always answers questions about that our first time around we aren’t even focused on that now. It’s like the age who cares. We just want people to focus on our music.

ATF: I am going to take that as a no comment. But readers mind are going to wonder.

Anthony: I hope not, I hope they just focus on our music.

ATF: Now another rumor that I have heard was that Grady was gay, down low, bi-sexual, whatever. Can you speak on those rumors?

Grady: The rumors are untrue. I am heterosexual! I love women and only women. Print that! We are all players, that’s not even a question worth answering.

For more Brutha, make sure you hit them on Myspace at www.myspace.com/thisisbrutha