AllThatsFab Talks to Murder Inc’s Ashley Joi!

You may have seen newcomer, Ashley Joi, gracing your TV screens recently.  This Detroit native is featured on rapper, Ja Rule’s latest comeback single, and has a host of other projects in the works.  AllThatsFab got a chance to sit down with this talented, down to earth singer/songwriter, and talk to her about how it feels to be referred to as the new “Princess of Murder Inc“.  Let’s get to know more about Ashley Joi…

ATF: Ashley, tell the world, in your words, who Ashley Joi is…

AshJoi: I’m a new artist just signed to Universal Records. I’m actually 1/3 of Irv Gotti’s new group coming out.  I also have a new single with Ja Rule called “Body” which is the first single off of his new album “The Mirror”.

ATF: Now, you wrote this song, am I correct?

AshJoi: No, I didn’t write this one.  I actually wrote another song for Ja called “Free”, and that really was what sparked everything.  Ja heard “Free” and he recorded it about a week after he heard it. After that, I pretty much became family.  They embraced me as a writer, and that’s where it all began.

ATF:  How did your group come about?

AshJoi: Well Irv told me a couple of years ago that he wanted me to put together a group, and I told him that they have to be from Detroit, and I want everybody to really be a powerful vocalist and be able to stand their own.  So, about a year ago, I reached out to Stephanie and Adrian (the other 2 members) and we formed a group. 

More of Ashley’s interview after the jump…
ATF: Do you have a name for the group yet?

AshJoi: We’re working on it!  We’ve been thinking about a name for a long time (giggles), but we are working on it.  We’re trying to do something on the internet so people can offer suggestions and help us name the group.

ATF: So, how long have you been performing?

AshJoi: Oh goodness! I grew up in the entertainment industry. My mother was actually a singer, so I have been performing my whole life!

ATF: And it’s hard work right, not as easy as it looks..

AshJoi: Its definitely hard work.

ATF: So what are some of the things that you’ve done in order to prepare yourself for getting this big break?

AshJoi: I write on a daily basis, and we’ve just been doing a lot of showcases around Detroit, and I’ve been doing everything to really build a situation and add credibility to my writing situation because that’s what I’m really focused on.

ATF: You know, I’ve been hearing around town that people are calling you the new Princess of Murder Inc., etc. Now, how do you feel carrying that title?  Do you feel that’s who you are, or do you feel that’s not what you’re trying to be yet? What do you think about that?

AshJoi:  Well, its incredible because I really admire Ashanti, and I’ve been an Ashanti fan since day one. So, I’m not trying to take her place or replace her.  I really love Ashanti, and a lot of people don’t know that’s there’s actually a group situation on the way.  Its not a competition thing, we’re still a group project.

ATF: In addition to Ashanti, who are some of your musical influences?

AshJoi: Yes, Ashanti is definitely one of them. I love Ashanti, Beyonce, Alicia Keys…I love Chante Moore, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey.  You know, coming from Detroit, all of the Motown acts too, of course.  You know, I grew up with my parents BLASTING Motown acts.

ATF: So, Irv Gotti has a new reality show coming out.  Are you and the group going to be on that show at all, making any appearances?

AshJoi: Nope! I was there during the process, but nope! (Giggles)  I think the show is going to be incredible, it really captures the essenc of what he’s doing right now.  I feel like people will really appreciate how passionate and honest he is.

ATF: As far as being in the industry and being signed with Murder Inc, which is a label that is mostly held down by guys that get a bad rap in the industry, how do you manage to hold it down while being one of the only females?

AshJoi: I just think that my music and talent speaks for itself. The industry, these days, is so fickle, you know like one minute something’s hot and the next its not.  I think that this camp really focuses on the artistry, and I feel like our talent really speaks for itself.

ATF: How do you describe your sound? Are you more R&B/Soul, are you more Hip Hop?

AshJoi: Well I would describe my style as really melodic, and angelic, but as far as the group, everyone is bringing something different to the table.  Its definitely a great combination.

ATF: So what advice do you have for other girls who are trying to come up in the industry and do the same thing that you’re doing?

AshJoi: Just to stay persistent, and to stay true to the music.  There are a lot of people out there that try to get you to compromise and get you to be somebody that you’re not.  I feel like if people stay true to who they are, then blessings follow. 

ATF: So you feel that Murder Inc. has really let you be who you are and show your creativity?

AshJoi: Oh yes, definitely, especially since they embrace me as a writer.  I feel like creatively I have a lot of input on what we do.

ATF: Would you like to work with any artists outside of Murder Inc.?

AshJoi: Definitely! I would love to work with Chris Brown, Usher, you know we definitely want to branch out and work with a lot of people.

ATF: Cool. So what’s coming up next for Ashley Joi?

AshJoi: Well, right now me and the girls are in the studio working on our project, which should be coming around Spring 2008. So over the next couple of months, we’re really going to dedicate to getting that process rolling.

I look forward to hearing a lot more from Ashley and her group in the near future.
 If you’re heading down to Howard University’s homecoming next week, she will be hosting a party at the popular nightclub, Republic Gardens on 14th and U Street NW, so be on the lookout for that as well.

To see more of Ashley Joi, visit Myspace.com/ashleyjoi