Post by Sweet Meat aka CC on Jan 10, 2004 22:52:48 GMT -5
The Africana QA: Kelis
Africana caught up with Kelis to hear what she had to say about the new album, her beef with some hip hop personalities and Nas.
Why did you name the album Tasty?
Well, I want people to be able to swallow what it is that I'm doing. And that's really important, you have to be enticing. And I guess enticing is tasteful.
Did you approach this album differently than you did Kaleidoscope and Wanderland?
Yeah, I did, because I made it while I was in between labels. So I was really able to take my time and I was able to work with different producers. There was no budget, there was no one trying to look over my shoulder to check up on me or anything. It was just me and the music.
How come Wanderland never made its way to US shores?
Because I left Virgin Records before it was supposed to be released, so it got shelved.
Why did you decide to use other producers besides the Neptunes for Tasty?
Change is good.
What was it like working with Andre 3000?
He's great, he's really talented. I like his musical approach.
How did you feel about the Neptunes blowing up while you were off the radar?
It was great. It was really exciting to see people's stuff take off. I started with them a long time ago so I saw the whole process and I think it was wonderful to see people finally get what they've been trying to do for so long. The Neptunes aren't new by far. They've been around way before even me. They used to be down with Teddy Riley, so it was great to see that happen with them.
Your image has changed to a sexier feel for this project, did you feel that you had to show off more skin?
Nah, it's just different day, different clothing.
Why did you choose "Milkshake" as the first single?
I think it's the perfect introduction to the album. I always know what the single is going to be; it just hits you a certain way.
You sang on Loon's first single, how come you weren't in the video?
It was Mother's Day.
What do you think about cats like the Diplomats and 50 Cent clowning you?
I think it's fabulous, I love it. I want more. Oh yeah, if I was a rapper, I would totally instigate the situation. Actually I did instigate the situation on my "Milkshake" remix. I think it's great. The fact that they're so concerned with me is fabulous, considering that I'm totally unconcerned with them, so I love the attention. And beyond that, it's free promotion that Arista and I don't have to pay for. So they should talk on.
What attracted you to Nas?
Everything. I mean, just everything, I don't want to get too in to detail about it. I just think he's a great person. He's interesting.
You and Nas have that song together, "In Public." Is that from experience?
Could be, but it's more of a fantasy record. That's how I thought of it.
Will you be touring soon?
Yeah, I'm supposed to go on tour for half of the year. With Raphael Saadiq, then I think Britney Spears and eventually Lenny Kravitz, I think.
Inside your album cover, there is a topless tattoo of you. Who is it on?
Nas.
I think it's fabulous, I love it. I want more. Oh yeah, if I was a rapper, I would totally instigate the situation. Actually I did instigate the situation on my "Milkshake" remix. I think it's great. The fact that they're so concerned with me is fabulous, considering that I'm totally unconcerned with them, so I love the attention. And beyond that, it's free promotion that Arista and I don't have to pay for. So they should talk on.
She's a foo'! But anyway, I wouldn't mind catchin' one of her shows as long as it's not one with Britney. 
I still wanna know what "milkshake" is, because I done heard so many different answers. 
