EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SHAREEFA
Angel: Hey Shareefa! Thanx for taking the time out to talk with me.
Shareefa: No problem
Angel: First off, how did you end up working with DTP and Def Jam?
Shareefa: I did a song called “Demo” a few years ago, and Ludacris listened to it. I went up to New York maybe a week later and it was on from there.
A: That’s dope. So you worked with Teddy Riley and Dark Child right?
S: Yea
A: What was the vibe in the studio with those two?
S: It was a very good experience, you know. Both of them are perfectionist so they want things a certain way. But it was a good experience, a very very good experience.
A: How is it working with Ludacris?
S: He is real laid back, real cool. It’s like working with a family member, and silly-ass family member [laughs]
A: One of my visitors wanted to know how you plan to stay ahead of the pack with all these R&B chicks that are out now..
S: Basically just be myself and being able to deliver good music that people want to hear. You know what I’m saying, and staying true to myself. I think that comes across in my music and I think the fans can relate to that.
A: So how do you feel being compared to singers like Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole?
S: It feels good; it’s a compliment. Everybody is in their own lane though. Mary told her stories, Keyshia told her stories, now I’m going to tell my stories.
A: Speaking of stories, a lot of songs on your album are vivid. Are these stories from personal experiences.
S: Definitely.
SHAREEFA TALKS ABOUT “CRY NO MORE” & YOUNG BUCK
A: So what inspired the song “Cry No More?”
S: Basically it was another anthem for the females. Basically saying that you’re a soul survivor and you’re tired of crying over the same guy who is no good. You gotta move on..
A: In the video for “Cry No More” a lot of people wanted to know what was up with you a Young Buck because you had a lot of chemistry. Are yall dating?
S: [pause] Nooooo, that’s my friend. I mean who wouldn’t have chemistry with him? The nigga is fine.
A: That’s true! [laughs] I heard you lived in North Carolina for a while, what part of NC are you from?
S: Charlotte. I’m from Jersey originally, but then I relocated to Charlotte North Carolina so you can say I have two homes. Charlotte North Carolina and The Brick City!
A: Oh ok, that’s cool.
A: A lot of people say you are one of the most underrated artists out right now. Are you happy with your marketing team? Because I barely hear your music on the radio..
S: With the music game, it comes with kinks and all that other stuff, so it’s all about being patient. I mean I can come out and sell 5,000 records and by next year I’ll be at platinum it really doesn’t matter. As long as I keep God first, I got a roof over my head, and I’m comfortable I’m good. So, no I don’t have nothing against my marketing team or nothing like that. Everybody goes hard, sometimes some of us could go harder but that’s in the game.
A: You were on Showtime at the Apollo recently and you killed it. How was it performing on the stage?
S: It felt good. The stage is my home, so I’m always comfortable there. And that’s never a problem for me.
A: I read that back in NC you used to steal cars and you actually served some jail time. Did serving that time help change your path and help you learn some lessons?
S: Yes. Everyday I learn lessons. That really wasn’t a lesson though, it was more of a wake up call. Everybody goes through things in their younger years, whether that’s stealing, boosting clothes.. Acting out with your mother or your parents, having sex at 14. Whatever it is. We all have wake up calls..
A: I definitely feel you on that.
ANGEL & SHAREEFA TALK ABOUT HBO’S “THE WIRE”
A: Let me get to some of these random questions I have. Do you check out any gossip blogs or read any internet websites?
S: Every once and in a while, but no really. I’m not really into the computer, I just browse through.
A: Cool. So what’s your favorite movie?
S: Right now? Let me think. Well I like scary movies, so I have to go with Saw I & II. I wanna see III. I like a good drama too. Like I’m hooked on “The Wire” right now.
A: Oh yes! Did you see the season finale?
S: Is that the one with they killed Bodie?
A: Yeah! I was mad as hell when they killed Bodie man.
S: Yeah, that was my dude right there.
A: Yeah, I liked Michael at first until he killed Bodie.
S: Michael didn’t kill Bodie.
A: Oh, it wasn’t him? It looked like him under the hoodie.
S: Yeah look at it again, it’s another young boy. Remember Marlo said he didn’t want him to do it.
A: Yeah you right! Someone told me it wasn’t him, but I could have sworn it was him.
S: Yeah me too.
A: Yeah I need to watch that then.
S: Un Huh..
A: So what do you bump in your I-pod right now?
S: What am I listening to? Um, Jay-Z’s album, Luda’s album, of course my album “Point of No Return.” Of course Lauryn Hill, always. Old stuff like D’Angelo…
A: So old and new stuff. Who is your favorite female vocalist?
S: Of all time? Lauryn Hill
A: Male vocalist?
S: Dave Hollister.
A: What is your favorite thing to do on your downtime, because I know you have a busy schedule now…
S: Chill and look at T.V.
A: What will your next single be?
S: You mean after “Cry No More?”
A: Yeah
S: Um, it’s gonna be “Butterfly”
A: Oh ok that’s my jam. My driving song..
S: Thank you.
A: What advice would you give an up and coming artist trying to get into the music business?
S: Stay focused on what you wanna do, regardless of how tough it gets. My biggest advice would just be to stay focused.
A: Well thank you Shareefa and best of luck with everything.
S: No problem, thank you.
A: Bye
S: Bye.
SHAREEFA’S MESSAGE TO THE CL FANS
———-
MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP “POINT OF NO RETURN”
Shareefa’s debut album is in stores now!
Just like Shareefa said, it makes a great stocking stuffer!
MYSPACE.COM/SHAREEFADTP FOR MORE INFO
65 Comments
1.
keisheloca
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
she seems cool and im glad she stopped stealing cars because i hate thieves. o and i still need to check out her cd
2.
Cher
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Can someone who has brought her cd tell me if it is good? I’m not a rap music listener. But for some reason after listening to the song I NEED A BOSS, makes me want to give her a chance. For the ladies who have the cd, (I’M NOT COMPARING THEM!) Is it like a MaryJ cd? Meaning, when you are going through shit with your man pop in MaryJ and she will have you bobbin your head calming you down to not go and woop somebody ass. How real is Shareefa’s cd to everyday womens’ life? I want to buy it but I’m going to be pissed if it’s wack. Meaning too much studio and not enough natural talent. Natural talent - say things someone else has not said. Original work.
3.
Angel La
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Did u listen to the two tracks I posted at the end of the interview?
4.
Cher
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
No I’m at work. I was reading the interview interpretation. I’m in a meeting on my lab top. Gurl, you don’t know what kind of faces I will get if they hear rap. I’ll check it out later.
5.
candeegurl
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Great interview Angel.la
6.
candeegurl
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Shareefa isn’t a rap artist. She’s R&B
7.
tired of bs
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
I thought that was Michael that killed Bodie too.
8.
wifey
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Good interview. I’m gone have to pay more attention to her cause Mary J. and Keyshia Cole are the bomb. That’s not bad company to be compared to.
9.
Da_Truth
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
have the seasons of the wire been released on DVD yet?
10.
Angel La
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Yeah. I have 1-3. Season 4 won’t be on DVD for awhile.
11.
Da_Truth
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
thanks I will def go picked that up from TARGET.Angel_LA do u know when season 4 will be coming out on DVD cause I do not want to see the BET VERSION of the show.
12.
onemic.ike
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
I loved the interview Angel!!!
I love Cry No More, for some reason I think she sounds like Keyshia Cole in this joint—-but that’s a good thing! lol, I also love Butterfly *listens six more times*, reminds me of a certain situation that happen to me before it kind of goes with Beyonce’s Listen, in my opinion, her voice is soooo soothing omg!!! I love her monophony…
Again, what the heck is the Wire!? (Angel.La don’t delete me, lol) I have to watch this show…Cause I’m feelin out of place listening to everyone else talk about it…I know it’s comin to BET though…
Thanks for the interview Angel, you did good Ma!
13.
onemic.ike
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
OMG I’m feelin this chick! I never knew this about her…lol, and I love that she loves the oldies; I idolize Lauryn Hill, she real hip hop, and D’ Angelo, Mary J. Blige, Outkast. I have a few I just recently got into: Common, Free Speech, Papoose, I hear Clipse is good too! Big Up’s to them…
14.
onemic.ike
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Cher, I havn’t heard her CD but I hear it’s good–but you it depends on your perception…And I believe she talk about real stuff cause she’s been thru a lot…When I heard Cry No More, I thought I ‘d give her a shot…For the most part Butterfly is real good, I compared it to Beyonce’s Listen so you’ll have a feel for it…It’s deep I love her when she says “I was sleepin with a devil…I gotta fly away” I feel her on that one! Just give her chance Cher…
15.
Shun
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Good interview Angel la, and for everyone who haven’t seen the Wire the need to come on board because its the shit.
By the way “Cry No More” is the bomb and if you haven’t heard it you need to pick it up
16.
AreYouSerious?
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! Ludacris is a cool ass DUDE! That’s why the hell I am in his corner. That’s why the hell I love his music so much.
I need to go buy this girl’s album so I can be up to date…I never even heard the Cry No More Song, but I Need a Boss is good, though.
17.
sassyme
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
I have the CD and I listen to it daily. Its FIYA, and Im a Mary, Lauren, Keyshia, Monica, shante, kelly price, Tasia, Nivea, Tweet, Beyonce, and all the rest of the “Feel my Pain” women sangers. So definitely get her album because she fits right in that category.
18.
Cher
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
THANKS ONEMIC.IKE!
I’LL GIVE HER A TRY. HEY! THAT MIGHT BE ONE OF MY LITTLE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO MYSELF. LOL
19.
onemic.ike
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
18. Cher said:
——————————————————————————–
THANKS ONEMIC.IKE!
I’LL GIVE HER A TRY. HEY! THAT MIGHT BE ONE OF MY LITTLE CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO MYSELF. LOL
——————————————————————————–
LOL, no prblm…Oh happy holidays!!! I 4got..lol
20.
ezra
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
SHAREEFA is AMAZING. Please cop her album. It is raw and real and just quality R&B that also sounds fresh. Actually her mixtape was really really hot too. Track that down if you can.
21.
allaboutyourbenji
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Good interview that butterfly song really has a good feel to it I love her it said that she is so talented, but yet no singing broads like cassie and crew get all the shine.
22.
J.M.C. SAID IT
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
GOOD INTERVIEW, YOU GOT THAT MARKETING QUESTION IN. GREAT! SHE SEEMS VERY RUMBLE, BEST LUCK TO HER.
23.
Ione
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
She seems pretty humble and laid back that’s a good thing.
24.
IslandGirl_Bri
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
She seems cool, good interview!
25.
BONES
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
SHAREEFA CD HAD 2 HAVE BEEN THE MOST OVERRATED CD OF THE YEAR THAT JOINT IS SO REAL EVERY 1 COULD RELATE NOT JUST THE FEMALES…EVERY1 HAS NEEDED 2 ESCAPE A RELATIONSHIP (”CRY NO MORE”, “BUTTERFLY”)…EVERY1 WAS FEELIN SUM1 THAT LIKED THEM FRIEND AT ONE POINT IN TIME(”FEVER”)…EVERY1 STILL HAD A COOL RELATIONSHIP W/ AN EX & THEIR NEW LOVE WAS(”TRIPPIN”), EVERY1 HAS HAD A (”PHONY”) FRIEND…I MEAN I COULD GO ON & ON JUST GO COP “POINT OF NO RETURN”!
26.
???
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Never checked out her album because of that damn “I need a boss” that I can’t stand. I always thought she had an amazing voice nonetheless. But because of “Butterfly” I will give the album a chance.
Shareefa if you read this, good single choice! And please don’t pose for KING Magazine or none of that shit, because you have MORE THAN ENOUGH talent, like MJB, you don’t need to objectify yourself to sell.
27.
Khinje
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Thanks for the interview Angel.la!!
I am homegirl’s BIGGEST FAN!!1 I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! The CD is fiyah from beginning to end. I am putting up EVERYBODY I know on this project!! I knew from the moment I heard “I Need A Boss”, this girl was coming with something special.
Originality. Raw Emotion. Dope production caressing intense lyrics. SHAREEFA DA TRUTH Y’ALL!!!!
@2. Honestly, I don’t buy CD’s unless I feel the artist really deserves my money. I download a few tracks just to get a feel for the music and if I’m feeling it, I cop it. If it’s wack, the tracks are deleted from my computer and my pockets are still intact. Fair exchange is no robbery.
After listening to Cry No More, Fever, and Trippin’, I immediately purchased two (2) copies (I want homegirl to move units and get the recognition she deserves) I wanted to make sure that my purchased counted. She needs our support y’all.
From a TRUE music lover, Shareefa is underrated.
Talent speaks for itself. By all means, cop this CD!
You will not regret it!!!
Peace.
Khinje
28.
Nikki
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Got reefa?..I love that shirt. Good interview.
29.
Queshia
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
Good interview: Shareffa seems like a real down to Earth type of person. I bought Cherish, and Shareefa’s albums for my neice so I hope they are good.
30.
Peacekeeper
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
If you like Mary and Keyshia, and the sound of early 90s R&B, you would like Shareefa. I love the album. It’s solid. She got that raw soul and hood story like Mary and Keyshia, that’s why she is always compared to the two.
So to those questioning if her album is worth buying…YES!
31.
R&B Fan 4 Life
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
She sounds geniuine.
32.
q_tis_diva
Thursday, December 21, 2006 /
i havnt heard her whole cd but i heard about 3 or 4 song and they are really good. does anyone know how many albums she sold already???????
@# 25… did you mean UNDERrated??
33.
lilmomma1214
Friday, December 22, 2006 /
WOW THAT WAS LONG!!!I HAVE NOTHIN TO DAY!!!
34.
j-mami
Friday, December 22, 2006 /
she cool her voice is hot, but have anyone noticed that nun of luda’s “artists” cds havent been just blowin’ up. *just a though*
35.
Not A Hater But A Fact Stater
Friday, December 22, 2006 /
I Love all your interviews Angela. Ima big fan. Keep doing what ya doing. Love it.
36.
toiyatTOIYA
Saturday, December 23, 2006 /
I brought Shareefa’s CD and trust, when you cop it -you won’t be disappointed. She does not remind me of Mary or Keisha, she carries her own weight. She got a lil’ boss edge mixed in with a lil’lady likeness, which makes her whus really up. Her voice is beautiful. Her album gets a 10. My favorite song is “Butterfly”. I like the WHOLE album because you don’t have to skip tracks to find a good one!(lol). For true soul/ R&B lovers— score this tape because it is bangin’. To the haters— listen to the album and close ya mouth. SHAREEFA: The CD is fire sista GOD BLESS!
37.
jayla3
Saturday, December 23, 2006 /
I honestly thinks she’s better than Keyshia Cole for some reason I mean she ghetto but keyshia cole has a attitude out of this world.Shareefa is humble and one of the most underated artist of 06″.I hope she has a great career.
38.
???
Saturday, December 23, 2006 /
So what if Keyshia Cole has an attitude? 50 cent has one too, Puff has one too, Kanye has one too, they’re tolerated. The girl is hurt and went through the worst shit, like MJB, let her do her. And no matter the attitude of Keyshia the girl gives kills it everytime she sings because you really can feel her soul hurting. That’s one thing that Shareefa doesn’t have when she performs.
39.
DONT CHA
Tuesday, December 26, 2006 /
shareefa album is a flopping……..SO SAD!
40.
diva
Tuesday, December 26, 2006 /
i think reefa is not cute at all.why do you think that
peacekeeper?
41.
Caitlin
Tuesday, December 26, 2006 /
You should pick up her album. Its real. I mean its just real music and you can tell its about her experiences and stuff.
42.
reportergirl
Tuesday, December 26, 2006 /
Good question about her marketing team. Solid cd. Some of the songs start to sound the same about the middle, I expect the second one to be better though. The only problem I could see is if she keeps the same material. I’m a HUGE Mary J. fan but about No More Drama I wanted her to change up her subject matter. Less “damn-you-did-me wrong-and-I’m-leaving” songs. Then again I am still bumping Enough Cryin….I guess she can stick to the sad music if she comes with some fiya production.
43.
whoa lilmama
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 /
yo her cd is FIRE! get her cd. i love every track on it. it’s so real..i think it would be nice if her and mary j would make a song together!! hot fire!!
44.
GeminiPrize
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 /
I know this is out of place here, but Angel, do you think you could interview Jaguar Wright???
45.
afro jamaicano
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 /
that b*tch is garbage, she’s guttertrash puhlease…next please haha
46.
DevonteSoFresh
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 /
Yo Shareefa’s CD is so sick! I can listen to that CD str8 no need to skip 1 song! Yo she is so talented! She got a good thing going! I was outside 7:00 waiting for BestBuy to open to buy here CD the day it came out! A true fan lol! And she got that Keyshia Cole swagger for real! She comes hard with it! Doing her thing i give it up to her! Go ahead ma!! Keep it gully!
47.
HoodZ
Wednesday, December 27, 2006 /
shareefas a real sick singer/rapper the she got signed to dtp was amazing..i can relate to im only 14 but me and my crew have sick sick mixtapes dat i wanna send for a bigger artist to hear i jus dont kno how to
48.
rickey
Thursday, December 28, 2006 /
cher is a bicth
49.
rickey
Thursday, December 28, 2006 /
shareefa i love you gurl i cant get your cd can you send me a copy
50.
toocute4u
Thursday, December 28, 2006 /
I like Shareefa she seem like a real cool down to earth chick!!
51.
Jaleesa
Friday, December 29, 2006 /
I love Shareefa & I love her CD. I also loved this interview, great job! I learned a lot about her.
52.
xcluzivemzes
Thursday, January 4, 2007 /
shareefa cd is whats up. i had 2 put my girls on. they were like yeah she coo but i needa boss is like studio. i played track 3… they changed their minds real quick!!!
wish mama nothing but success in ‘07
53.
mike S
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 /
even though she looks like a cane field rabbit, shes still the shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
54.
shaado
Monday, March 5, 2007 /
dis girls d one yess gwaan lata bout she aint all dat a big voice dats real wid good writing skills, cumn frm uk hedz d100!
55.
PoeticMD12
Sunday, March 11, 2007 /
I knew she was genuine….Im really feeling you reefa…good luck!!
56.
Teddy
Tuesday, March 20, 2007 /
SHE HAS A BIG BEHIND.
57.
MISSIONZFINEST
Tuesday, April 3, 2007 /
MICHEAL DID KILL BOODIE!!!!!!!!
WATCH THE SHOW AGAIN…………..
58.
DivvaBee
Wednesday, April 4, 2007 /
That c.d is the bomb! 4 all that don’t have it go get ya’ll!! Listen to Eye Wonder, that’s my joint!
59.
chris brown wifey
Saturday, April 7, 2007 /
shareefa is my gutta gurl all yall hates NEED 2 SHUT YALL ASS UP !
60.
Damisha
Friday, May 11, 2007 /
you is to ugly bitch~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~**~*******~*~*~*~*~
61.
Damisha
Friday, May 11, 2007 /
hI gurl you still like jay-z because that beyonce man~*~*~*~*~*~*~ beacause you can call me 1-574-233-3054~*~*~
62.
tiqunanesha
Friday, June 1, 2007 /
YOU IS UGLY
63.
tiqunanesha
Friday, June 1, 2007 /
YOU IS UGLY AND MORE
64.
Rhonda E. Evans
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 /
I have the CD-Shareefa. It is absolutely worth purchasing and every song is great. She has a nice voice and a different style. kind of remind me of Keyshia Cole (how she has a sound that is not like others…Rihanna has that island thing going on. It is good that we have alot of female artists that are diffferent yet sing abosongs that ladies can relate to. I like “Butterfly” and “No one Said”. And, I agree that she is overrated…But, just like anythingelse…if its good…the news will be spread to others…and people will know of her and purchase the CD.
65.
Rhonda E. Evans
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 /
I am sorry…I meant to say that Shareefa is underrated…hope to see her do a live performance…hope she sounds great live.