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#31 JAWN'S JUICE / OCTOBER 15,2002

Dave Hollister Uncut, An Exclusive On Two Hip-Hop Couples, Macy Gray, Chante Moore, Trina, En Vogue and so much more ...
by Jawn Murray (Washington, DC)
Dave Hollister
(Oct. 15, 2002) Dave Hollister Uncut: I caught with my favorite male R&B; singer backstage during his Baltimore stop on the Hennessy Privilege Music Tour, which also features Kelly Price and Glenn Lewis. Dave is a “keep it real” artist – one of the most candid and frank entertainers you’ll ever meet. We talked about everything from the current status of Blackstreet, to the rumors of his wife wanting a divorce, and about his career as an actor on Broadway. We also talked about some other things – but sometimes you just can’t print everything. Here is a great portion of the very insightful interview with the Ghetto Preacher himself. Listen in:

Jawn: I’ve been looking forward to speaking with you, doc. Tell me about the process for recording your new album “Things In The Game Done Changed.”

Dave: My third album I recorded fast. It took me a month and a half [to finish]. The only album that I took time to [record] was the first one, “Ghetto Hymns.” There was actually an album before the first album called “Two Sides To Every Story” that was on EMI. Half of “Ghetto Hymns” was from that album. Dreamworks bought [“Two Sides Of Every Story”] from EMI, but by the time they album was coming out, I felt [the songs] were dated and I had to do [new] material. That’s the one I spent the most time on. I did “Chicago 85...The Movie” in 28 days from start to finish.

Jawn: How do you prepare for recording an album? Any rules you live by?

Dave: For me as an artist, when you over-think is when you mess it up. That’s how you mess with perfection. Like one of the songs I can’t stand to this day is [the Blackstreet song] “Before I Let You Go.” I can’t stand that song because after we wrote the song, Teddy Riley told me to go into the studio and put down a reference, [which is a preliminary vocal recording]. I was reading off of the paper when I recorded the song. So what you hear is just the reference. I was like, ‘Give me the tape, I’ll go home and learn it, and be back tomorrow.’ [Teddy] was like, ‘No we’re keeping that.’ I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’ So to me, it’s not my best effort as far as the vocals are concerned. If you listen carefully, you can hear the paper rattling in the background, because I was reading. Teddy was like sometimes your first recording is what you keep. After that I thought about that and with my second and third album, my first recordings are what I kept.

Jawn: How do you know if a song is a keeper -- if you have a hit on your hands?

Dave: It’s the way it feels. I’m more of a feeling singer. I don’t care about mistakes a lot of the time, if it feels good, that’s what it is. With me, I know I am going to work with Tank because that’s my boy. The other automatics are Tim & Bob. We grew up in gospel music together. They just happen not to have made it on this new album. I worked with Robert Smith [who is Brandy’s husband] and he’s a given now.. I’m always going to work with Mike City, and I worked with a young kid named Lavelle McKenzie, who is Chauncey from Blackstreet‘s first cousin, on this album.

Jawn: You and Tank are real tight, huh?

Dave: Tank’s my boy. We’re like kindred spirits. When I come into the studio he feels what I am going through, so I don’t even have to tell him. We grew up on the same singers. He’s like ten years younger than me, so he’s like my little brother. It’s almost like we’re twins but I’m older.

Jawn: Can I put in a request for your next album?

Dave: What you need?

Jawn: Can you include the duet you recorded with Coko of SWV on the next one?

Dave: You know about that one, huh? That’s what I should have put on this album. That’s “No Woman, No Man!” Yeah man, that song…

Jawn: Tell me about why you signed with Motown?

Dave: Motown is where I should be. I’m really a soulful type of guy. I need to be somewhere that understands what I am doing and spend they money. Kedar Massenburg started that whole neo-soul movement.

Jawn: You think you fit into the neo-soul vibe?

Dave: Me and India.Arie were on the radio in L.A. We did the Stevie Wonder House Full of Toys thing last year. She was like, ‘I don’t understand what neo soul is. Just because I wear a head wrap, I’m [considered] neo soul? Why isn’t Dave Hollister considered neo soul?’ If you really think about what neo means, neo means new. You know what I am saying, new generation soul. So are you trying to tell me that I am not new generation soul?

Jawn: I read an editorial some place that said that Motown better take care of you or you are going to give them hell in the press like you did your former label Dreamworks.

Dave: I love it! I love it!

Jawn: So what do you think about other artists doing R&B.; How do they fit into the scope of the current music scene?

Dave: A lot of these kids, and I’m not afraid to say it, like Jaheim, got their stuff from me. He was in the studio with me [while I recorded] the “Ghetto Hymns” album. He did everything that I didn’t do [on his album]. I take it as a compliment. Don’t nobody come out here and talk about ghetto love and life like me. I did it first! Do your thing! Do you, even though you’re doing me. It’s a lot of dudes out there doing me. No R&B; dudes cussed in [their] records. No R&B; dude was thugged out in his records. Even R. Kelly, that’s my man, but he wasn’t doing music like that before me. He was talking about “Bump N’ Grind,” talking about deejays putting on records. All of a sudden now he wants to talk about real life situations. He wasn’t talking about “When a Woman’s Fed Up” until I came out. Me and [R. Kelly] started together. I was in the original group MGM that got the [first] record deal. I take it all in stride, man.

Jawn: You never really talk about the acting that you’ve done. Why don’t we really hear about the fact that you starred in the Broadway musical “Rent?”

Dave: Man, I don’t talk about [the Broadway musical] “Cats” either. That was the longest [play] I did. I am going to have to talk about it more. I did an episode of “Soul Food.” I also did a movie called “Ride“ with Malik Yoba. I was the artist they were taking the bus ride to come see. You know, you can make about four movies and you are a $20 million man. I’d rather do that. I love doing what I do, but I‘d rather go and be a $20 million man in the movies and make an album every five years.

Jawn: So you are trying to do more acting and less music?

Dave: I’m not trying to be in the game too long as far as being an artist. I’d rather be on the back end side. Fans are fickle. They’re here today and gone tomorrow.

Jawn: You think you’ll record a gospel album soon?

Dave: That’s where I’m headed. The funny thing about it is, I think if I do another R&B; album, it’ll just be one more. If I do a gospel album, I ain’t coming back to R&B.; Then it’s over. I do have a calling and an anointing over my life to do that.

Jawn: I know people close to you that believe your destiny is to be a preacher.

Dave: [They’re] right! I am, I am. I may do one gospel album, but my real calling in life is to preach, not to sing. It’s to win souls. Whatever the Lord wants me to do, that’s what I am going to do. I’m cool with that. My sole purpose on this earth is to lift him up, to edify him. That’s what all of us were put here for. Everybody has a purpose on this earth and it’s all for the edification of Christ. I really don’t even want to sing anymore. I just want to deliver the word and bring souls to God. Right now, I’m doing what I got to do to get to my point.

Jawn: So you and the guys from Blackstreet have reconciled?

Dave: Oh yeah. We really have, and I miss my boys. We’re starting a tour New Years Eve in Virginia. We’re taking it back to Virginia where it all started. I’ll be performing some of my solo stuff on the tour as well.

Jawn: You and Chauncey seemed to have the most animosity of all of the Blackstreet members. Are you two cool now too?

Dave: Yeah. We worked it out. (Laughing) Chauncey ain’t want none of this!

Jawn: There was a guy on the radio that reported recently that you and your wife were getting a divorce for some really crazy reasons. Is that true?

Dave: Somebody else told me about that earlier today. I’m not leaving my wife. I’m not getting a divorce from my wife. We have marital problems like anyone else, but I ain’t going anywhere.

Jawn: It was rumored that you appeared on a Heather Hunter video performing oral sex on some woman. What’s the deal with that?

Dave: It was called “Heather Hunter’s Peepshow.” That was one of the reasons me and my wife had the problems that we had. It was staged like anything else. I was like, ‘If I’m in a movie, and we are doing a sex scene, you mean I am having sex with a broad for real? Well then, you might as well leave me now.’ That’s what I was trying to explain to her. Everybody else saw it and it was set like it just happened. But it was just like a movie. If you go get the movie you will see that Heather is blocking us. You know, cut, and do this right here. I ain’t that stupid. It was on BET, come on now!

Jawn: I’m glad you could clear these things up. I appreciate your time, man.

Dave: Thank you!

Dave Hollister’s album “Things in the Game Done Changed” is in stores this week!

~~~

You Heard It Here First: Sources confirm that rapper Nas and soul-rock singer Kelis are definitely an item. Apparently, the two artists have been dating for several months now. Reports that Kelis was dating Sean “P. Diddy” Combs are false, despite the fact that photos of the two shopping in Europe popped up on the internet. Insiders say that the hip-hop mogul has been trying to convince Kelis, who is signed to The Neptunes’ Star Trek Entertainment label through Arista Records, to join the roster of artists under his Bad Boy Management Company. Lil’ Kim was a client at Puffy’s management company as well, but as I reported in last week’s column, she felt she “was doing way more for him than he was doing for [her],” according to the latest edition of The Source.

~~~

Speaking Of Couples: All I am going to say is that a very reliable source tells me that Beyonce and Jay-Z are engaged. I ain’t confirming nor denying if I believe it, but either way you heard it here first. Nope, I didn’t call any publicists. Nope, I don’t plan on it. All I’m saying is, they’re telling me that they are engaged!

~~~

More “American Idol” News: They can’t announce it yet, but I sure can. My favorite “American Idol” contestant Tamyra Gray has inked a deal with RCA Records! RCA is also home to “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson. Both artists are featured on the RCA release, "American Idol: Greatest Moments," which is in stores now. It was also reported last week that “Idol” runner-up Justin Guarini has also inked a deal with RCA. In other news, as I reported two weeks ago, Tamyra has secured her multi-episode role on the Fox series “Boston Public.” Gray will make her acting debut on the David E. Kelley show during February 2003 sweeps. For four episodes, she'll portray an as-yet-unnamed student. "She gave a very impressive audition and while it's possible her character will sing, we are most interested in helping to launch her as a dramatic actress," said "Boston Public" Executive Producer Jason Katims in a prepared statement.

~~~

Urban Animation: Urban Entertainment, producers of the hit film “Undercover Brother,” and originator of over 15 urban animated series for the web, will release its first DVD of urban animation with, “The Contract” on October 22, 2002. The series will feature the voice of Naughty By Nature rapper Treach. Originally created for Urban Entertainment’s website by writers Ben Ramsey and Kantz, the series was produced simultaneously with its live action theatrical component, “Love and a Bullet,” which was released on August 30, 2002. “Love and a Bullet” stars Treach, Kent Masters King (“The Wash”), and Shireen Crutchfield (“The Jamie Foxx Show,” “Hot Boys”). Like the film, the animated series will deliver a dark, gritty, Tarantino-esq action comedy with a mesmerizing performance by Treach as Malik Bishop, an elite hit man torn between his sense of duty and his newfound sense of humanity. Also included on the DVD are interviews with the series creators, Ben and Kantz and the voiceover talent featuring Treach. For more information on the series, visit www.Lightyear.com.

~~~

Here Comes Another Play: Yet another gospel play is coming soon to a theater near you. Next up is “If These Hips Could Talk,” which stars R&B; singer Chante Moore, comedian John Henton (“Living Single”, “The Hughleys”), Tichina Arnold (“Martin”, “One On One”), gospel superstar Kim Burrell, and gospel singer Lexi. The play – which was written by former gospel record executive Marvie Wright – revolves around the lives of women who seem to have achieved success, but who in fact share struggles familiar to women world-wide. The play debuts in Chicago in November, and in February 2003 will pick up in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Dallas.

~~~

Things That Make You Say Hmm?: “Anywhere I go, I’m always dressed to kill. It will always be something that I’m comfortable in. I make sure nothing’s hanging out or whatever, but I’m going to wear what makes me feel good. I take [the attention] and roll with it, but sometimes it can be annoying. People can take it too far. They get a little carried away when they see skin,” said Atlantic Records rapper Trina in the latest Smooth magazine cover story. Trina’s newest release “Diamond Princess” is in stores now.

~~~

Can’t Say Names: Sources claim there’s someone out to kill a certain music producer, known for a fizzled debut solo R&B; album. Apparently the word in industry circles is that this producer, who is part of an entertainment franchise, is a target for unknown reasons and he has now hired security to protect him. Sources ran into said producer, who is planning a second attempt at being an artist, at a New York restaurant owned by his associate, and he apparently had his security with him. * Sources say a trouble-prone R&B; diva is threatening to sue her record label. This singer – who is already entangled in her share of legal troubles – is apparently furious with the end result of her music video. Said diva is allegedly angry because the protégé of the video director she requested to shoot the video oversaw production and she hates the way it turned out. Supposedly the singer holds the label responsible and called them yelling, “Don’t you know who I am!”

~~~

Quickies:

~ Believe it or not, dance icon Gloria Gaynor taped her very first episode of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” on October 5th. Gaynor – whose promoting her first release in 15 years, “I Wish You Love” – never performed at the famous Harlem, NY theater during her extensive career because during her heyday, the venue was closed down. Gloria performed “I Will Survive” for the episode, which is scheduled to air on November 2nd.

~ Rumors have it that Macy Gray wants out of her contract with Epic Records. Gray was an overnight success with her debut album “On How Life Is,” which went on to sell nearly two million copies in the U.S. Unfortunately, she suffered from the sophomore jinx on her second release “The Id,” which was only certified gold stateside and never really impacted at radio. Insiders say the two parties could sever ties before Halloween.

~ President’s Day marked the final date for the Grey Goose Music Tour, which featured Lil’ Jon & The East Side Boyz. The hip-hop group performed tracks from their forthcoming release, “Kings of Crunk,” which bows October 29th. The first single from Lil’ Jon & The East Side Boyz is “I Don’t Give A F**k,” and features Grey Goose Music Tour headliners Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Look out for Lil’ Jon and company to appear on upcoming episodes of BET’s “Rap City” and “Madd Sports,” in addition to their upcoming features in XXL and The Source magazines.

~ Last week I attended the Tanqueray Soul Suite at the Sequoia Restaurant at Washington Harbor in Washington, DC. The event saluted the tastemakers of urban culture, and features cutting-edge artists and DJ performances. Floetry was the featured performers for the soiree, and Doug E. Fresh and DJ Beverly Bond were spinning on the turntables. There were entirely too many industry notables in the house to list, but here’s a special shout out to Vern Goff of Emerald City Communications and Tracy Press of Sweet Soul Entertainment.

~ Look out for a new En Vogue album in stores on October 29th. The newest release from the trio will be a holiday album called, “En Vogue - The Gift Of Christmas.” The album features production by Foster and McElroy, who produced many of their original hit songs, and includes holiday classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Oh Holy Night,” and “O Christmas Tree.”

~ Thanks to Arch Wireless for providing my paging service. For more information on Arch Wireless, visit their website at Arch.com or call 888-534-1397.

~ Thanks to Aja Imani for providing my wardrobe. Aja Imani is located at 9244 East Hampton Drive, Suite #622, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. Contact them at 301-324-8300 or e-mail them at ajaimani@aol.com.

Well I’m Jawn and that’s your Juice! See you next week!

E-mail: GarekNews@hotmail.com

© 2002 Jawn’s Juice. All rights reserved worldwide. All information provided by Jawn’s Juice on this Internet site is for personal use only. No commercial exploitation of anything contained herein may take place without prior written permission from the column’s author Jawn Murray. Material contained herein may not be re-sold, loaned, hired, exchanged, bartered or in any other way re-distributed in any other manner whatsoever.

 

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