Mýa Discussion / 25th Anniversary

[Zinc.]

s**tty cover. But it's nice to have an album.

Her upcoming title "Smoove Jones," will be the eighth independent, self-funded, self executive project release on Mya's label, Planet 9, and her 12th studio project. Smoove Jones (R&B/soul/hip hop with old-school elements from the 70s, 80s, and 90s) will be available digitally worldwide, with physical copies (standard, autographed or personalized) avaible on myamya.com. The deluxe package (CD & Calendar combo) will also be available on her website (worldwide shipping).

Tracklist

Smoove Jones Radio (Intro)
Welcome to My World
Hold On (feat. Phil Ade)
Elevator
Phya
Spoil Me
Team You
Coolin'
One Man Woman (Ol' Skoo' Joint)
Circle of Life (Ol' Skoo' Joint)
Smoove Jones Afta Glow Show (Outro)
One Man Woman (Unplugged) [Bonus]

Source
Page 16

Pre-Order
Link

iTunes

[Zinc.]

New Interview w/ Juicy Magazine

Although you don’t hear Mya’s music on the radio as much as you did early in her career, the 35-year-old is still hard at work producing and recording. No longer signed to a major label, Mya has been releasing music through her own imprint, Planet 9, which she launched in 2008. Her sixth and most recent independent effort, Love Elevation Suite, was released last month on Valentine’s Day, and features production from Yonni, the Hit List, and Hard Work. The five track EP commemorates the release of her debut single, 1998’s “It’s All About Me”, and her sixteenth anniversary in the entertainment industry.

With a career spanning nearly two decades, Mya is accustomed to the good and the bad that comes with being in the spotlight. In January, the Washington, DC native caused a frenzy when videos of her performing in a Miami strip club hit social media, and last year, Mya was wrongfully accused of being the longtime “mistress” of hip-hop mega-star (and Beyoncé’s husband), Jay-Z.

I recently caught up with Mya for a refreshingly candid interview that addressed both of those headline grabbing stories. She and I also discussed her new music, her financial status (and no, she isn’t broke!!), and what it would take to get her to do reality television (I’m so there for any reality TV show she decides to do!!). Check out highlights below.

ON RUNNING HER INDEPENDENT LABEL, PLANET 9:
“It’s been very rewarding as I’ve been able to understand and get acclimated to how the business really works. Playing creative artist, as well as being the label itself and watching the budget and making financial decisions – sort of bipolar [laughs] because they’re two opposites. But it’s definitely prepared me and conditioned me to be an artist/manager, or be an executive at a label one day knowing both sides and having a passion for number one, protecting artists – see their dreams through, but also keep their budgets to a minimum so they can have a future financially. I’ve blessed to have this experience – it’s incredible. Creatively, I’ve gotten to do my music the way I like it to sound, meet different people, it’s a very rich experience being on both sides I would have to say, and it’s just conditioning and preparation for where I’m about to go.”

ON HER CURRENT SOUND:
“I do it all. I still do pop stuff, I do dance mixes for a certain crowd, I have a big gay following, LGBT, I have international fans, but I also do hood music on mix tapes and stuff like that, records for the strip club, slow jams for my grown and sexy folks that have been with me for seventeen-years, and substance music as well. You know, uplifting, empowering stuff, but real. So you have a combination, and I’m just an artist, I like to play, I like to jump outside of the box.”

“This specific sound for ‘Love Elevation Suite’, I’m going to call it pinky finger music because it’s just real grown and sexy [laughs].”

ON HOW WELL SHE’S MAINTAINED FINANCIALLY:
“My mother, being an accountant, has been a blessing. I’ve been very fortunate for her to have read all the Donald Passman books early in my career before I signed anything, so I’ve been very aware since I was sixteen-years-old about how things work. But I’ve gotten hands on experience of the processes of making, producing, recording albums, keeping things down to a minimum, negotiating, doing contracts, all of that stuff I’ve acquired, and, not mastered, but I’m doing quite well for myself hands on. Regarding labels and them looking out for your best interest financially, hell no, that’s now how it works. You hire people to do that, financial advisors, accountants, and CPAs, business managers as an artist, and not all of them have your best interest at heart or stay on top of things. But my mom, since 1998, has been my accountant, and I have no debt, I’m fine, and I live simply, below and never above my means because this is a very inconsistent game that I’m in, and I do quite well for myself, but I live a simple life, and I don’t go overboard like a lot of these guys out here because I want to be free, and I don’t want to live a slave to any possessions that get old the next year. So my mom, thankful for her.”

ON HER MUCH TALKED-ABOUT MIAMI STRIP CLUB PERFORMANCE:
“The way the story was projected on the blogs, as we know, it gets crazy these days. It’s just off the chain, and it’s hilarious to me, but the way they are going to project their headlines to drive traffic to their sites is, ‘Mya’s Broke’, or ‘Mya’s On Drugs’, or ‘Mya’s A Stripper Now’. You didn’t see me touch one pole, you didn’t see me take any clothes off. It’s the same dance break I’ve been doing for three-years to this song called ‘Earthquake’ featuring Trina, who happens to live in Miami, and I’ve performed at strip clubs since I was eighteen-years-old. But we’re in a cell phone camera generation where if something is captured from a certain angle, not the professional camera, not the professional videographer from the front, or anything. It can be edited, it can look crazy, and they’ll use it and spin it because that’s the way things work nowadays in social media, but it’s nothing that I haven’t done before, you know, several times.”

“I had some special requests that night, but I was there promoting a record, a brand new record actually, from one of my EPs, and it is specifically for trap, the cars, the whips, and the strip clubs, and it’s called ‘Money’, and it’s a very boss song, and I perform that first, but they didn’t show that online. So you know, that’s how it goes.”

ON RUMORS, PARTICULARLY THOSE SURROUNDING HER RELATIONSHIP WITH JAY-Z:
“I laughed [when she first heard about the Jay-Z rumor] because I’m a single woman, and it just came out of the blue from an unreliable source, and you just have to laugh at stuff like that. Now had I been in a relationship or something like that, that would have been very messy, you know. But I know what comes with the territory of being a public figure, and that’s just how it is and that’s how it’s always been. It doesn’t matter if you’re minding your business, if you’re married, if you’re celibate, if anything. Some things are just going to happen, and I thought it was quite disrespectful, but you never know where the source comes from, and you just stay prayed up. I know who I am – it doesn’t really affect me nowadays.”

ON HER CONTACT WITH JAY-Z:
“We’ve never been in touch, not even when we did the song [2000’s ‘The Best Of Me’].”

ON REALITY TELEVISION:
“I’ve been approached to do many [reality TV shows], and I just had to say no to some because I’m from PG County, and that can get a little dangerous if I’m pushed. So I refrained from putting myself in certain positions on certain shows because I know what that’s about, and I’m not trying to be about that life, but I know how to be about [laughs]. But if it’s a specific thing where I’m a co-producer on the situation, and I can protect what I’ve built, you know, and it’s about certain things that I’d like to project and not editing something to make someone look shady for ratings, then we can talk. But until then, I’m cool over here minding my business and doing my independent thing”.

As for what’s next for Mya outside of music, the biracial beauty told me she’s interested in making this world “a better place”. “And however I’m going to do that, that’s how I’m going to do it. I’m interested in a lot of things,” she told me.

Mya’s latest EP, Love Elevation Suite, is available for download on iTunes. Be sure to keep up with all her endeavors by following her on Twitter @missmya

[SHOOTER]

The joint venture deal is going to come later than sooner but it's not off the table completely.

[Zinc.]

Mar 17, 2015 12:24:58 GMT -5 SHOOTER said:

The joint venture deal is going to come later than sooner but it's not off the table completely.

That's what I'm thinking but hopefully before 2015 is up

[Zinc.]

I Love the 90s concert she tribute Aaliyah and covers At Your Best

[Zinc.]

Snippet of new music

i.instagram.com/p/06ZOjzLoJ1/

[Zinc.]

Mya Talks ‘Love Elevation Suite’ EP, Longevity, and Her Love for Trap Music

This past February marked the 17th anniversary of Mya’s debut single “It’s All About Me”. To commemorate the release of her classic single, Mya dropped her Love Elevation Suite EP on Valentine’s day. SooDetroit had the honor of catching up with the beautiful songstress to discuss everything from her latest EP, the benefits of being an independent artist, and how trap music gets her through her day.

Your Love Elevation Suite EP dropped on Valentine’s Day, which also is the anniversary of your debut single “It’s All About Me”—which came out 17 years ago. What has been the key component that has contributed to your longevity?

Well, being alive. [Laughs.] [Also] I never stop doing work. I’m always performing somewhere in the world, and every year I release something just for my fans—if it’s not an album, it’s an EP, if it’s not that, it’s a mixtape, a calendar, or a video.

I’m always performing, whether it’s a gay pride festival, a specific acoustic concert, a strip club. Wherever, however, whenever, I’m always on my grind. [Laughs.]

The vibe of this new EP has more of a throwback R&B feel to it. Was that the mindset you had when creating this project?

Well, I’m always at the studio recording, so these are songs that have been sort of just been sitting there. I had a concept with Love Elevation Suite, I wanted people to feel higher, and I wanted them to feel elevated, you know?

Radio is what it is right now—and I love it, but it does feel more like the club. When I listen to fans saying they want me to come back on the scene, they know I’ve been making music, so they want me to give them some R&B classics, because they’re tired of listening to radio.

[The EP] has influences from The Isley Brothers, Minnie Riperton, um, just a lot of different people. All these songs were in my archive. I handled all of the business. I did all of the paperwork myself. I paid the producers, did a lot of the writing on the road, and then I released it on Valentine’s Day to compliment the flavor of the lovers of Valentine’s Day, and that specific vibe, so it’s cuddle music. [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] I feel you. Now, where do you draw your inspiration from when you’re in the song-making/recording process?

There are many different places, um, whether it be past, present, or wishful thinking for the future that I try to pull from for myself, aspirations or refections. But, I can always be inspired by another person’s life—a girlfriend, or a documentary, or even a movie. I can look out my window and just be inspired to write something.

With these independent releases over the years, do you feel like they have elevated you creatively as an artist?

Absolutely. I feel when you’re dormant as a person or artist, or wherever your craft may lie, you can get stagnate. But I think always working and putting myself in a new environment has definitely elevated me and allowed me to grow. It’s elevated my craft, but I’ve also been independent, so I’ve had the freedom to just do that.

I think sometimes being locked into a record deal can often get in the way of that by chasing radio formats, or having to stick to a certain deadline. Being independent has allowed me to serve different fan bases, create different types of projects, and listening to my fans on social media about their wants and needs. I really attribute them. Oh, and time.

You’ve released music in Japan, and have gotten a tremendous response. What are your thoughts on why the culture there is so receptive to American artists?

Japan has a format of its own. It’s very pop. It’s a very free spirited place. Full of color regarding the young culture there. I realized that Japan embraces many different cultures around the world. There’s a big dance culture there, and with dance you have many types of influences.

I’ve been to a dancehall club—in Japan! [Laughs.] I felt like I was in Jamaica. There’s a lot of rhythm there. I’m going to say this, but they embrace urban culture. Japan is so strict in regards to education, being formal, and there’s no jaywalking like you see in the movies. [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] That’s interesting. Hip-hop has always been a big influence in your music. Through the years you’ve collaborated with the likes of Silk the Shocker to Jay Z to even appearing in The Game’s “Dreams” music video. Is there any R&B/Hip-hop collaboration you would like to do?

Yeah, as far as what I’ve been listening to. I love me some trap music, but that’s usually to workout and go hard in the gym with. [Laughs.] I get pumped, I get amped in the gym. But I really appreciate the lyrics and messages of J. Cole and Phil Ade.

I recently worked with Phil Ade on a song of mine that’s not released, and something of his called “Soon As I Get On”. He’s from my area, the DMV, but he has some dope stuff. I really would like to work with Lauryn Hill on the lyrical side of things.

So, you listen to Migos and Gucci Mane? [Laughs.]

Oh, yes. Oh, my goodness. All that. Trap all day in the gym. [Laughs.] I listen to it sometimes in my car too.

That’s hilarious to me. [Laughs.] Speaking of “Dreams”, there was that famous line about your classic King magazine cover. Do you feel that men are still going crazy over that King cover after all these years?

I wasn’t aware of that. I thought that was really old. That’s like, what? 12 years old now?

Yeah, something like that. When I told my friends that I was interviewing you, that’s the first thing they brought up. They’re like, “Ask her about the King cover.”

I don’t know exactly why, but I didn’t think it was all that. It was alright [Laughs.]

Man, look. [Laughs.] I’m trying to tell you—

I think it was shocking at the moment, but it went with the song I was trying to promote at the time, which was “My Love Is Like…Wo”, ya know?

Trust me. They’re still talking about it to this day. That cover is a classic.

I think it was because it was my very first shoot, or look, I should say, and people were just in shock. Anyhow, continuing on. [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] Alright, moving on. When you’re not in the studio, what’s a typical day like for Mya?

I like to wake up, pray, and meditate. I like to do little stretching, cardio. I’m vegan, so I like to cook a nice vegan breakfast, or when I’m on my real healthy tip, I like to start my day with a nice smoothie. Really pretty fruits—it makes me really happy to have colorful assortments like: strawberries, blueberries, bananas, [and also] some vegan protein powder. Then, after that, it’s time for office work for 6 hours. I do calls, email responses, negotiations, contracts, drafts, flyers, artwork to coordinate, and responding to fans on social media—that’s an easy 6 hours for me. I’m operating a label and management as well. Then, I go to the studio after the office part is taken care of.

Damn, does that get strenuous at times?

No, I’m very used to it, and it’s taken years to get acclimated to making sure that 50 percent is business and 50 percent is creative—I have to really split it up. But somedays, I just dedicated to just creativity, or getting my body together and mind right.

Then there are days where it’s just strictly business, because the creativity can’t necessarily happen without the business in place first. It doesn’t get intimidating or frustrating. It’s just a part of it that’s necessary to save you time, drama, and litigations in the long run.

You’re one of few R&B singers that doesn’t hesitate to weave in and out of different genres. Your musical content is very diverse. With that being said, what can we expect from your next full-length project?

Will your next album ride in the same lane as your latest EP or expand further?

Well, I’m gonna say, whenever I release an album it’s very hard to tell. You’re going to get a variety. There’s always a slow jam section, there’s always going to be a dance section. You’re gonna get substance music—you’re gonna get all of that from a classic Mya album.

It might fall into different types of genres, because I have different types of fans, and it’s hard to please everyone at once. But that’s also the beauty of being able to do mixtapes, because I can keep my trap music and workout music for that. [Laughs.]

For my EPs, I can give my people an appetizer of just strictly slow jams, or a strictly dance EP for those who want that. For an album? I have to give it all, because I have too many types of fans to satisfy.

I’ve always wanted to know, what was your favorite album you ever recorded?

My favorite album I ever recorded is probably Liberation, which many people didn’t get because it was leaked, but that was my favorite. It had a lot of personal [songs] on there, I was spilling my guts lyrically and conceptually [on there.]

Any plans for upcoming movie roles on the horizon?

Oh, yes—definitely. I’m in acting classes as we speak, because I never actually studied in a group setting, I’ve always had a coach. I always wanted to know how it was to interact in a group setting.

Definitely, but it’s also about finding a script I’m most passionate about. It’s hard to find those type of projects everyday, as well as land the role. But in the meantime, in between time, I can do some things on the independent side for practice until I find something I’m really passionate about.

Of all the accolades you’ve received throughout your career, what has been the most defining moment for you?

I think receiving an award and being acknowledged in Washington, D.C. for my work in my own community. It was very touching, because what I did was a youth program free of charge, and really hands on. I wasn’t looking to be promoted or speak on it publicly, or create some press story. I did the work, because I really love teaching.

Teaching was my very first job, and it was rewarding to other people as well as myself. Just to give back to where I’m from and give kids something to do in their summer months is very inspiring. To get an award for that was really defining for me.

Wow, that’s dope.

How old are you?

I’m 30.

Oh, you’re a baby. [Laughs.] You’re a grown man, but you’re a baby. Life has just begun. [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] That’s funny, but I feel old. Entering your 30’s changes your whole perspective on life, I swear. Hey, I wanted to know have you and Sisqo thought about doing another song together?

We did! We actually recorded something like, 3 years ago in Baltimore. I can’t remember the name of the song, but we actually did hook up in the studio and recorded it. [The song] was for his project, but I would really love to get in the studio with all of Dru Hill. They’re all incredible lyricist, song writers, and musicians—including myself, I also play an instrument. Talented people should come together. I’m a fan of that music, and I’m from that era.

It seems like a lot of the artists from that ‘90s era are making a comeback this year. I’m super excited because all I listen to is ‘90s R&B and hip-hop.

Yeah, me too.

I listen to today’s music too, of course, but music from that era—especially R&B was better in my opinion.

When people actually had feelings, and it wasn’t disrespectful, right? [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] Exactly!

Artists like SWV and Xscape weren’t ashamed to be vulnerable, reveal their hearts on their sleeves, and have feelings. Then after that, something happened. [Laughs.]

[Laughs.] Yeah, I don’t know what happened to the music after that.

Pride and ego.

[Deleted]

It's so weird how she always seems to get these great interviewers who know all about her career and actually ask about the music but comparable artists like Ciara/Ashanti/Christina Milian always get asked the same generic career questions and then a bunch about who they're dating.

[George]

Always love her interviews, and I think the reason why she gets asked more in depth questions is her longer career (she started in the 90s - similar to Brandy, Monica, Deborah Cox, Tamia) and that she's more business inclined (her own label).

[Zinc.]

7 Things I learned at 7: An Interview With Grammy-Winning Artist Mýa

This month, R&B/hip-hop artist and actress Mýa visited the island, so we snagged the chance to sit with her as she shared choice tidbits about her new EP series, a rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and an encounter with a 6-foot shark.

Why the visit to the 50th State?

I was initially in Hawai‘i for some filming. But my management and staff at The Modern Honolulu coordinated a weekend around the latest series of projects I’ve released, which I was very excited about. It started with a meet-and-greet at The MH’s The Study, followed by an EP series release party and a live performance at the Addiction Nightclub that included classic hits and a new fan favorite, “Space,” from my latest EP. On Saturday, I spent the entire day with the winners and runners-up of my “Break Spring with Mýa” online contest. We (all first timers) enjoyed a shark encounter tour in Hale‘iwa, a poolside lunch, spa treatments at The Modern Spa followed by a complimentary dinner at Morimoto Restaurant, where I had an amazing tofu cheesecake, since I’m currently practicing veganism. On Sunday, I had my own Mýa time and visited the beach and took an aerial helicopter tour of the island before heading to the airport.

Best memory from the trip?

I did overcome my fear of deep, dark waters and sharks by setting up the tour in Hale‘iwa. I wanted to challenge myself and, being with my fans, I knew I couldn’t back out. Now I have a greater appreciation for sharks and their surroundings.

Although that was an amazing experience, I would say my favorite memory I’ll take back with me was meeting so many wonderful people and taking in the beautiful sights in a relaxing setting.

What inspires your music?

People, places, the human experience, the series of emotions (high, low and limbo) we experience and the curiosity of the universe.

First musical memory?

Playing a keyboard with my mom on the bed at 2 years old. It was “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

You started at such a young age. How has the music industry changed over the years?

I’ve seen a huge shift in technology—this might trip you out a little. When I first started recording demos, it was in my dad’s friend’s basement studio, the equipment was horrible, but I produced my very first album on a cassette tape. By the second album, there was no cassette, just CD. By the next album, there was still CD, but it was a risk to put anything physical out there because there was a shift to MP3s, and Napster was born. Now, online, there are so many digital outlets—Spotify, Beats, iTunes, Google Play, Amazon—it’s endless. So, your music is widely available and it reaches audiences all over the world. But, on the flip side, I do think people still like to have a physical copy of the music.

Favorite karaoke song?

Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam’s “Head to Toe.”

When will you come back to the Islands?

Hopefully for the second annual HONOLULU Fashion Week this year!

[Deleted]

Apr 8, 2015 11:37:22 GMT -5 George said:

Always love her interviews, and I think the reason why she gets asked more in depth questions is her longer career (she started in the 90s - similar to Brandy, Monica, Deborah Cox, Tamia) and that she's more business inclined (her own label).

To add to this, Mya definitely seems like she knows how to control the conversation and make sure the focus remains on her music. Even in that interview above, when the guy was asking her about her King shoot she played along for a few minutes and then was like 'ok, now moving on!' Christina and Ashanti have both been around almost as long as Mya has (13 years to Mya's 16); Ciara has been around for 11 now. That's long enough that people should be interested in asking all of them more career-related questions, but the way they present themselves doesn't give me the impression that they know or care to control the conversation in that way, and maybe even want the 'who are you dating?' questions because they think that is what people are more interested in hearing about.

Being independent helps Mya here too, because there will always be the built-in questions about what it is like to have to do everything for yourself. When things went wrong with her label she could have looked for another one, but instead she made a conscious decision not to pursue it. Ciara and Christina never tried to do it on their own...Ashanti did but never gave the impression that she was really great at the business side of things or knew what she was doing with herself.

[Zinc.]

I agree with everything you said above. Plus Mya likes to give in depth answers as well. She's very aritculate and smart.

[Deleted]

Apr 8, 2015 14:29:04 GMT -5 @antigonerising said:

Apr 8, 2015 11:37:22 GMT -5 George said:

Always love her interviews, and I think the reason why she gets asked more in depth questions is her longer career (she started in the 90s - similar to Brandy, Monica, Deborah Cox, Tamia) and that she's more business inclined (her own label).

To add to this, Mya definitely seems like she knows how to control the conversation and make sure the focus remains on her music. Even in that interview above, when the guy was asking her about her King shoot she played along for a few minutes and then was like 'ok, now moving on!' Christina and Ashanti have both been around almost as long as Mya has (13 years to Mya's 16); Ciara has been around for 11 now. That's long enough that people should be interested in asking all of them more career-related questions, but the way they present themselves doesn't give me the impression that they know or care to control the conversation in that way, and maybe even want the 'who are you dating?' questions because they think that is what people are more interested in hearing about.

Being independent helps Mya here too, because there will always be the built-in questions about what it is like to have to do everything for yourself. When things went wrong with her label she could have looked for another one, but instead she made a conscious decision not to pursue it. Ciara and Christina never tried to do it on their own...Ashanti did but never gave the impression that she was really great at the business side of things or knew what she was doing with herself.

I think it must be that Mya knows how to control the direction of the questions, especially since she gets interviewed mostly by smaller blog outlets. I don't know if I agree that Mya is better at being indie than Ashanti though, Ashanti's indie offering sold 10x as much as Mya's in the first week even with the sloppy run. At any rate, Mya definitely knows how to direct the conversation to stay on her career which is good. I wish Ciara and Ashanti got some of these questions though, it feels like we never hear Ashanti or Ciara talk about their creative process or career moments unless it's about an ex-boyfriend (Ashanti) or in really generic "This is my best album yet/the sound is so different" nothings (Ciara.)

I also thought it was kinda funny that Mya gets these great career interviews rather than tabloid fodder since everyone always says that she spent so much of her heyday thottin around on the low, but it never comes up in interviews lol.

[Deleted]

Apr 8, 2015 16:39:47 GMT -5 @soblu said:

Apr 8, 2015 14:29:04 GMT -5 @antigonerising said:

To add to this, Mya definitely seems like she knows how to control the conversation and make sure the focus remains on her music. Even in that interview above, when the guy was asking her about her King shoot she played along for a few minutes and then was like 'ok, now moving on!' Christina and Ashanti have both been around almost as long as Mya has (13 years to Mya's 16); Ciara has been around for 11 now. That's long enough that people should be interested in asking all of them more career-related questions, but the way they present themselves doesn't give me the impression that they know or care to control the conversation in that way, and maybe even want the 'who are you dating?' questions because they think that is what people are more interested in hearing about.

Being independent helps Mya here too, because there will always be the built-in questions about what it is like to have to do everything for yourself. When things went wrong with her label she could have looked for another one, but instead she made a conscious decision not to pursue it. Ciara and Christina never tried to do it on their own...Ashanti did but never gave the impression that she was really great at the business side of things or knew what she was doing with herself.

I think it must be that Mya knows how to control the direction of the questions, especially since she gets interviewed mostly by smaller blog outlets. I don't know if I agree that Mya is better at being indie than Ashanti though, Ashanti's indie offering sold 10x as much as Mya's in the first week even with the sloppy run.

In my mind Mya and Ashanti's independent runs are pretty different from each other. Ashanti had her own publishing company but it was (is?) connected to eOne, and as s**tty a rep as eOne usually gets, it's the biggest independent there is; Ashanti had a lot more access to distribution and radio than Mya has had for the past decade. With that in mind, it seemed to me that Ashanti either was not the one behind most of the business decisions during Braveheart and then got the typical lack of attention from eOne, or she was in control and didn't know what to do. I can't help but think Braveheart would have done better if Ashanti had had Mya's level of focus. Mya really is absolutely independent right now - no distribution channel (I can't even think of the last time she released a physical product in the US - was it Moodring?!), and she never sends songs out for airplay. I'm sure she doesn't have the funds to make physical releases or attempted radio promo worth her time or effort, but for what little access she does have now she seems to have made a good living out of it.

That's not to shade Ashanti completely though. I think Ashanti, well her momager, has done a good job of getting her face back out there and keeping her booked with acting gigs and stuff. She has some hustle in her.

I also thought it was kinda funny that Mya gets these great career interviews rather than tabloid fodder since everyone always says that she spent so much of her heyday thottin around on the low, but it never comes up in interviews lol.

I'm sure this is the entire reason she keeps a firm grip on the topics, lol! Honestly I always felt that Mya saw her personal life as separate from her career. Or I should say, if she slept with you it was because she wanted to sleep with you and not because she needed a feature or to get her album released. That may be why she eventually peaced out on it, she got tired of being called a hoe or people getting it twisted when she would try to work with them. I've watched a few interviews with other people and if Mya gets brought up there is almost always some major shade being thrown. I'm sure she was beyond over that.

[Deleted]

You better preach that sex positivity! Those bitter ass aunties on LSA are always seething at how Mya is "so ran through but has nothing to show for it" and I'm like uhh don't be mad because Payless ran out of plastic pumps for the afterparty.

[Deleted]

And if she did have something to show for it they'd be dogging her out for sleeping around to get where she is. Whatever.

[Zinc.]

Mya has released products physically in the US, K.I.S.S. through ingrooves (although she funded it) and Beauty & the Streets Vol. 1 through Fontana Distribution. She's very hands on with the creative and business aspect which she should since she's funding everyhing herself. She could go get a distribution with Eone but I think she wants to come back in a major way. She's a hustle by heart all of those gigs she books pay for everything she's done independently thus far. Her business savvy is incredible.

As far her whole "thot" life, I never believed it (still don't) there's never been no concrete evidence behind the allegations just a bunch of nonsense. According to Wendy, when she was discussing her whole strip club appearance her father was known as the shut down king and she went nowhere without him. And Mya does speak of him being there early on in her career. Hell even her mom was at the Lady Marmalade video shoot. People like to pinpoint Mya because 1) people mistake reserved demeanor for being stuck up, 2) they either try to get with her in the past and had no luck hit a break wall i.e. Bow Wow, Lil Duvall, etc. and 3) she's never seen negatively in the tabloids until recent years.

[Zinc.]

FIVE BEST SONGS FROM MYA'S FEAR OF FLYING ALBUM

Female R&B vocalists of today often get compared to names like Aaliyah and Janet Jackson, singers who were also known for their dancing prowess. But one name that often gets left out of the conversation is Mya.

The Washington, D.C. native, who’s African-American and Italian, had her first foray in the arts through dance, taking up ballet, jazz and tap as a toddler. She even earned the opportunity to study under the legendary tap dancer, Savion Glover, and got her big break in entertainment by landing a gig as a dancer on BET’s now-defunct show, Teen Summit. Mya caught the music bug and recorded a demo that would ultimately pique the interest of Interscope Records, with whom the talented teen inked a recording contract.

Dropping her eponymous debut album in 1998, fans immediately took to Mya, who impressed with her nifty dance moves and Chocolate City charm. Being drop-dead gorgeous and a solid vocalist didn’t hurt matters either, nor did her collaborations with some of the hottest artists in the game, including Sisqo (“It’s All About Me”) and Silkk Tha Shocker (“Movin’ On”), both of which played a major part in the album earning platinum certification.

Before you knew it, Mya was considered an A-list artist, appearing on smash singles like Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s contribution to the Bullworth soundtrack, “Ghetto Superstar,” as well as the star-studded The Rugrats Movie Soundtrack cut, “Take Me There,” both of which boosted her profile further and raised anticipation for her second LP.

The public didn’t have to wait too long for it to arrive, as the singers sophomore effort, Fear of Flying, landed on April 25, 2000. With 72,000 copies sold within its first week of release and debuted at the No. 15 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart, both of which were considered disappointing stats and didn’t bode well for its commercial prospects.

The album’s lead single, the Jadakiss-assisted “The Best of Me,” didn’t take off as expected and Fear of Flying was on its way to being considered a bust until the album’s second single, “Case of the Ex” struck gold with fans, prompting Interscope to re-release the LP, which would go on to earn Mya her second platinum plaque and stamp her place within the game.

Fifteen years after her sophomore effort hit shelves, we gave Fear of Flying another spin and picked its five best songs. Did your favorite song make the cut? Check out our selections below.

5
"Man in My Life"
Mya turns down the lights with the slow-burning ballad, "Man in My Life." Flipping Rod Temperton's masterful songwriting into a dedication to her beau, Mya takes a page out of the book of Michael Jackson and does his timeless "Lady in My Life" record much justice. Co-produced by the Mercenaries, with additional work done by Trackmasters, the familiar melody feels warm and is inviting with its warm embrace of plush percussion. Vocally, Mya is as sensuous as on any other selection on the LP and shines with her subtle nuance and command of the track. While imitating the brilliance of MJ is no small feat, she completes the mission and comes through with flying colors on this track.


4
"Fear of Flying"
Produced by Knobody, the title track wins with its use of guitar strings and delicate percussion, making for a serene soundbed. "I've got a fear of flying on a plane cause we've got no say in how it ends up / Well, in my mind, love's the very same way, that's why I never give my heart to no one," Mya admits while comparing her fear of heartbreak to the anxiety of catching a flight. "I've got a fear of flying high, but I'm compelled to spread my wings, so / It's all in my mind," she sings on the hook. The song displays a growing maturity in her artistry with its poignant lyrics and a solid vocal performance.


3
"Again & Again"
While missing from the original version of Fear of Flying, this lively number appeared on the re-release and is quite the treat. Produced by Swedish production duo Bag & Arnthor, with additional production from Damon Elliott, the track opens with Mya crooning, "I tried so hard to make you understand that it's over / Yes it's over," before the beat drops and the real fun begins. She lets her ex-lover know that any chances of reconciliation are out of the question. By the time you get to the chorus, Mya croons, "And again and again and again and again / You'll come back to me, boy, but you don't hear me, no," which makes it quite clear that she is more than fed up and has given her old flame the gas-face.


2
"The Best of Me"
Swizz Beatz lends his production talents to this effort, which was one of the last songs to make the cut for the final Fear of Flying track list. The effort didn't fare as well on the charts as past singles, but it was a hit on urban radio and served as the defacto announcement of Mya's sophomore campaign. The stunning beauty may have done her thing on the record, but the heat gets turned up when label mate and member of the Lox, Jadakiss steps in for a superb guest verse. "I got so many bags of money that they won't fit in the bank / And I'ma do you just like Tony did it to Frank / But I'ma make sure that both y'all win / Let em keep the place, you move, and I'ma pay both y'all rent," he raps, annihilating the track. Too bad the remix with Jay Z was too good for anyone to really remember this version, but that fact aside, the O.G. rendition still gets our love and affection regardless.


1
"Case of the Ex"
"It's after midnight and she's on your phone / Saying come over cause she's all alone / I could tell it was your ex by your tone / Why is she calling now after so long?" That recognizable phrase is from Mya's 2000 hit, "Case of the Ex." Produced by renowned beatmaker Tricky Stewart, the uptempo beat has club-banger written all over it, with jittery kicks and snares. Mya glides right over the track with her sultry vocals. The second single released from Fear of Flying, "Case of the Ex" was a modest hit upon its initial release, but slowly burned its way up the charts, ultimately peaking at the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her the second Top 10 single of her young career. Fifteen years later, the song continues to be a favorite among the ladies -- and a nightmare for the fellas.


theboombox.com/five-best-songs-from-myas-fear-of-flying-album/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

[Zinc.]

http://instagr.am/p/11ZRWRMp2_

[Zinc.]

CairoScene Meets Mya


m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=934128383284534&id=168220473208666&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FURGbipbC8C&_rdr

[Zinc.]

Happy Birthday Fear of Flying. Its been 15 years since its release

[Ginger Spice]

Fear of Flying is far and away my favorite Mya album. It was one of my favorite CDs as a kid and I still play it pretty frequently. I don't agree with the "5 best songs" listed up there, though. Can't Believe, Free, That's Why I Wanna Fight, and Takin' Me Over >>

[Zinc.]

Fear of Flying is my fave album by her.

I agree Can't Believe>>

[firefly]

Moodring is one of my favorite albums ever.
And House Party still BOPS.

[Zinc.]

http://instagr.am/p/2EGDErHGpQ

I'm feeling this

[Sam Lufti Asghari]

Wait, she performed at another strip club?

[Zinc.]

Apr 29, 2015 18:56:54 GMT -5 Sam Lufti Asghari said:

Wait, she performed at another strip club?

Yes. She hosted and performed.

[Zinc.]

http://instagr.am/p/2E4ngWq8ho

http://instagr.am/p/2E5RCIq8i1

http://instagr.am/p/2E6a10q8kv

http://instagr.am/p/2E65yhK8li

She filmed a docu-series called I Am..

Here's the promo trailer for it

[Zinc.]

http://instagr.am/p/2FBdc-FzWq

http://instagr.am/p/2Ec9nbjOeg

http://instagr.am/p/2EXg6Gpwx_

Loving the Bob.

[firefly]

It's beyond me why people make such a big deal out of her strip club performances.