Angie Stone:Simply One Class Act

While some stars dim and fade away, Angie Stone has without any questions stood the test of time. Whether she was singing about there not being any more rain in her clouds or telling our “brothas” how much she loved them, Angie Stone simply over the years has been one class act. Always staying true to her talents and never wavering from the formula that has made her the success she is today, Angie Stone continues to prove that the desire for great music prevails. Her latest album, “Unexpected,” gives her fans what they come to expect of Angie Stone; a beautiful woman, with a beautiful voice, delivering beautiful music.

Onetta: Let’s first talk about your new album. If I’m not mistaken, “Unexpected” is your fifth studio album. How was it working on this new album?

Angie Stone: This is my fifth solo album. Working on the new album was weak and strong: weak because I lost my father during the process and strong because it created a sense of power.

Onetta: I think people forget that you are not only a music artist, but you are a songwriter as well. Did you do any writing on this new album?

Angie Stone: I did some writing as always, but there were a lot more collaborations than normal on “Unexpected.”

Onetta: You have a song on “Unexpected” called, “I Found A Keeper.” I read somewhere that you are engaged. So is it safe to say that Angie Stone has found a keeper? You can tell me about it. Lol!

Angie Stone: I have to say that we think that all our loves are keepers until something goes wrong…so to answer your question, I’ve found someone worth keeping…time will tell if our hearts are engaged for a lifetime.

Onetta: You have a great fan base. What will fans hear when they pick up a copy of “Unexpected.”

Angie Stone: They will hear Angie from then ‘til now. (Smile)

Onetta: With an Angie Stone album, people know that they are going to hear great music. How have you been able to thrive in an industry where you seem to have to sometimes compromise who you are and often have to conform to certain standards?

Angie Stone: Being true to the art form keeps me thriving in this industry.

Onetta: As a fan of great music, I feel lately that there are too many music artists under the radar that are not getting the exposure that they deserve. What is your perspective on the state of the music industry today?

Angie Stone: There are a lot of great artists under the radar who deserve more exposure. If those artists persevere, they will ultimately get the exposure from the fans that they deserve.

Onetta: You have talked openly about being a dark-skinned artist in the entertainment industry and the difficulties that come along with that. I know people are tired of the debate about the light skinned/dark skinned issue within our community, but the problem is that this is a real issue, and I think we are tired of talking about it because we don’t know how to rectify this unspoken hierarchy of color that has existed since slavery. Do you feel that things are better in the entertainment industry for dark-skinned artists?

Angie Stone: I think being dark-skinned today is a blessing. More of our features are being copied via plastic surgery and have become a standard of beauty.

Onetta: I remember that when you were dating D”Angelo, there was this uproar because people perhaps felt that D’Angelo was too fine, or too whatever to date Angie Stone. Why do you think that people felt that way and did it ever bother you or hurt you that some people had that attitude?

Angie Stone: Not really because he raved over my beauty inside and out and proved it by always protecting me. What hurts is society still judges the shell of a person without knowing their heart…when you’re adored because of both.

Onetta: One thing I can say is that after the relationship ended, you didn’t have anything bad to say about him and he didn’t have anything to say bad about you. So it’s clear to see that the love and respect for one another was mutual.

Angie Stone: …And that speaks volumes.

Onetta: Well I must say, that in your latest promotional photos that I have seen, you are getting your sexy on. Lol! You look beautiful. One of my favorite songs by you is “Happy Being Me.” I love that song. Are you in a good place in your life right now? Are you happy being you?

Angie Stone: Always. Self-love is the most important thing in my life to me. You can’t expect to receive love if you don’t understand what it is to love yourself first.

Onetta: A couple of things before I let you go. It was reported that you were working on a book a while back. Are you still working on that book?

Angie Stone: Yes and no. It depends on the time I have to complete it. Right now, it’s on hiatus.

Onetta: You had a role in the film, “Pastor Brown.” What was your experience like working on that film and when can people expect to see it in theaters?

Angie Stone: It was a stellar experience. I love acting. People can expect to see it next year.

Onetta: What’s next for Angie Stone? I am going to put my two cents in. Lol! I think there should be an all star female tour featuring Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, and Ledisi. What do you think?

Angie Stone: Sounds like a plan. You’re good!

Onetta: Is there anything you want to say to your great fans?

Angie Stone: Thanks for all the years of love and support. Enjoy the message in my music. Learn from it, apply it, and grow from it!

Onetta: Finish this sentence. My New Year’s resolution for 2010 is…..

Angie Stone: To stop putting a question mark where God has already put a period.

Angie Stone’s new album is available in stores now!

Check out the video below to hear Angie Stone’s latest single, “I Ain’t Hearin’ U.”