In a most revealing interview to date, Teairra Mari finally speaks on everything, including domestic violence, her departure from one of hip-hop’s biggest brands, her hiatus from the music business, and her return with a new album, At That Point.
How does this album differ from your debut release?
This album is more mature. I’ve been through different things. ups and downs. That’s why I named the album At That Point. I finally feel that I’m ready to return. I’m comfortable with myself. I don’t have any questions about any of the songs on this album. The last album was put together by Def Jam. I didn’t really have much say, though I loved the album. This album is all me. The last album was my child, but an adopted child. This album is my birth-child.
Do you mind describing the hardships you experienced after being released from Rocafella?
I was released from Def Jam on the day of my prom. I was a young girl. Confused, I didn’t know what to do next. My mom and I weren’t really talking anymore. I was down for a minute. I went to my grandmother’s house in Detroit. I had to start all over from square one. I knew I wanted to sing, but I didn’t want to deal with business anymore. I just had to pray on it so I could come back into the recording business as an adult. I thought I knew it all, but I didn’t know anything.
During a recent interview, you revealed that there was a moment when you were a victim of domestic violence.
My ex-boyfriend was very aggressive. The first time I eventually went back, like millions of women in the past and some today. The second time, I realized that I wasn’t raised like that and left. My mother and grandmother, in fact, and all the women in my life had taught me that you don’t put up with that. No man is supposed to do that. Even though you are taught those things as a child, when you are in the situation, you don’t really try to hear all that. He’s telling you that it’s not going to happen again. You love this guy and really want to believe it’s not. Honestly, the first time it happened, I think you should just leave. If it happens once, it will happen again.
Let’s talk about the songs on the new album.
Right now, I’m really in love with the song titled “Automatic” that Rico Love wrote, and Jackpot produced. It sounds like I’m talking about drugs, but I’m talking about my love. It’s not regular; it’s Kush (laughs). It’s a street record, but I love it. It features Nicki Minaj from Queens. She’s one of Lil Wayne’s artists. I also have another song that I listen to all of the time called “Emergency.” It’s not really talking about domestic violence, but it’s about going back to an unhealthy situation. I have another one called “Lust,” where I talk about a guy who is treating me well. If he keeps it up, he may get lucky.
Jay-Z recently made a comment addressing accusations that he abandoned you both professionally and personally. “I gave Teairra Marì the same shot I gave Rihanna. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Of course, it was out of his hands. It wasn’t in anyone’s hands but the Lord’s. That’s how I looked at it. If he could have made me successful, he would have. Of course, he wants to win at everything he touches. I realize that it just wasn’t my time. I needed what happened to grow up, so I’m happy for it.
When was the last time that you talked to Jay?
It’s been a long time. Not quite a year, maybe six or seven months.
How do you feel about the reception of your new music? You are killing it on Myspace.
I feel great to know that some people still remember me. Some don’t, and that’s good because it gives me a clean slate. It gives me room to prove myself. I’m feeling awesome now. I’m in a good place. I’m getting a good response.
Do you have any plans beyond the music side of the entertainment business?
I’m starting to get into acting. I’ve been a drama queen my whole life. I’ve always been dramatic, overreacting to situations. My friend tells me, ‘Girl, calm down’ (laughs). I actually did a film called The Magnificent Cooly-T starring Jackie Long and Gary Dourdan. That’s my next move; I want to get more into acting.
Based on your experiences, what advice would you offer aspiring singers?
You have to keep good people around you. The people around you can determine your attitude at certain times. If you have good people around you who are not afraid to let you know when you are wrong, I think you will have a better chance. It will help you stay grounded, focused, and humble.
Be’n Original
