T’Melle’s path to stardom has required a level of perseverance few can fully comprehend. Mentored by the late TLC member Left Eye, she has overcome incredible odds to succeed at what she loves.
You started to career as part of group founded by the late TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. How did such a great opportunity come your way?
I was born and raised in Philly. I had joined a local girl group at eight-years-old. We had done a lot talent shows and that’s how we drew the attention of Left Eye. We were kind of doing our thing and her uncle discovered us. One of the group members went to the same church as him. The uncle told Lisa about us and that’s how it started… She saw something special in us and everything took off from there.
The first mixtape that you released as a solo artist garnered over three million SoundCloud streams. How did that feel? That’s quite an accomplishment.
It was pretty cool. At the time, it was right before streaming became what this major thing. Streaming was SoundCloud. It was how you got your music out. The mixtape didn’t really have a big promotion behind it and R&B seem to be at a low. It was right before the genre started taking off again. It was a world of just rap. Everybody was just rapping. I was just this R&B who came through with some hard beats and a melodic tone. It did what it did. I am very proud of that project.
Over time, you know music has evolved. How do you feel about the way it has changed since 2013 compared to now?
I like it! One thing that I like about the current music is that it’s very melodic. It’s melody driven and catchy. It’s the wave right now and people are feeling it. I like where it’s at but I’m more excited about where it’s going. I am definitely with the current stuff, but I’m excited about what’s next.
So many of the current artists sound extremely similar, in what ways will differ from your peers within the genre?
Well, I have always been an old soul. My father is a music teacher with a Masters in music so I listen to all types of music. I grew up listening to musicals, opera singers, and classic vocalists. Therefore, I think I incorporate elements from those things in any song I create. Whether it’s rapping and singing, you are going to still get a little bit of Chaka Khan, a little bit of Minnie Riperton… You have to sneak it in some times, because it can go over a lot of people’s heads. That’s what I do.
Let’s talk about your most recent single, “Work For It”. Tell us what inspired it.
Really it was more so the beat… When I heard the beat, it made me want to dance. I wanted to do something that was celebratory to praise your wins because I personally have experienced a lot of loss along with a lot of wins. I feel like anything worth having is worth working for. With that being said, I wanted it to be fun, but I wanted it to have a message. Once you have reached the goal you worked for, it’s time to celebrate. I’m fun so I wanted it to make sense but still showcase my personality. I’m a fun person.
The single is doing great. Is this a glimpse of what people can expect from your forthcoming project?
It’s a taste of it. My brand is always the same. I represent determination, empowerment and survival. With that being said, the stories that share through my music and the way I express myself, exemplify that I didn’t let life break me. You’re going to get sexy. You are going to get fun. However, there is always a message to my music. To answer your question, it’s just a taste of what’s coming from my project.
You experienced a tremendous tragedy and major loss early in your career as a passenger in the fatal accident in Honduras which would have deterred most people. How did you manage to stay focused and carry on with your career?
I can only say God. I was young so I didn’t understand the strength I had. There were doctors who told me I would never walk again. They said I would not be the same girl and I would have to figure out something else I would want to do with my life outside entertainment. It didn’t register to me because my mom was always in my ear, telling me that God would have the final say… My mom, being in the medical field, she knew miracles happen. At the end of the day, doctors can say what they want to say, but it’s all about your mindset. I think that’s what got me through it all. It was the inner strength that I didn’t know I had at the time, but I understand that now. It’s just a part of my story now.
Be’n Original
