Vibe.com, August 3rd, 2006
The music industry has seen promising careers come and go as often as full moons. Even a catchy single, key collaborations and a strong team can’t guarantee musical longevity. Shareefa is well aware of this fickleness of R&B;, but as the next up to bat on the Disturbing Tha Peace roster, she is cool as a fan. “I don’t even believe in pressure,” Shareefa says. “Pressure is like ice cream cake to me, I love it.”
She should be at ease, as she adds her signature style of street soul to the production of musical masterminds Rodney Jerkins, Teddy Riley, Stevie J and Chucky Thompson on her rookie project, Point of No Return. And with her Ludacris-assisted lead single, “Need A Boss,” steadily rising up the charts, the songbird looks to establish a long-term presence in R&B; rather than becoming another fly-by-night artist.
Vibe.com chatted with an upbeat Shareefa about “real music,” being a part of the DTP family and her YouTube nightmare.
Vibe.com: When did you first start singing and writing songs?
Shareefa: By age 16, I really started writing but I started early singing, at about 6. I won my first talent show – I think I was in the sixth grade in ’95 – at Franklin in East Orange. I was singing Monica’s “Just One of Them Days” looking crazy. They got the tape – I gotta go burn that s**t. It’s so embarrassing. I would literally start crying if that got out. I’d be laughing at the same time but still embarrassed.
What should we expect from your album, Point of No Return?
Shareefa: You can expect classic music all day. From [track] one to 15, it’s just classic music. I really aim for that; I feel like that was big. To play a CD five years, 10 years, 15 years from now and it still take you back in that zone and it puts you back in that place, that’s dope to me. That’s very important. Longevity is important. In this music game you’re here today, gone today.
With this album, you’re coming into a new generation of female singers such as Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Cheri Dennis and Cassie. What makes you stand out in this bunch of female artists?
Shareefa: My stories. Me. My name’s Shareefa. That’s what makes me different. I feel like no one can tell another person’s story the way that person could. So that’s why I feel like I’m different because I tell my stories – I convince you. They’re very convincing. There is no sugar coating. It’s straight to the point and this is who I am. I’m not ashamed and I’m not covering anything up.
Have you ever kept a diary?
Shareefa: Nope. I was never into diaries. You know I tried the girly s**t and it just didn’t work. And you know, I tried the dolls – I’d do their hair and throw them in the garbage. I’d be done. Every Christmas since I was little, I wanted a karaoke machine. I got one at least twice, always broke them. Had to get another one.
So when you were growing up, were you more like a tomboy or a prissy girl?
Shareefa: In between. I was just a cool ass around-the-way chick. I liked to have my hair done, cute clothes, but what girl didn’t run with the fellas back then. Playing manhunt, just chillin’ out on the block.
What’s the relationship like between you and Shawwna being the two ladies of DTP?
Shareefa: That’s my sister. I love Shawnna, that’s my girl. I’m on her album too. It’s called “They Say” and her father’s playing the guitar. That’s my dog.
There’s a rumor that you and Ludacris are dating. Is there any truth to that?
Shareefa: No, we just have sex. (Laughs) Sike. I’m just playing. Luda is like my brother. We don’t even be around each other enough to start dating because he’s so busy. It’s straight business. Honestly, he’s a good friend as well as like a big brother to me. He gives me a lot of advice, pointers and all of that stuff and he’s a great boss. No more than that.
What type of guy do you like? Do you really “Need a Boss?”
Shareefa: You know what? A boss is not just a guy that’s out on the corner slinging. A boss is a real man that has business about himself and has taken care of his responsibilities. That’s what a boss is to me. If you handling your business, that’s a boss, baby. You a boss and you are what I need.
What’s your take on Ludacris’ song “War With God?” Do you think it was a subliminal dis?
Shareefa: He’s at his rawest form with “War of God.” It’s like a different side of him. It’s going to definitely raise eyebrows. I felt like, if it don’t apply let it fly. You got a million people out here everyday saying subliminal s**t and you sit there and be like “I wonder who he’s talking about.” Just keep guessing. To each his own. It’s to whoever – if you feel some type of way, it’s your ass. Me, I’m like “S**t, he ain't talking about me. S**t is hot!” Whatever he’s talking about, he’s addressing some deep ass issues. I understand where he’s coming from.
So he didn’t speak to you at all about the track?
Shareefa: No. There was nothing to talk about except “Listen to this song. It’s hot.”
On your album intro, you mention that you’re going to bring the real music. What would you describe as real music?
Shareefa: [Music that’s] from the heart, from the soul, from real life experiences. I feel like that’s what’s real. I’m real.
Read more vibe.com online exclusives.
