She had some success in 2001 with her song I Do!! and toped the Billboard Heatseekers chart with her self titled debut. The album was considered one of the best urban efforts of 2001 by All Music Guide, and I really agree, the shit is hot to death.
Well, luckily I could contact Ms. Toya and interviewed her!
SOULBROTHA FIRST INTERVIEW
TOYA
TOYA
Soulbrotha:
It's been 5 years and a half since your debut album was released. And
all your fans are wondering where you are. What've you been doing?
Toya: I took some time off to travel. I live in ATL now. I've been in the studio some...just trynah get back out there
Soulbrotha: Everybody knows the big problem Arista Records had and the L.A Reid thing, what was the the real situation you went through with the label? only 2 singles (I Do!! and No Matta What) were released from the album and rumor has it that you're not longer signed. Have u been dropped or decided to leave?
Toya: I had a great time with Arista...and L.A. is a very amazing person to work for. My production company lost their deal with Arista and I got caught in the middle. The business side of music can be tough!!! Still, in was a great experience!
Soulbrotha: You became a mother, and I saw pics of you with your son and your husband and you seem to be very happy!
Is your family an inspiration when it comes to music or you prefer to write about other kind of stuff?
Toya: My family defineatly inspires me. Really, I like to write about things I've been thru....And it turns out WE all go thru a lot of the same things!
Soulbrotha: You worked with Soulshock & Karlin on your debut. How was it working with them? Are you planning to hook up with them again? What other top producers are you hoping to work with?
Toya: Soulshock and Karlin were amazing!!! I LOVED working with them. They made me feel very comfortable with them and it was always lots of fun being in the studio with them!!!! Really, I just LOVE hot tracks!!! I don't really scout out 'names'....just tracks:)
Soulbrotha: Are you signed to a new label or working on new stuff? If you do, don't you think 2007 will be a very competitive year for you since a lot of singers who debuted in 2001 are coming back (Blu Cantrell, Sunshine Anderson, Olivia)?
Toya: Right now, I'm currently looking for a new situation... I've been in the studio and still working on locking down a hot single! Competition is ALWAYS out there!!! Not just artists from 2001 but even NEW artists!! The important thing is to PAY attention to you own career.
Soulbrotha: Now, going back to your debut album, which is amazing in my opinion. Which song would you pick as your favorite and why?
Toya: I Do!! because it's the first song I recorded. It started my career and I loved working with the producer, Ghost!
Soulbrotha: You worked with a lot of people like T.I, Loon, Penelope, Murphy Lee. Can we expect a hot collaboration in the future with these rappers or others?
Toya: I really enjoy collaborating with other artists....we'll see what the future holds.
Soulbrotha: What cds are currently in your player? Do you think 2006 was a good year for R&B?
Toya: Beyonce....Still, the Rap and Rock world ruled 2006!!! We need MORE R&B to jump back out there!
Well, thank you for taking your time to answer my questions! Good luck and I support you NO MATTA WHAT!
LINKS:
I DO (VIDEO)
MYSPACE
Enjoy
Dan
Toya: I took some time off to travel. I live in ATL now. I've been in the studio some...just trynah get back out there
Soulbrotha: Everybody knows the big problem Arista Records had and the L.A Reid thing, what was the the real situation you went through with the label? only 2 singles (I Do!! and No Matta What) were released from the album and rumor has it that you're not longer signed. Have u been dropped or decided to leave?
Toya: I had a great time with Arista...and L.A. is a very amazing person to work for. My production company lost their deal with Arista and I got caught in the middle. The business side of music can be tough!!! Still, in was a great experience!
Soulbrotha: You became a mother, and I saw pics of you with your son and your husband and you seem to be very happy!
Is your family an inspiration when it comes to music or you prefer to write about other kind of stuff?
Toya: My family defineatly inspires me. Really, I like to write about things I've been thru....And it turns out WE all go thru a lot of the same things!
Soulbrotha: You worked with Soulshock & Karlin on your debut. How was it working with them? Are you planning to hook up with them again? What other top producers are you hoping to work with?
Toya: Soulshock and Karlin were amazing!!! I LOVED working with them. They made me feel very comfortable with them and it was always lots of fun being in the studio with them!!!! Really, I just LOVE hot tracks!!! I don't really scout out 'names'....just tracks:)
Soulbrotha: Are you signed to a new label or working on new stuff? If you do, don't you think 2007 will be a very competitive year for you since a lot of singers who debuted in 2001 are coming back (Blu Cantrell, Sunshine Anderson, Olivia)?
Toya: Right now, I'm currently looking for a new situation... I've been in the studio and still working on locking down a hot single! Competition is ALWAYS out there!!! Not just artists from 2001 but even NEW artists!! The important thing is to PAY attention to you own career.
Soulbrotha: Now, going back to your debut album, which is amazing in my opinion. Which song would you pick as your favorite and why?
Toya: I Do!! because it's the first song I recorded. It started my career and I loved working with the producer, Ghost!
Soulbrotha: You worked with a lot of people like T.I, Loon, Penelope, Murphy Lee. Can we expect a hot collaboration in the future with these rappers or others?
Toya: I really enjoy collaborating with other artists....we'll see what the future holds.
Soulbrotha: What cds are currently in your player? Do you think 2006 was a good year for R&B?
Toya: Beyonce....Still, the Rap and Rock world ruled 2006!!! We need MORE R&B to jump back out there!
Well, thank you for taking your time to answer my questions! Good luck and I support you NO MATTA WHAT!
LINKS:
I DO (VIDEO)
MYSPACE
Enjoy
Dan
