Sexy, sassy and colorful in Kloset Kouture, Teairra Mari is basking in the heat atop a NYC rooftop. The occasion? The 24-year-old singer is celebrating her 2 Chainz-assis ted single “U Did That” and her forthcoming ‘tape Unfinished Business, to be released on July 4.
Vixen pulled the former Love & Hip-Hop cast member into the shade to chat about the follow-up to her 2005 self-titled debut, her future in reality television and why she likes both Azealia and Iggy. –Niki McGloster
VIBE VIXEN: What’s the music going to sound going to be like for your sophomore album Sex on the Radio?
TEAIRRA MARI: Well, my album is most important. It’s very reminiscent of 90s R&B, that kinda feel.
What are you going to be talking about?
Well, of course, the bedroom [smiles], but also relationship s. I’m gonna be poppin’ a little stuff, talking a little shit. That’s who I am, that girl that can go off on those types of records.
How is the Unfinished Business going to differ from the debut album?
The mixtape is me popping shit and singing over other people’s songs. I do have some originals; I think I have five original songs on there. But yeah, I’m pretty much singing over other people’s beats. I did “Mercy,” “I Don’t Like,” stuff like that. The album is more serious on the music side of things, more harmonies, better vocal delivery.
How are you feeling about dropping another full body of work? Nervous? Excited?
I feel great. I mean, honestly, it’s been a long time since I released an album, but I’ve released four mixtapes. I’m just super excited.!Thi s is my second baby, you know. That’s why I didn’t wanna rush it. I wanted it to organically happen. I think now is the time.
What features outside of 2 Chainz can we expect?
I don’t know yet, we’ve just been recording.
No one in mind?
Hmm, well…I know I want to record with Pharrell. [I want] for him to produce me a track, but that’s it. I didn’t have any features on my first album.
Now, on the reality show front, will we see you on the next season of Love & Hip-Hop?
VV: Now, on the reality show front, will we see you on the next season of Love & Hip-Hop?
TM: I don’t know. I was on there because Emily [Bustamente] is my friend, and I was supporting her. She’s isn’t doing it anymore, and I don’t know if I want to be involved. I don’t think so,though.
From your last experience, does it make you think twice about it?
Yeah, because I enjoyed myself and it was a nice platform, but no, because all of the things that are associated with that kind of platform. It’s a lot for me.
Understood. Have you been checking out Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta?
I missed the first episode!
I need you to watch it!
I’ve been hearing a lot about it.
Are you cool with anyone from the cast?
K. Michelle. That’s my girl. I’ve always had love for her. And Rasheeda. I love her and I know her as well. But that’s pretty much it for that cast.
What blossoming young artists are you feeling right now?
Well, her [signals to song playing, Azealia Banks' "212"]! I actually like Iggy [Azalea] too
You know they’re having some issues [laughs]. What do you like about Iggy?
I just like her style. Like, she looks like this runway model, then she just starts spitting, and she has this accent. I just like Iggy.
Lastly, how should Vixens keep themselves summertime fine?
I think it’s all about color! I think colors are very important. For like daytime events, it’s good to have you some bomb wedges [motions toward Gucci wedges] or some stylish flats. It’s all about the sparkle and summer for color. Like, my friend was trying to make me get gray nails, and I’m like, ‘It’s summertime! I’m getting purple, honey!’ [Laughs]
