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Teena Marie Returns With Her New Album Sapphire, on Cash Money Classics/Universal Records

By Dale Kawashima

Teena Marie has been one of the most acclaimed, popular R&B artists for the past three decades. Starting at Motown Records in the late ‘70s with such hit albums as Lady T and Irons In The Fire, on through to her later albums on Epic Records such as Starchild (featuring her smash “Lovergirl”) and Naked To The World, Marie has been known for her powerful vocals and stirring live performances. And now she is back in fine form, with her new album Sapphire on Cash Money Classic/Universal Records.

Teena Marie

What is lesser known about her but equally impressive, is that Marie is a gifted songwriter and record producer. In fact, she has written or co-written the vast majority of her songs over the years, and she has produced all of her albums since her second album, Lady T.

In a new interview, Marie talked about her new album Sapphire (which includes the hit “Ooh Wee”) and about being the first artist signed to Cash Money’s Classics label. She also discussed the album’s guest appearances by Smokey Robinson, Kurupt, saxophonist Gerald Albright, and her 14-year-old daughter, vocalist Alia Rose. In addition, Marie explained how she wrote the songs for the album, and that two of the songs (“Romantica” and “Make It Hot”) were written about her late, legendary friend, Rick James.

Sapphire is Marie’s second album on Cash Money, which is a top, urban label known for its hip-hop stars, Lil’ Wayne, Brian “Baby” Williams and the Big Tymers. Three years ago, Cash Money CEO Ronald Williams heard that Marie was looking for a label to release her La Dona album. He loved the album, and invited Marie to become the first artist signed to Cash Money’s new Classics division. She signed with the label, and the album sold very well, spawning two R&B hits, “I’m Still In Love” and “A Rose By Any Other Name.”

Following the success of La Dona, Marie began writing songs for next album, Sapphire. She explained her songwriting process: “I write in all different ways. Sometimes I have the melody first, or the lyrics come first – I keep a few journals for lyrics. I write at home, and sometimes in the middle of the night. I’d wake up late at night, and write a song with my guitar.”

It was during this period, that Marie was deeply affected by the sudden passing of her close friend and early mentor, Rick James. “Rick was one of my best friends, and he was like a brother,” said Marie. “His musical genius speaks for itself. We fought a lot, but it was a great time working with him at Motown.”

“[When he passed away] I really couldn’t deal with my pain, and I think God intervened.,” she added. “Actually, I felt like Rick was with me writing. Some nights I would just sit up in the bed [and I could feel him] tapping me on the shoulder, saying ‘Get up and write this song.’ It was a blessing that I had this new album to write, because I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have that creative outlet.”

Teena Marie

In addition to her songs that were inspired by Rick James, there are a wide range of songs on the album, and two cuts feature Motown legend Smokey Robinson. “Smokey is my idol, and it was a thrill of a lifetime to record with him,” said Marie. “We’d never had a chance to work in the studio before. (In 2005) I had gone to Detroit for a special event and concert, the 20th anniversary of the Motown Historical Museum, and Berry Gordy’s sister (Esther Gordy Edwards) was also honored. Smokey performed great at the show, and then I said onstage that Smokey got 2000 people on Cruise Control. Then when I got back home, I wrote this called ‘Cruise Control,’ and I called Smokey. He agreed to sing this song with me, and it was wonderful working with Smokey in the studio. He was so gracious.”

Another notable, guest artist on Marie’s album is rapper Kurupt, who appears on two songs, the single “Ooh Wee” and “Baby Who’s Is It.” “I’ve known Kurupt for quite awhile,” she said. “Sometimes he’s performed with me onstage, doing freestyle. He calls me ‘Mama’. I also know his wife Gail Gotti and his sister Queen, who are also featured (doing a rap) on the song, ‘Ladies’ Choice.’”

Sapphire also spotlights the musical talent of a person especially dear to Marie, her daughter Alia Rose, who is 14. “Alia sings a duet with me on the song ‘Resilient’, and she sings all the backgrounds with me. It’s awesome, because her singing voice is the same as mine. When we sing together harmony, you can’t tell us apart. Alia is also a songwriter, and she does plan on making her own albums someday. But she’s going to take her time.”

Throughout her album, Marie is singing as strong as ever. Her vocals retain the soulful power and edge that she has long been known for. When asked how she keeps her voice in shape, she just answered, “I don’t abuse myself – I’m not a heavy drinker. I don’t do anything that would take my voice away.”

Lastly, during the interview, Marie was asked if she had any advice for young artists and songwriters who are trying to break into the music business. “I always tell young writers to start your own publishing company,” she said. “When I was starting out, I didn’t know you could start your own publishing company for about $150. There were a lot of royalties I missed out on early on, because I didn’t keep my publishing (during her Motown years). You can make a lot of money from songwriting and publishing. Touring has also been a good way to make money. But most of my money and livelihood has been from my writing and publishing royalties.”

You can listen to Teena Marie's new R&B hit single, "Ooh Wee," by clicking one of the links directly below:

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