At the tender age of twelve, Detroit, Michigan, chanteuse, Teairra Marí, scored her first big hit locally, and by the time she reached sixteen she had landed herself a promising recording contract with the Roc-A-Fella imprint. Crowned “The Princess of the Roc,” by the, then, newly appointed President of Def Jam Records, Jay Z, who also appeared on her break-out lead single, ‘Make Her Feel Good,’ Ms. Marí’s future in music seemed etched in stone. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Her 2005 debut sadly failed to connect on a commercial level, causing the, now, twenty year old singer-songwriter’s ultimate departure from the (in)famous N.Y.C. label. But, that was then, and this is now…

Todd Davis: Following the release of your solo debut, Roc-A-Fella Records Presents: Teairra Marí, in ‘05, you either up and left or got dropped, depending on who you ask, from the roster -- Why don't you tell me, in your own words, what actually happened?

Teairra Marí: Yes, I got dropped or released from the label -- However you want to put it. I believe it was because of a couple personal feelings that lead to my result.

TD: Although Roc-A-Fella Records Presents: Teairra Marí was a solid project, sales-wise it didn't do as well as expected -- Why do you think that was?

TM: Simply because we picked the wrong second single -- Period!

TD: Why has it taken you this long to finally return to music?

TM: I went through a challenging time in my career, so I had to take a step back to reflect on the woman that I was, and focus on the woman that I'm trying to be, and that took time.

TD: Aside from putting together this sophomore effort, what all have you been doing during this hiatus?

TM: Well, I've just been traveling, getting inspired again about life and music -- And, preparing to come back out again.

TD: Is your long overdue sophomore CD still being called, Second Round?

TM: No, that's not the name of my album. It was a rumor that was circulated on the internet. I haven't picked a name yet. I have so many ideas, but it takes time to find the one that best defines my journey so far.

TD: Is there anything you can divulge or reveal yet about your forthcoming follow-up?

TM: I can't mention any names specifically, because it's all in the works. However, I can promise you a great album.

TD: For those who don’t already know, tell me how it all began for Teairra Marí?

TM: I've been in love with music since I could first comprehend. The rhythms and the lyrics of it take me to another place. I've always felt it in my soul that this is what I want to deliver to the world; my music. As soon as my mother recognized my gifts, she made it a point to connect me to the right people. Along the way, we met Mike Litt, from Kiss Productions. After a couple demos, rejections, and "Don't call us, we'll call you,” a meeting with L.A. Reid was set up. I was signed with Def Jam right after! We recorded the first single ‘Make Her Feel Good,’ Jay-Z loved it, and then crowned me -- The rest was history...Well, until the second single came out.

TD: So it was L.A. Reid, and not Jay Z, that gave you your big break?

TM: As I said before, I was signed to Def Jam, and Roc-A-Fella was the stamp that Jay-Z gave me -- Him hearing and loving the first single lead to that.

TD: How do you categorize your overall sound?

TM: My music is sexy. It feels good, and has matured since my last project.

TD: Where do you find your inspiration for songwriting?

TM: The people around me, as well as my own situations -- I find song in relationships, disappointments, triumphs and whatever else life throws.

TD: What plan do you have to maintain a lengthy career in music?

TM: Staying true to myself, and trusting that GOD has a great plan for me. When you believe in that trust, it doesn't matter how grueling something is, you just depend on your faith and longevity comes along with that.

TD: I hear that acting may be on the horizon for you as well…

TM: I definitely love acting. I recently have been dipping in it. So, yes, that's one of my other aspirations.

TD: But, more specifically, weren’t you recently in a film?

TM: I recently did a movie called The Doorman, alongside Gary Dourdan, (and) Jackie Long. It's a comedy. I had a blast on that set -- Shouts out to everyone that was a part of that!

TD: How has R&B music changed or evolved since your whole inception into it?

TM: I think R&B is at a good point right now. You know, times are changing and so is music. Like anything else, it’s going to evolve. I think that it’s evolving beautifully -- Even though I like to listen to old school more than anything else.

TD: Outside of music, what are some of your other loves?

TM: I'm a homebody who loves to cook, and entertain close friends and family. I'm a board game junkie, and a young Betty Crocker. (Also,) if I'm not shopping or watching horror flicks with the fam, then I'm watching Martin all day long -- That pretty much sums it up for the off time.

TD: To date, what has been your biggest professional moment?

TM: Performing a tribute to Destiny's Child at the World Music Awards, alongside Rihanna and Amerie. I've always loved Destiny’s Child, so that was a huge deal for me.

TD: Speaking of Rihanna, what in the world is going on between you & her? How did this rivalry even start? And, is there so much bad blood between you two that it is starting to escalate into threats coming from both parties?

TM: There is no bad blood on my end. Yes, at first I was bothered by the statements that I was hearing that she made. But, then I realized that I can't attack her off of “he say, she say,” but I will definitely ask her when I see her.

TD: What about your, former, crew The Roc –- Do any of you all {Jay, Beans, Memphis Bleek, etc.} still remain in touch? And, are there any future plans to ever work together again?

TM: No, I haven't talked to any of them. But, I hope that all is well with them.

TD: So, you are about to drop your brand new single & video, ‘No No No,’ correct?

TM: Yes, there is a video in the works for ‘No No No,’ and hopefully we can get the album out this fall. Also, I just (obtained) this big deal with this new hot jean line that will be out this summer called Jean Addicts. I'm the spokes-model for them.

TD: Is there a tour planned at this point?

TM: Yes, actually I've been doing spot dates here and there. You can check my My Space at myspace.com/teairramari for places and dates. But, there are some touring opportunities in the works for me this summer/fall.

TD: In the meantime, are there any outside cameos from you to look out for?

TM: Well, besides my brother, Pleasure P, no not right now -- (I’m) just making sure that I give all my attention to my project.

TD: Thanks, girl, for taking your time out with me today!

TM: Thank you for taking this time. Like I said, check out my MySpace page, and request ‘No No No’ on your local radio stations. And, thanks to everyone out there who's been supporting me -- Ciao! XOXO