You’ve been doing music for a long time. With times changed what do you feel changed in you as an artist?
Well, I don’t think very much changed in me as an artist. What I think I grew up and I tried to change with the sound and time of music. But who I am is who I’ll always be.
You have a lot of Hip Hop influence in your music. Do you separate it as Hip Hop and R&B or is it all just music to you?
I just kinda see it all as music because Imma product of both entities and once you put ‘em together you can’t sound part Hip Hop and part other music. Hip Hop is an integral part of my humble beginnings so it’s something I can cherish and say I had the experience or the opportunity to walk that walk.
On your new album, The Art of Love and War, what’s new about Angie Stone?
What’s new about Angie Stone is I’m happy, I’m in love, I’m in a place I’ve never been before. I feel complete. I don’t feel like I have to search anymore, I think I proved myself as a singer/songwriter that can withstand the test of time.
You pay a lot of attention to lyrics/poetry in your music. Do you feel like R&B is suffering right now due to a lack of strong lyricism?
I think what’s suffering about music now is our appreciation for just about anything that looks good for the moment. There’s no longevity in the music because people don’t have the same passion anymore about a hit [pertinent] to the dollar as opposed to a standard or something that’s gonna be cut 10 years from now over and over.
So, what’s your idea of a standard, a classic?
I would say strong lyrics, meaningful songs that touch the heart and the soul of people is what definitely stands out.
Is there anything specific that you implement into your songs that has that effect?
I talk about the real stuff that people can relate to. I don’t talk about stuff that you gotta imagine. I make it very plain and simple. It’s like Mary J Blidge, I’m not gonna cry, I’m not gonna shed no tear, that’s real talk right there.
You seem to find yourself in your personal life, family, almost separately from the music life. Is that an illusion or do you actually separate those 2?
I try to separate those 2 because when I go home to my family I go home to my family. I don’t wanna talk about the music business. I don’t want to be interrupted when I’m playing games with my kids. I don’t wanna be bothered when it’s time to be eating, like have some normalcy. When I’m with my fiancée I don’t want my phone ringing about no business, none of that. I just want my space.
What about the art element of music, not the business end?
What do you mean?
Like talking about music to your kids…
I don’t talk about music to my kids unless they wanna talk about. That’s one thing that separates and keeps us together at the same time. So unless they wanna talk about it I don’t make it an issue.
Where are you right now as a woman and a mother?
I’m in a great place right now. I’m happy, I’m content, I’m successful… you know, I’m in a good place!
Could you explain what that means to you and what caused for you to be in that place?
I’m happy, I’m complete, I’m at a place where if I had to stop right now I would feel that I’ve done a great job with my career, my industry, my friends, my music and my home life. I’m in a great place. If I settle down for 5 minutes it won’t bother me and I really don’t care what anybody’ll say about it. I put in a lot of years, you know, and I’m entitled to have a life.
Are there any new artists that you see becoming the next Angie Stone?
I can’t say I see an upcoming Angie Stone, a child but my own, my daughter has the makings of a great songwriter. She is just an extraordinary lyricist, [that’s how] I got started out, writing lyrics. I think there are talented people out there. I think Beyoncee is an incredible talent. I’ve seen her, I’ve had the pleasure of working with her and she’s just an amazing hard-working artist. I love Mary J Blidge. She never quit her game. It’s one of the things they tried to make her do. My hat is off to her. She’s not a new artist but she’s certainly a strong artist, one that I respect.
Is there anything you’d like to add that I missed?
I’m good. You’re straight.