Brown Girl Gumbo

Last week, I had the chance to speak with 1/3 of the superstar group Destiny’s Child – Michelle Williams. Her latest CD, “Unexpected,” which is her third solo release is in stores October 7th!

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: Tell me a little bit about “Unexpected.”
MW: My album is entitled, “Unexpected.” I was more hands-on with this project more than I’ve ever been on a solo project. There are a lot of dance songs. It was just unexpected. I just didn’t expect it to go that route (dance). I originally planned on doing your typical R&B album, but I let my mother listen to that first album and she did not like it. She was like it’s, “alright.” Those were her exact words. (laughing) So we changed some things.

BGG: Do you have any gospel songs on this album?
MW: I do have a song on there called, “The Greatest.” There are times when I’ve sang that song and thought about how great God is to me. So I’m not forgetting about gospel. Gospel is still my first love.

BGG: You were brought up in the church, right?
MW: Yes, so gospel is in me. It’s not going anywhere! People will still know that I still have that church sound.

BGG: I know that Solange wrote your hit single, “Break the Dawn,” what other producers and writers did you work with on “Unexpected?”
MW: Stargate, Jim Johnson, Andrew Framptom, Wayne Wilkins, Rico Love etc. Rico actually wrote and vocally arranged and produced the entire album. I really like working with producers who…(pause) Well I know that you have to get paid, because I would want to get paid, but I hate producers that all they do is take a track. But Rico took the time and was like, “Michelle, you’ve got something, I believe in you.” So he really cultivated what I have. You know how Janet Jackson has Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis? They know Janet. To me they bring out the best in her and that’s what I feel Rico Love does for me.

BGG: How did it feel to have that song (“We Break the Dawn”) be at the top of the dance charts this summer? Was that unexpected for you?
MW: It was VERY unexpected. I was like, “Wow, This is absolutely amazing,” but I didn’t get too caught up in it. I really didn’t even celebrate because I still have a long way to go. I was really grateful for that #1 spot, but there are other charts that I’d like to conquer as well. I’m still trying to get on that top R&B airplay to make sure that my album stays on the Top 200. There are so many other charts, but I was very, very happy about that. Dance radio was the first to play anything from my album so I really appreciate dance radio for that.

BGG: Do you have any collaborations on this CD? I know that you worked with Flo-Rida on “Break the Dawn.”
MW: Yeah, he did the remix. Like I said, the only feature on there is me! (laughing) For “Hello Heartbreak” there is a remix that I’m not supposed to even know about, but somebody opened up their mouth and told me. I haven’t heard it yet, so I can’t even say who it is. (laughing)

BGG: Was your ex-fiance the inspiration behind some of the songs on “Unexpected?”
MW: The first draft of the album absolutely, but this album it wasn’t about …Well this album is about love, relationships and heartbreak, but with this album the person who is not even in love can relate because it doesn’t even matter.

BGG: What’s your next single going to be?
MW: “Hello Heartbreak” and “The Greatest.” I actually just shot the video for “The Greatest” yesterday.

BGG: I know that you’ve worked on Broadway in the past; do you see yourself doing that again in the future?
MW: Yes, I’d love to! In between each album I want to do a Broadway show. That’s what I want to do!!

BGG: You have a new look this time around. How would you describe your new style?
MW: I cut my hair. I have an edgier look. To me it’s fun.

BGG: It’s just an extension of your personality.
MW: Yeah, I just feel freer. When I cut my hair my whole vibe just changed like “ooh!” (laughing) But eventually I will grow it back. Sometimes I do miss my long hair.

BGG: But change is good.
MW: Yeah!

BGG: How’s your experience been while being a judge on MTV’s Top Pop Group? Who are you most like, Simon, Paula or Randy?
MW: I’m a combination of Simon and Paula. I told the groups if someone like TLC or Whitney Houston or somebody could’ve given me pointers…true pointers. Telling me the truth on how they feel. So I had the chance to talk to one group that were sent home after the show. When I was about to leave, something in my spirit told me to go back and talk to them. I gave them some good advice and they seemed to really appreciate it.

BGG: What’s your fondest Destiny’s Child memory?
MW: My fondest memory was when we were in Virginia and we saw a Waffle House restaurant! That tour bus went (screeching sounds)…!!

BGG: How long ago was that?
MW: That was in 2005. That was a hilarious moment. We were acting like some little kids who had never seen anything!

BGG: When do you think Destiny’s Child will reunite?
MW: Well in 2005 we retired Destiny’s Child. That was the craziest thing. During our last show, our publicist looked at us like, “When are you guys going to make the big announcement?” B (Beyonce) and I looked at each other like, “I’m not saying anything!” (laughing) So then Kelly stepped up and said it. I couldn’t bring myself to say it. A lot of rumors have come around these past couple of months that we’re getting back together and I don’t know where they’re coming from because we honestly haven’t talked about business in like 3 years.

BGG: So no reunions anytime soon basically?
MW: No.

BGG: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not recording or performing?
MW: I really enjoy just hanging out at home. I live in a nice small town outside of Chicago and I love it! I have wild turkey and deer in my backyard!

BGG: You seem to have a really great sense of humor. Were you always funny?
MW: I was actually. Yes, yes, yes! The older I get…I get it from my dad’s mother. She’s hilarious!

BGG: What would you like to tell your fans?
MW: Everybody in New York has been the absolhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifute greatest. They have been so supportive and just wonderful to me and I have to say thank you for that. I love all my fans around the world!

Click here to watch Michelle’s video, “We Break the Dawn.”

Oh and in case you thought I forgot, the winner of Usher’s new fragrance for women is…Eb the Celeb!

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