AN EXCLUSIVE WITH FORMER 1ST LADY OF G-UNIT: MS. OLIVIA LONGOTT

There are certain things that have been instilled in us as a child. Such things as dream like the sky is the limit. As we grew older, we realized the true meaning of that such statement. However, everyone hasn't realized that their dreams can come true, if they work hard at pursuing it. For Olivia Longott, she realized her dream at a young age. What most don't know about this Jamaican beauty is, she began writing poetry at the age of 10.

However, her true passion lied in music. Her career as an artist kicked off in 2000, as she was the first artist signed to J Records, which produced her debut Olivia. With such hits as Bizounce & R U Capable, that album was certified gold. That deal was a stepping stone that led her to being front woman for G-Unit records in 2004, in which she stood out like a rose in a bed of thorns. Her sophomore album, Behind Closed Doors, unfortunately didn't see daylight. That definitely didn't stop her. Fast forward to the present, she's back!

Like a true phoenix, she rises. With a new deal with Universal/Motown & under new management through Dollaz Unlimited with Rich Dollaz as her manager ; a hot single, in Take It Off, Olivia is back& ready to take command of her career. She's back & hasn't lost a step. There's one thing about talent, once recognized, no one or nothing can prevent you from reaching the top. We recently caught up with Olivia to discuss what's been going on in her life these past few years.

Take a look at the exclusive conversation below:

BA: Ms. Olivia, how are you?

OL: I'm good..and you?


BA: I'm doing well, its good to see that you're back on the scene!

OL: I'm glad, you're glad. (laughs)

BA: (laughs).. Let's get into the swing of things. It would be safe to say that three's a charm with you.

OL: That's fine with me.

BA: Your deal with J Records produced your debut Olivia, which by the way was a great album, I took a listen to it to today.

OL: Oh My God, don't tell me this is the first time you're listening to that.

BA: No, No, No, Olivia(laughs) I tend to listen to the artist I'm interviewing prior to the interview, to get a feel for the artist, its kinda like a ritual of mine. So to answer your question, No. I listen to it rather often. Come on now.

OL: (laughs) Ok, just checking, just checking.

BA: Now, there was a point in your career, say a minor downfall while on G-Unit, in which you were dropped & your sophomore album was shelved, do you care to discuss that situation?

OL: Umm, I won't call it a downfall firstoff, its just like an unfortunate situation when you get with people who don't understand R&B & that was the issue. Like as you can see we spawned hits like Candy Shop, Bestfriend, & So Amazing, it really did great for both our careers. He just didn't know how to do R&B, like G-Unit had no sense of R&B at all. I didn't have to go through Interscope, like I just dealt with everybody at G-Unit, like I could call Fif directly, & thats where all the miscommunication came from, because there was no R&B sense-I had to basically do what he wanted me to do & all he knew how to do was market rappers, so being that I'm not a rapper, I just kinda fell in that category.

BA: Well explained. Do you guys have any sort of business relationship now, or have you closed that door & moved on to the next chapter of your life?

OL: You know, we're all still friends. We still go over each others houses, we hang out, we party. Nothings changed.

BA: Well thats good. Many people were under the assumption it was a business deal gone bad. So in that sense, I'm glad you clarified your position. Now, you're back under Dollaz Unlimited & your new single, "Take it Off" how'd that situation come about?

OL: Well, I was in the studio, recording as I usually do, everyday or every other day. I was with the producer Sham, he & I worked together a lot, he's actually on the album a few more times, not just that record. I was also in studio with Corte Ellis who co-wrote Take it Off with me & we were just coming up with concepts & thats how we came up with the single.

BA: With that being known, can we expect more tracks like Take It Off on the album or what type of vibe do you think the consumer will get from the album?

OL: More like it & better. I'm on a totally different element, I wish you could have heard when I was on satellite the other day with Whoo Kid because we were playing tracks off the album, like I don't want to put myself in the position to say its just going to be R&B because its not, I do all types of music. Its definitely along those lines of Take It Off, but totally different.


BA: Sounds good. Well I'm definitely gonna be looking out for it, because I enjoy the single.

OL: Thank you so much.

BA: You're welcome. Now, artistry wise, are there or should we look for any collaborations on this upcoming album?

OL: Actually I just did it all by myself. I purposely didn't want to have any collaborations because everything I've done previously, you've always seen me with another artist, whether it was someone on G-Unit or whatever, you know. So i took it upon myself to purposely do that. But as far as people on the album, Missy, Ne-Yo is on there as far as production wise, I go in with Ryan Leslie next week, Chris & T, Sham, Marcus Divine, Rocwilder, just to name a few.

BA: Thats a nice lineup. Now, as we know, you're also a model, word is you're teaming up with Victoria Secret with your own line, lets talk about that.

OL: Yea, we actually were in talks with them in 2007 to do a line with them, but I think I want to do it overseas somewhere, maybe with the label in Paris. I want to do something different, so we'll see what happens. It's going to be really really great. I wanted to do lingerie because everyone does a clothing line. I just want to do something sexy. I think of myself as a very sexy person, so I feel it would be better to do oppose to clothing for the women. I also wanna branch into doing men's also.

BA: Keep us posted on that. Now this line with it be specifically geared for a specific figured woman or women in general?

OL: Noooo, for all women, are you kidding me?! All women & everybody is sexy. There's going to be something for everybody.

BA: Ok, ok, I was just making sure, we don't want anyone being left out.

OL: (laughs) We're not excluding anyones, we'll have all sizes, girl.

BA: Now, Olivia, with you being the leading lady of G-Unit at the time, for the few males on the site, to appease them I must ask this question. Are you single, if so, what kinds of men are you into?

OL: (laughs) Yes, I'm single... Well, they have to be funny, I need a guy that can make me laugh, because I'm funny also. I'm a practical joker. They have to be nice looking because I'm a little vain in that particular area(laughs). They have to like working out, because I love working out, going to the gym & running, all that good stuff. I've done karate with my brothers for years, so thats just some things we're into. Those are pretty much what I look for, more importantly, they have to have good personalities. Like they have to get along with all my friends.


BA: I definitely feel you about getting along with your friends, although it never seems to happy that way. I guess its good to be wishful with your thinking. (laughs)


OL: (laughs)

BA: Now outside of your music, what else can we look forward to from you in the near future?

OL: Well of course, movies! I just shot another movie which is my third one. Its coming along rather well. My acting coach is Tracy Moore, my first movie was actually shot with her. She directed & wrote it which is entitled Peephole. Slim from 112 & Terence from 106 co-starred in it. A few people who work with Tyler Perry were in it as well. Its a very very good movie. The last one I just shot is called Conspiracy X, the director is Sean Baker. Kellita Smith was in it with me & the guy who was in the Royal Tennabaum was also it in, he's going to kill me for forgetting his name. But, I've just been doing well with the acting. Its a blessing to do it & know that I do it well. Like its not being forced, its something that I love to do besides music.

BA: Thats good, nice to see you're branching into other arenas & succeeding at it. Very few can say they've mastered the crossover.

OL: Thanks so much.

BA: Now, in regards to your album, when can we expect a release?

OL: We're looking for sometime around February/March. But I'm going to do another mixtape with Whoo Kid that you guys will get, which should be out around November, early December.

BA: We'd love to have it. Any music, whether new or old, send our way. We'd love to hear it. Music is my life, definitely couldn't live without it. I mean, if I could sing, I just might be your competition, so I'd beware, Olivia.(laughs)

OL: I know what you mean, I can't live without it either. (laughs)

BA: Olivia, its definitely been a pleasure. I wish you much success in the future, because you deserve it.

OL: Thank you so much, I appreciate it.

BA: Now, tell 50, next go round learn how to market R&B chics!

OL: (laughs) I got you.

BA: (laughs) I'm only kidding, 50 likes to play below the belt & end folks' careers. I don't want mine ending before it starts.

OL: (laughs) Naw, he's not gonna do nothing. He's a teddy bear, don't believe the hype.

BA: Yea, I believe you. (laughs) Now, we've joked enough. You take it easy & enjoy the rest of your evening.

OL: Ok, you too. Take it easy mama.