I got a chance to speak with Def Jam’s rising R&B star Sterling Simms. He’s been doing his thing for some time now  and was introduced to many on Hov’s "Dig a Hole." With his debut album about the drop, Sterling Simms is ready to take his career to the next level.

I understand you are actually in the studio right now. Thanks for taking time to speak with me and update your fans. How are you?

Bong Bong! What’s cracking, I am good. A little under the weather, but I am good.

Tuesday’s election was such a historical day. Before we get into your music, I have to ask you how do you feel about Barack Obama being elected president and what was your reaction when they announced it?

My eyes got watery. Just a little bit. Don’t tell nobody (laughs). It’s a sign that change is coming. I am just happy that I was able to be a part of history. I got to vote for Barack and I feel apart of the movement. I wish my grandfather was here and all those that passed were here to see that. It was a monumental occasion. Change is finally here and we did it.

Speaking of special moments, I know you have been singing for a minute. When was the moment you realized that this is really what you wanted to do?

It’s always been in my veins. I’ve been singing since I was 6, professionally since I was 12. When I was younger it was something my mom and grandfather kind of pushed me to do it. But over time I grew to love it. My proudest moment, the moment that really gave me the drive was when I was on promo with the song "Jumpoff." Going to different cities, seeing people’s reaction, how they knew the song and really loved it. That was the best feeling in the world. Or even being home in Philly when "Dig a Hole" first came out, I heard somebody bangin’ that song and I am like "yo, that’s me!" So it’s the appreciation that you see other people have for what you do. That’s what drives me. I love it. I wouldn’t trade my job in for nothing.

You grew up in Philly and later moved to Atlanta. Do you feel like living in the two cities had an impact on your sound?

Most definitely. I always say Philly made me the man that I’m. Coming from nothing and coming from the struggles in Philadelphia, molded me and shaped me. I really think I honed my artistry down here in Atlanta. I was able to cultivate my music here. I created a sound that [the music] world learned to appreciate. That’s what got me signed. So definitely Philly and Atlanta had a big impact and an influence on my sound.

So the album, Yours, Mines, & the Truth, is finally about to drop. What’s the meaning behind the title and what can fans expect?

I like my music to be autobiographical. This album is based off a past relationship. Me and the young lady are not together anymore and I chose to write the album about it. So it’s basically her version of what happen, my version and then there’s the truth. It’ll be in stores soon and I am very happy. I am hype!

As you should be. So with that said, what is the most important lesson you learned from past relationships?

You have to cater to both worlds. Just looking back at the situation and learning from my mistakes, I know that you can’t be selfish in a relationship. You have to cater to want you want of course, but also cater to the person your in a relationship with. That’s what makes things work. The man and woman in a relationship are a team. You can’t win without your team. That’s just life; you gotta have a strong team in order to succeed. So in future relationships I’ll definitely be more open-minded, I’ll listen more and not be as selfish.

Ladies are going to love to hear that. Your single "All I Need" featuring Jadakiss is doing really well. When you recorded the song did you know you had something special?

Right away. Soon as I heard it. It’s funny ‘cause I was in there with Tricky and Dre, we were in the middle of recording another song. Tricky just so happened to be going through some songs and as soon as I heard it I said "yo is that available?" He was like "yeah" and I am like "yo let’s do this now!" And as we were recording it I had so much fun. I had so much fun I had to go out that night it and celebrate (laughs).

When can we expect to see a video?

We’re taking the treatments now, just waiting on Def Jam to push the button on it. We don’t want to rush though, so we’re gonna take our time and wait for the right treatment. Hopefully I can do it back home in Philly, or in LA or Atlanta. One of the three cities I love the most. So we’ll see what happens.

Yours, Mine & the Truth will be considered your debut album, but you recorded another album that was never released. Will there be any material from that album on this new one?

I record almost everyday. Because I am a songwriter as well, I write for other people and I am constantly recording. So I have a lot of music. Some material has leaked from the album that I turned in last year; which was called Worth Your While. But this new album has 14 tracks on there, so there’s about 7 or 8 fresh songs that the public hasn’t heard; even though there are a lot of records that have been leaked. I don’t know what’s going on with the internet these days and how people are getting these records, its crazy. But there is definitely a lot of material on this album that people haven’t heard.

With so many dudes in the R&B game, how do you feel you as an artist and your music standout?

Because your gonna get me on this album. I wrote 80-90% of the album. So everything I am talking about is things you can really count on me going through. Whether it happened to me personally or somebody around me, it’s all true and real. It’s definitely something that people can relate to. Like I got a record called "Best Friends" on the album. And I tell this story all the time, but it basically is about how I found out my ex-girl was pregnant a couple months after we separated. It was right after we split so immediately I thought it was mines. I thought were expecting a child and she just didn’t tell me. Later I found out that my best friend was the father.

Wow, that’s deep. Sounds like something from "Trapped in the Closet."

Yeah, it’s kind of a little soap opera. But I think it’s something that will be entertaining and something people will appreciate. So definitely look out for it man; Your Mines & the Truth.

So the album drops this winter, is there an official release date?

December 9 is the official release date right now. We all know what sometimes happens with that. So hopefully it will stick, but if not it will be coming soon. And I’ll be in your cities soon so definitely come check me out.

You’re doing a promotional tour?

Oh fa sho, fa sho. I am just waiting on my schedule. I’ve been rehearsing hard for it. So we’re gearing up to get on the road and promote this record.

Lastly, what are 3 things you want fans to get from your music/album?

I want them to hear my side. Ladies just hear me out. I’ll let you have your opinions, but just hear me out. Just give me your ear. That’s all I asking for. Just give me your ear…and don’t judge me (laughs).

I like that, "don’t judge me."

Yeah don’t judge me. God ain’t done with me yet (laughs).

Well it was a pleasure speaking with you. I want to thank you for taking time out your busy schedule to talk to me and the readers of HipHopOurWay.com, I really appreciate it. And I wish you the best of luck with everything.

Appreciate it and no problem, you already know what it is.

Sterling Simms’ debut album Yours, Mine & the Truth will be in stores December 23. Be sure to pick it up. Check out myspace.com/sterlingsimms for upcoming tour dates, new music and other information.

Comments

Add New

Write comment
Name:
Email:	do not notifynotify
Website:
Title:
UBBCode:	-color-aquablackbluefuchsiagraygreenlimemaroonnavyolivepurpleredsilvertealwhiteyellow -size-tinysmallmediumlargehuge
	Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.26

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."