Krusher Exclusive with Tiara Nicole: The Crown Jewel Of Memphis

By: Krusher Kronkite
For The Black Urban Times

In a music industry that is contingent upon exploiting their young artists it is comforting to know there is a new generation of talent that are avoiding the pitfalls of becoming victim of the copious nature of sex and debauchery in today's music and translucent private lives .


Recently I had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with one of R&B's rising stars Grand Hustle's First Lady Tiara Nicole. During our brief conversation I immediately became aware of her maturity far exceeded her recent birthday of 20 years on planet Earth.


Time didn't allow us to speak very long as she was scheduled to grace the stage to perform just minutes away from our brief conversation and with tape recorder in hand I wanted to make sure that I captured every syllable of this Memphis belle in all of her splendor.



Krusher: Hi sweetie, thank you for your time on such short notice. For all of those out there that would like to get to know you ; could you briefly give them some info please?

Tiara Nicole: I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and at the age of 5 I began performing around the city and statewide events.

Krusher: What initially brought you to the ATL and how long have you been living there?

Tiara Nicole: I wanted to move to Atlanta to pursue my passion in music and transfer to Clark Atlanta University and once I became enrolled I began going to school in the morning ,singing at SOHO's (restaurant) performing open mic's, and taking the train back and forth while working a part-time job at night. And I've been living here for two years.

Tiara Nicole with Trina

Krusher: Wow, I see that you're really grinding hard and I wanted to know how did you manage to get down with T.I.'s Grand Hustle and Killer Mike's Grind Time Official imprints?

Tiara Nicole: Actually Killer Mike and Myself share the same manager Joe Baker and he's been working with T.I. for along time and Mike is like a big brother that I look up to and take everything he says into consideration.

Krusher: How much input does T.I. and Mike have in your recording process and if so are they hands on?

Tiara Nicole: There are both hands on including my manager and they all have their input that I value dearly.

Tiara Nicole with Jermaine Dupri

Krusher: When I first came across your myspace and facebook page you appeared as if you were that girl next door with your single "Haters" remix Featuring Princess of Crime Mob receiving 20,000 plays and "Real Man" reaching 2 million. So I would like to know how are you adjusting to all of the attention?

Tiara Nicole: It feels really good to have so much support with so many Youtube plays and views and I am humbled and I appreciate it a lot and take the time to respond to all of my fans personally.

Krusher: Lets talk about your collaboration with Princess from the Crime Mob and the success of "Real Man". You come from a surprisingly mature perspective in that song despite your age and what are your opinions on the subject matter?

Tiara Nicole: Well I have to give credit again to my manager who introduced us and Princess is like a big sister that actually wants to get vocal training to be on one of my songs. I feel like even though i'm young I value a real man and I know what it feels like to want one. After I created the concept I sat down and wrote down everything I wanted and its crazy that alot of women agree and were waiting for a song like this to come out for a long time.

Tiara Nicole with Bryan Michael Cox


Krusher: Growing up in Memphis what are the differences between Atlanta and your home state?

Tiara Nicole: The only difference is Memphis is smaller and we have alot of talented artists that are paving the way for the future generation.

Krusher: What is your motivation in a business that can be rather difficult for a young lady to navigate in?

Tiara Nicole: I love empowering women and that was one of the reasons I created those songs. I want to let them know that you can be strong and stand on their own two feet and I would I love to establishment my own non-profit organization to give back by helping them get through some of the things that I went through.

Krusher: I agree, I strongly feel that there aren't enough mentors in our communities that will commit to the responsibility of encouraging and taking the time to listen to our young men and women to help find ways to reach their full potential.

Tiara Nicole: Exactly I totally agree. They need positive role models and images and I would like to lead by example by not putting out anything that will affect them negatively.

Tiara with Chaka Zula

Krusher: Who are some of your role models?

Tiara Nicole: My stylist Victoria Johnson who does my hair and makeup. I look up to her like you wouldn't believe and she keeps me grounded and keeps me humble.

Krusher: So please tell me when we can expect for you to drop some new material and see you in person?

Tiara Nicole: I have a mixtape dropping hopefully by the end of the summer entitled "The Journal" and you can visit my page to find out about my tour dates and appearances.

Krusher: Tiara I truly appreciate you taking the time out to sit and chit chat and I realize that you were pressed for time. We are rooting for your continued success and looking forward to hearing from you soon good luck on your performance.

Tiara Nicole: Thank you ,it was a pleasure talking to you as well and thanks for your support.

Finals Thoughts: I guess its safe to say that her royal bloodline of influences (Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and B.B. King) also born from the rich Memphis soil is destined to be crowned with the glory upon her her success and Tiara is a name that radiates her natural essence. Happy Birthday!

Krusher Kronkite
Hands On Mentor " Source"


www.twitter.com/tiaranicole
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www.myspace.com/tiaranicolemuzik
www.blogs.myspace.com/tiaranicolemuzik