Me: What have you been working on the last few years that you have been away from the industry?
Lil' Mo: I've been focused on my family and reorganizing what I really want to do within the industry. Getting my business and personal together.
Me: I know you are a radio host on WPGC, so what is your radio segment all about?
Lil' Mo: I'm the afternoon drive hostess, with the MOstest. (laughter) Because my delivery, insight, and opinion is well respected in the corporate america side of the music industry, this is what I felt would be one of the best ways to reintroduce myself to my fans in an audible way.
Me: I remember you telling me via Twitter that your working on a new album, so explain the direction of your new music verses your old music.
Lil' Mo: The new album is entitled Tattoos and Rosez. The direction is still hip-hop and R&B the only difference is that now I don't have any limits, if I feel like yelling I'ma yell on a song, if I want to lay it back, whatever I want to do I have the power. I'm the BOSS.
Me: When will your next single & album be expected to be released?
Lil' Mo: As of now, I just finalized some behind the scenes issues, so that caused the delay, but soon as it's ready I will let the world know. Hopefully everyone will be ready. This I declare will be my best work yet.
Me: How do you feel about the direction that music is going in right now?
Lil' Mo: I don't really pay attention to the direction of music. I have and always create my own lane. So in actuality I live and follow my own directions. Whenever I make a statement about what I don't personally consume, it's immediately assumed I'm hating. But those who know me, know that my preferences are that if you can't really sing it doesn't mean you and I can't be cool, it just means I won't buy the bubblegum. (laughter)
Me: Who are some of your all time favorite music artists?
Lil' Mo: The Clark Sisters, John P. Kee, Missy Elliott, J. Moss, Patti LaBelle, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, SWV, Jodeci. I can go on and on. But be clear they can all sing in and out the studio, in real life.
Me: How has being a mother changed your life with in the past few years?
Lil' Mo: It has changed me for the better. My kids keep me youthful. They keep me on my toes. Which is great because they are my critics. If they don't think something I do is cool or hot, then the world will never hear it. I trust their ears and hearts because they are pure. They have no ill intent. That's the best part of being an industry mom.
Me: Define what you mean when you say "MESSY".
Lil' Mo: #messy is a movement. When I say it, it's borderline controversy. When you are subliminal only guilty people will get offended. When no harm is intended but a pun is, then it's MESSY. It's almost like a guilty pleasure. You know you shouldn't touch it but because you are curious, you MESSY.
Me: At what stage in your life were you in while recording your album "Pain & Paper"?
Lil' Mo: I was at a place in my life when I felt that money doesn't make you happy but either way you have to have it. If you knew the trials I have been through in order to maintain that is the pain. But I realized that it didn't kill me it made me smarter. So it's a smart way of learning not to hang around things that hurt you, when you have a family, you are a hunter. So for anyone who has tried to hurt me, I'm still here and still gettin' this paper.
Me: Which song off that album meant the most to you & why?
Lil' Mo: I love all the songs off "Pain and Paper" I think "Youngin" would be my sneaky favorite and "Heartbeat" featuring Donny Roc would be my heart felt favorite. "Lucky Her" is a GO too. I don't have a favorite, it's just different levels of passion that I exude in each so it is really hard to choose.
Me: As a music artist what do you want your audience to get out of your music?
Lil' Mo: I want them to feel good, knowing that we all go through things. We don't have to stay in them. My music is like a road map to your hearts desires. If you follow the rules there is no way you should still be STUCK. When someone gives you the formula, then use it. Don't abuse it. Because when it's gone, you will realize the candy in the medicine really works. You feel me!
Me: What artists and producers would you like to work with?
Lil'Mo: I love working with people with passion, none in particular just anyone who is HOT and not an *sshole. (laughter) I'm over people acting extra. Like nobody cares. I've learned first hand you are only good as your last breath. Life is too short to not wana rock right now. I do however would love to work with Missy Elliott again. She is the greatest. That is all.
Me: What advice would you give to aspiring singers who want to be apart of this industry?
Lil'Mo: Realize this is a business, it is NOT just singing and video shoots, bright lights etc. You have to be prepared for the worst in search of the best.
I must say this is one of the best interviews that I have done, and I want to give a special thank you to Lil' Mo your the best. Below I have one of my favorite songs off her album "Pain & Paper" it's called "Heartbeat".
