Lolah Brown, the Cleveland, Ohio native who began singing at the age of five, has proven that hard work, determination, and unwavering faith can trump any and all obstacles throughout the uncharted roads of life and bring you one step closer to your destiny.
As a leading background vocalist to Pop & RnB sensations Nicki Minaj, Keri Hilson and John Legend, Lolah has had the opportunity of sharing the stage with Kanye West on the Evolver World Tour, Estelle, Rick Ross, the legendary Stevie Wonder and many more.
RatedRnB.com had the opportunity to chop it up with Ms. Brown. Check out our interview below:
Tell us about your single “He Needs Me.”
“He Needs Me” is my remix to Kendrick Lamar’s “She Needs Me” off his Overly Dedicated Album. I fell in love with the song the first time I heard it, and literally listened to it 1,000 times back to back for like a week straight. No lie. It inspired me so much that I had to do my own version. Kendrick’s approach to the song was describing this woman, on her grind, going to school, working, has it all together, but at the end of the day, even if time passes and their lives grow in separate directions, she’ll still need him. I flipped it, to a woman’s perspective, talking about supporting her man who’s out working hard, pursuing his dreams and making them a reality. Making sure that he’s always taken care of and has what he needs, holding him down. Although he can do what he needs on his own, her support helps him along the way. Its just all about love. Now a days people feel like they can make it through life on their own, and I mean, you can, and could even have everything you’ve ever desired, but the ride will be miserable. We all need each other in one way or another. Kendrick depicted that in “She Needs Me”, and inspired me to do the same in “He Needs Me.”
Who are some of your musical influences?
Growing up my mother played the heck outta some Sade! lol thats all we listened to. I was 5 years old going to pre school singing “Smooth Operator” lol. So definitely Sade as a child. As a teenager I definitely was influenced and inspired by Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Brandy, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu. I started listening more to jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Quincy Jones. I’ve always loved hip hop, Tribe, Common, Talib, Mos Def etc. Now my musical influences range from Cold Play to Kim Burrell to Feist.
What do you hope people will take away from listening to your music?
The gift of music is so powerful, and universal, and I want my music to reach everybody. I want my music to inspire, in whatever way it can. I hope that someone can relate to me and through my music be inspired to be great, overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, love again. I want my music to be what someone listens to to get through their day, put a smile on their face, set the mood. Feel good music.
Tell us about your experience working with John Legend, Keri Hilson and Nicki Minaj.
Being able to travel the world, doing what I love, with artists I grew up listening to and respect is incredible! I first started with John Legend. He’s such an incredible artist all around. His gift is seamless, authentic, effortless. He’s such a hard worker, which is admirable.
Although I didnt actually sing with Sade, we were on tour with her this past summer and she is amazing. Her energy is just as you would imagine it to be; cool, laid back but warm and welcoming. And everyone she has around her has the same spirit.
Keri Hilson is a sweetheart! She’s very down to earth and humble. I had a great time working with her and her team.
Nicki Minaj is that chick [laughs]. She embodies who Nicki Minaj is. She’s confident, knows what she wants, extremely creative, and it’s only the beginning for her!
I’ve learned so from much being around these artists professionally and personally. Its truly a blessing.
What’s next for Lolah Brown? We want to know!
Im currently in the studio working hard on my debut EP! I’m REALLY excited for everyone to finally hear me! It’s been a long process that many have walked, talked, and encouraged me through. I’m just happy that its finally coming to fruition! It’s expected to be released some time in March [2012].
Listen to “He Needs Me”
[audio:http://cdn.ratedrnb.com//2011/11/He-Needs-Me.mp3]Connect with Lolah:
Twitter – @Lolah_Brown_