After Being A Fixture In Hip Hop For Over 20 Years, Sean "Diddy" Combs Has Worked With Many Talented Artists. He Began Recording An Album Called "Last Train To Paris" Alongside Dawn Richards, Standout Member of The Defunct Group Danity Kane and A Very Talented But Unknown Singer/Songwriter Kalenna Harper. Kalenna Grew up a Military Brat That Had A Gift For Music. She Got To Work With The :ikes of Lady Gaga, Christina Aquilera, and The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. She Lended Her Talents To Diddy and Dirty Money Was Formed. After Hits Like "Angels", "Hello Good Morning", and "Coming Home" Topping The Charts, Kalenna Sets Out To Drop Her Solo Debut and Releasing Her Video "Go To Work" 11-11-11.
I Got The Chance To Speak With Kalenna About Her Career, Her Work With Dirty Money, and Her New Solo Project.
Article By Nik Terrell Thompson
NTT - How was life like for you growing up?
Kalenna - I had a PRETTY COOL LIFE . I am the Eldest of 6 children. My mother and father grew up min the heart of north philadelphia and dedicated they'RE lives to other and raising us , and they are still a loving couple today. Additionally I was able to travel the world because my father was in the military for 21 years. I was able to live in places like alaska, germanyetc......
NTT - Who would you say were your earlier influences?
Kalenna - I was influenced by my mother and Grandmother in the earlier years of life and of course a all of the greats including Michael Jackson, Grace Jones, jimmy hendrix etc and so many other legends. I also grew up admiring Missy Elliott, Prince, R. kelly, Lauryn Hill and their talents.
NTT - When did you know you were musically gifted?
Kalenna - I discovered music at a very early age. maybe 5 I realized my gift of song and by the age of 9 i was leading the church choir !! lol . When I was a little girl I used to always dream about my career in the music industry. I wrote my Grammy speech in middle school.
NTT - What made you decide to become a recording artist?
Kalenna - I was attracted to the power of making people feel ... i would imagine myself singing in front of thousands of people you know. it’s a part of me, it’s embedded in my being. So I knew that I had to pursue my dreams and this is where my path has lead me. and besides it seemed the one thing that would save me from myself !! i was a rebellious teen omg i would run away and shit so i needed an outlet and recording helped me thru it all.
NTT - A lot of people don't know that you came into the business as a songwriter. As a songwriter, you did a song for the legendary Aretha Franklin. What was it like being able to work with her?
MAN THAT WAS MY 2ND PLACEMENT NOT ALOT PEOPLE COME OUT SWINGING LIKE THAT. I felt honored and humbled to have written a song that she would bless my words with her voice.and it was even better when i found out Fantasia was on it because she is one singing girl ! i was just inspired to keep going
NTT - How was Dirty Money formed? What did you think about the concept when Diddy presented it to you and Dawn?
Kalenna - I found my way in Dirty Money as a writer. After months of working with Rodney Jerkins, Diddy enlisted me to work on Last Train To Paris (LTTP) , It was a DREAM COME TRUE ! I had always dreamed of working with him and getting to learn from him. THE very first song I wrote on the album was STROBELIGHTS FEAT LIL WAYNE.. THAT WAS BIG HAVING JUST HAD A SON I WAS LIKE THANK THE LORD, FOR A FOOT IN THE DOOR.. ANYWAYS FROM THERE I WENT BACK TO Rodney Jerkins and we played with ideals and Puff loved them so I guess you can say me and RJ planted the seeds for the sound of Dirty Money!!! After spending months in Puffs cozy house studio writing songs over and over again, it was time for me to leave. I got a call at 4 am in the morning saying, (in my diddy voice) “YEOO I KNOW THIS AINT PROPER PROTOCOL BUT I HAD TO TALK WITH YOU FIRST BEFORE ANYONE. I WANT YOU TO BE IN MY GROUP.” THE REST IS HISTORY!! Now I’m DDM FOR LIFE
NTT - The "Last Train To Paris" Album had many singles so I'm assuming their we're a lot of songs recorded. What was the recording process like? Was there any frustration or "going back to the drawing board" moments?
Kalenna - It was a learning experience. I got an opportunity to see how hard Diddy works and I have a great appreciation for his work ethic. When you are trying to make something GREAT there will always be some frustration, AND WITHOUT FRUSTRATION YOU AINT DOING SHIT. THATS HOW YOU MEET COMPLETION. I didn't understand going back to the drawing board until midway thru the album and i was like omg did i write that or did i sing that? that had to be the most rewarding part of it all .
and then the anxiety of living up to the expectations of the listeners !! we made a classic and i think people are still boarding the TRAIN
NTT - The album was a success. How did you feel being a part of creating something so major?
Kalenna- IT'S a wonderful feeling. I am honored TO BE GOING DOWN IN HISTORY AS ONE OF THE DOPE GIRLS THAT DID AN ALBUM WITH DIDDY. IT humbled ME to have been a part of that entire process. and to know i was able to make professional mistakes
NTT - When was the moment you felt like you finally made it?
Kalenna - I don’t really think in those terms. I haven’t taken time to check if I’ve made it or not, if you put a timer on it then i think you lose sight of your orginal plan to take over the world ha..... I just work hard and do what I love. the rewards will come
NTT - Even though you reached stardom, When you were working your way up to this point were their times you felt like "Why am I doing this"? How did you stay motivated?
Kalenna - No, I’ve always thought of music as my career. I knew early on that this was my destiny and I’ve never doubted it. I enjoy writing and singing so there was never any turning back. No situation is ever perfect but if it’s what you want and is really in you, there’s no choice but to keep going.
NTT - What advice would you give to somebody that's maybe in that position now?
Kalenna - I would say to just keep pressing and stay focused. If you start to doubt yourself then others will too. You can’t expect someone else to have more faith and passion in your talents and career than you do. and besides for every no there's gotta be a yes ..... so don't take No for answer take you time !!!!
NTT - You've been working closely with Diddy and other artists with longevity in the music industry. What was the best advice you received so far?
Kalenna - Sean has always told me to be who I am and true to myself. That’s the best advice yet. Uncle sean gives it to you real and just sit back and see him as a ruler in his Kingdom pushed me to be a better ruler in My own.....
NTT - What do you miss about not being famous?
Kalenna - I consider myself almost famous but i do consider myself a SUPERNOVA *kanyeshrug*. People are still asking, “Who is Kalenna?” My solo project and single that is dropping 11-11-11 is the answer TO YOUR FAME QUESTION . as for what i miss? being able to spend time with my Family .....
NTT - Who haven't you worked with that you would like to work with?
Kalenna - There are so many but off the top I’ll say Sade, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce i mean i tell you i have a wish list...
NTT - Is Dirty Money recording new material at the moment?
Kalenna - No, not at the moment. However, we recorded so much that Uncle Sean can release another album if he chooses. As I mentioned, I am currently working on my solo project but Im Dirty Money for LIFE!!
NTT- What's in the future for Kalenna? Will you still be songwriting for other artists?
Kalenna - As I mentioned before, I have a viral video coming out 11-11-11 of my new single Go To Work. My complete album will soon follow. While completing my project, I will continue to write for others. and prepare for tour and continue making time or people you continue giving back wether it is with music or community service etc ....... But i can tell you this album is bonkers and its a different outlook and perspective for women and men alike
NTT - Do you have message you would like to give to your fans? How can you stay connected with them?
Kalenna - Just to stay true to yourself and live your life “One Heart At A Time.” REMEMBER I DO THIS TO INSPIRE YOU #KFAM .... STRIVE TO BE BETTER AND TAKE YOUR TIME WITH YOURSELF, RELATIONSHIP, AND YOUR DREAMS ITS LIKE A BABY IN THE WOMB YOU HAVE TO NURTURE THAT THING ........ Follow me on twitter at @kdidybop, Facebook: facebook.com/iheartkalenna and my blog: www.iHeartKalenna.com
