When given the opportunity to interview songstress Algebra Blessett, I was beyond thrilled because to say she’s a blessing to music like her name alludes to is an understatement.
I instantly became a fan of her music when I saw her first music video “U Do it For Me,” from her debut album Purpose. I remember she was singing while sliding down an apartment building and I thought, “This is different.”
I then got her album Purpose, which is an amazing album. With songs like, “What Happened,” “At This Time,” “Can I Keep You?” and “Halfway,” it’s a classic album with a timeless factor, like herself.
With a new project in the works, and tour dates—Ms. Blessett allowed Rawe to ask her some questions about her future, as well as a couple of other questions, enjoy and please if you don’t have her album Purpose, make sure you get it ASAP.
Bella: Well, your one of my favorite singers and one of the really cool things about your music is the fact that people are able to understand everything you are speaking about, either through your voice, or through the lyrics. Which artist did you look up to when you were growing up that taught you what you what your supposed to do as an artist?
Algebra: I think every great R&B singer. I grew up listening to a lot from Cameo and The Gap Band, Guy, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Jodeci. I think I grew up listening to great R&B and also very soulful jazz like Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, growing up off a gospel a multitude of things.
Bella: With Purpose–that came out in 2008, it addressed in a way the different aspects of a relationship—what was the writing process for that album?
Algebra: The record kind of came about, with no true focus. You go through to get through, that saying. I had a lot of emotion to get out of me- then came the music and the words, or the words and the music would come. Some of the songs came from poetry I had written, it all came different. There was no set way; I wanted to do the record.
Bella: I guess that ties into my next question. Since the album talked about relationships and what not, was it in a way a venting process or something that you were you going through?
Algebra: Venting is a good thing about that when I get to that even now; the beauty of knowing something other writers and understand and like you said my audience understands. It’s great for the musicians I work with to know what you are writing to convey things in a more simple way. It’s good to be able to write with other writers. I wrote a “Come Back,” with Eric Roberson, and I wrote with Johnta Austin, and Brian Michael Cox. Even in conversation, you feed off of them, like “ooh that’s great,” or “I would have never thought about it that way,” it’s a big respect.
Bella: Inquiring fans want to know, are you working on an album right now, and when is it dropping?
Algebra: Yes, not sure what date, but hopefully it will be out soon. I’m excited about it.
Bella: And what can we expect from it?
Algebra: I think great songs. I can’t try to put them in categories. I have love songs, venting songs, the songs about pain, and the songs about joy. Things I’ve gone through in the past year and a half, or things I want to go through, it’s as personable and relatable as possible.
Bella: So, in the Bay Area you have a lot of guy fans. I told a couple I was interviewing you, and they wanted me to ask if you were single – and if so, what kind of men do you like?
Algebra: Oooh I do? I am lucky me. I’m single; I let the people around me tell me what I’m looking for. I think it all boils down to somebody who you aspires you to be the best. Somebody that knows you deserves the best and gives you the best. I love men; I’m cool on the guys shorter then me. I like guys taller then me, chocolate or light skin, cute smile, educated—that’s very important. Even without a degree, you got to know something. Be happy about life; try to get more out of life then just waking up. Put a smile on my face—be funny, you cannot be boring. You can’t be dry—I can sit around and watch paint drive myself, and you must be creative.
Bella: Right now, what music are you listening to, like artist, or a song or whatever?
Algebra: I’m listening to two songs by Alicia Keys, from her new album. I’m listening to Sade. I’m listening to The Gap Band again. and a lot of jazz. I listen to some hip-hop; Nikki Minaj—I like Drake. I listen to a lot of things—I don’t try to handicap my ears at all.
Bella: A random question is, I know from looking at your videos and everything—you seem to stay true to yourself, whether its from your attire or your hair – if you could give one piece of advice t someone coming up or wishing to, what would you say?
Algebra: I kind of just do me. I don’t really have anybody to tell me most of the time what I so they tell me I do what makes me happy I never been a follower when it comes to trend I just do what I like. I still love my tennis shoes. Tennis shoes make me happy; don’t get me wrong—I’ll take a little discomfort if the end result is going to be fabulous.
Bella: In five years, where does Algebra want to be?
Algebra: In 5 years—I’m a year behind now. Maybe I’ll be on the 3rd or 4th album– a more entertaining project. As a woman, motherhood would be great, diamonds, the whole significant other thing. I’ll have a big house and some cars, a million dollars. I’d want to be stronger in my faith, dream and I’m living the music but I want to be happy with or without it, I want to just wake up in the morning and smile.
