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| AALIYAH >> LES INTERVIEWS |
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Lire l' interviews
ci-dessous
Although she's best known as the sweet and
seductive voice behind such Number 1 hits
as "Back & Forth," "Are
You That Somebody," and "If Your
Girl Only Knew," the young lady who
is known to millions as Aaliyah, continues
to reach for new creative heights. Since
making her recording debut at age 14, the
singer's career reads like a modern-day fairy
tale come true.
Today, with her music base firmly solidified,
the now 21-year old diva is ready to break
ground in new territory-acting. This week
Aaliyah makes her film debut in the "hip-hop
meets kung-fu" drama "Romeo Must
Die." She's also in the middle of completing
her third CD, which is due for release later
this year, and provides guest vocals on the
new Toni Braxton project. BET.com recently
met with this wunderkind to talk about her
burgeoning career as a new adult artist.
There have been many music divas who have
made the switch to acting. Are you just following
the trend?
Not at all. Getting into acting has been
something that I've wanted to do since I
was a little girl. Growing up, I admired
entertainers like Barbara Striesand and Janet
Jackson because they developed opportunities
for themselves in both film and music.
Which brings us to Romeo Must Die. What brought
you into this project?
The fact that this film involves a multicultural
cast really appealed to me. I felt that was
important for my first film because it's
important for me to bridge my talents to
a crossover audience. I also wanted to attack
issues like interracial romance and really
get people thinking. As for Trish, she and
I are similar in a lot of ways. We've got
the same edgy, tough demeanor, which I think
my fans will like.
How did you prepare for your role?
I spent a lot of time getting ready for my
role. Before shooting even began, I stepped
up my workout regime so that I would have
the endurance for the long days. Also, I
worked with an acting coach and a choreographer
(Fatima Robinson) who stayed with me and
set me up for what I needed to do.
Why is urban culture so fascinated with gangsta
themes?
I don't think it's just the urban community
— everybody's attracted to those films. Look
at the popularity of films like the Godfather.
I don't really think the urban community's
interest in gangsta themes is any greater
than are interest in comedy, romance or action
films.
Do you have your next film lined up?
I don't really have a dream role, but I would
love to work with Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro
and Morgan Freeman. I want to do comedy,
horror…everything.
Why the lingering absence from music?
I'm a perfectionist. With everything I do
I like to do my best. I took a break from
touring and recording to get myself together
and gain perspective on what it is I want
to do as an artist. Also, other opportunities
like the work I've done on the soundtracks
for "Dr. Dolittle," "Anastasia"
and "Next Friday", plus my work
on this film have kept me busy.
When can we expect some new music from you?
Soon. I've been working on a new record for
some time, but things keep on getting in
the way. First I had to take a break for
this movie, and then it got pushed back some
more when I had to do the soundtrack. Right
now, I'm writing songs and assembling a team
of producers that I would like to work with.
This time around, I'm going to branch out
more and try some new things.
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