At a young age Asia’h Epperson has been exposed to the trials and tribulations of the music industry. When she was 14 she signed her first artist development deal and at 16 she had unsuccessfully met with Island Def Jam Group Chairman, L.A. Reid. In her biggest performance to date the Missouri native girl blew away the American Idols panel by performing LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live” days after her losing her father. She was eventually voted off but everything happens for a reason—if she had stayed on one more week it would’ve tied her into a contract with the show and working with Babyface might have never happened. Fast forward four years later and Reid’s “No” became a “Can you sign right now?!” Recently, the small town girl dropped “Deal With It” (The Mixtape) with DJ Don Cannon and is setting up her Island Def Jam debut through with Face’s Sodapop imprint. She spoke to us about working with Face, making a real R&B album and why she has no time for fake ones. Fellas, act right.
How did you hook up with Babyface?
Asia’h: He heard me sing in American Idol and got my number. I was on my way to a bachollerete party when the phone rang and there were girls screaming in the back and I’m screaming over music. He told me it was Kenneth Edmonds and I was like, “Ummm why don’t you just email me?” He said, “Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds” and my heart dropped to my stomach. He still won’t tell me how he got my number.
Were you afraid your career was over after you were kicked out of the competition?
Asia’h: It was a blessing in disguise because one more week and I would’ve been tied in their contract for a lot longer. I had to wait a while to be able to work with him because the contract wouldn’t let me do anything until after the show finished. You can’t do much after you get off of Idol but chill for a bit. I showed enough in the time that I was there to get Babyface to recognize me so I feel like that’s what I was there for.
Did you think that at the time?
Asia’h: I was never like, “What am I going to do now?” If you watch the last performance as I was leaving the stage I said, “It’s OK, this won’t be the last time you see me.” C’mon now, one monkey don’t stop no show. You can’t stop because someone wants to tell you no.
Contestants who’ve won the competition have had a hard time so I can’t imagine how hard it is after getting kicked out.
Asia’h: It’s all about yourself and how bad you want it. At the time, of course I wanted to win. I’m a winner and I’m a competitor but I also looked at it as another opportunity to open up doors. I took it as that and got what i needed.
How hands on is Babyface with your project?
Asia’h: Very. We use a lot of in-house producers and everyone is really involved with my project which I’m blessed to have that. A lot of times you get signed and there are so many things that can go wrong, I’m just happy to know that people are riding with me. He’s the reason why I signed with Sodapop and went to L.A. Reid and got signed to Island Def Jam. We push each other and drive the best out of each other. It’s pressure but good good pressure.
Is there any pressure this time around?
Asia’h: I’ve been told no more than I’ve been told yes. I didn’t wake up one day and think I want to be on American Idol. No, I went on the show because I was so frustrated. Getting my first deal at fourteen and walking into Reid’s office when I was sixteen. Am I supposed to sing? I’m eighteen, should I just go get my degree?
That’s still relatively young…
Asia’h: Exactly, but that’s how much and how hard I’ve fought before I even reached where I’m at right now.
You dropped a street mixtape with DJ Don Cannon which isn’t something R&B singers usually do.
Asia’h: I’m not a lot of R&B singers. It was something that was fun for me more than anything because I got to do whatever I wanted. I feel like mixtapes are for that. It gives you the chance to not only captivate the fans you already have but other people that you haven’t reached yet. I went with a more urban style. It’s amazing.
Can you tell me about “Out of Time”? Are you speaking from experience?
Asia’h: The song is about a girl who is telling a guy to change something or I’m gone. She doesn’t have much time and she’s talking about things that he does that aren’t acceptable. Every one has gone through that. You have people in your life that you feel like you’re running out of time so you have to do something. That’s real.
So, did you give him more chance?
Asia’h: (Laughs) It usually depends if they show and prove. You set the standards. Whatever your standards are, they’re you’re standards. I know what I set for myself and I’m telling you that you have this amount of time to do this, and that; if you don’t do that, then its your choice. I’ll give you a chance or two, but after the second I can’t help you.
Sounds like you lay down the law from the beginning?
Asia’h: Yea, I’m cool. I know people make mistakes and slip up and get sidetracked but you have to get them back on focus. But after two you’re getting a little… (Laughs)
Can I get some more relationship advice from your upcoming album?
Asia’h: This isn’t no Hollywood shit and this isn’t about being in the club and poppin’ bottles and shaking it down to the ground. That’s not what my music is. I don’t feel like there’s anyone young women can look up to and feel like they can walk up to that person and shake their hand or give them a hug. I’m going to be that person for the young women… and for the men. ’Cause you know you have to play both sides. I’m not too bad looking so I might be able to cover that. (Laughs)
You think that’s something that’s missing right now?
Asia’h: All the greats are having families and they’re full grown woman like Mariah, Alicia, and Beyonce; it’s time to pass down the torch. There comes a time for the new generation and a new batch of stars to come in and I feel like it’s my time and I’m in a perfect place. I’m bringing real conviction and real passion. We’re trying to make a real album and that’s something we have very few of. Something we haven’t heard in a while. Yea, I want to make one of those.
