TMA Exclusive Interview With Anthony Hamilton

Six-time Grammy-nominated platinum Soul R&B artist Anthony Hamilton sings about the realities of life – love, pain, poverty and politics. The Charlotte, North Carolina native uses the raw emotion in his lyrics and the gritty texture of his voice to tell soulful stories that connect with the experiences of other people. “I’m like a musical nanny”, he laughs. “When you put on my music, you can feel like you’re being taken care of, kids and parents too. All I know is that when people hear me, they’re hearing an old ‘familiar’ voice, something that sounds reminiscent of something, someone they heard back in the day. And all of them, the thugs, the young mothers, the old folks, the big sistas, they all encourage me, they tell me, ‘keep sayin’ it!!”.

A barber stylist by trade, Anthony Hamilton began singing in his local church choir at age 10 and spent his teen years making the rounds on the local nightclub and talent show circuit. At age 22, Anthony left Charlotte and headed to New York City, where he signed with Andre Harrell’s Uptown Records.

Anthony later signed with So So Def/Zomba and released the platinum-selling Comin’ From Where I’m From (2003) and the gold-selling Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ (2005). Additionally, his gold-selling Soulife (2005) was released through former label Rhino/Atlantic. Anthony garnered Grammy award nominations for his songs “Charlene” (Male R&B Vocal Performance), “Why” w/ Jadakiss (Rap/Sung Collaboration), “Comin’ From Where I’m From” (Traditional R&B vocal performance, R&B song and Contemporary R&B album categories) and “Po’ Folks w/ Nappy Roots” (Rap/Sung Collaboration. He has also collaborated with numerous artists including: Keyshia Cole, Dianne Warren, Chingy, Josh Turner, John Rich (Big & Rich), Nappy Roots, Jadakiss, Santana, Nelly, 2Pac, D’Angelo, Ying Ying Twins, Twista, Xzibit, Eve, Game, Nick Cannon, Donnell Jones, Sunshine Anderson, Talib Kweli, Angie Stone, Miri Ben-Ari and many others.

Currently, Anthony is in the studio completing his highly anticipated official 3rd album, slated for a February 2008 release. This album will feature exciting tracks such as “Soul On Fire”, “Prayin For You” and “Only If You Knew” along with collaborations with producers Mark Batson, Kelvin Wooten, James Poyser, and the Avila Brothers. In addition, Hamilton is in the development stage for several feature films that he’s written and will executive produce. Anthony’s music is not the only thing that reaches out and touches the lives of others. Anthony himself is an active participant in outreach initiatives across the country and in his hometown of Charlotte that seek to uplift families and empower communities.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ANTHONY HAMILTON

1. How does it feel to have the lead single from a movie that people are saying has oscar potential?

That’s big traveling right there! I have big wheels on my pick up truck now… it feels good. It’s a great opportunity because I see it as a way to set me up to go into movies without trying to force my way in. It’s a smooth transition.

2. Who directed the video for the new single

That is a video from the movie. It wasn’t a typical video shoot for it, it’s like alot of scenes from American Gangster. Maybe Ridley Scott did it, I don’t know (laughing)

3. Have u started on your new album? If so when do you think it will be out?

Yes! It is untitled for right now, but it is a beast! It will be out feb 5th so be on the look out. You can hear the growth on this album… the maturity of the music, the subject matter. I got more creative with it. *Although there have been multiple releases, this is the 3rd OFFICIAL Anthony Hamilton album that he has agreed to release. Others have been released “with or without permission”.

4. Jermane Dupri said L.A Reid told him that you was probably the most important artist he has signed. How does that make you feel?

That’s a big compliment coming from L.A.! For him to compliment my talent that way, it makes it stand out even more. It means that he sees longevity in what I am doing. I am touched.

5. Who was your biggest music inspiration growing up?

A lot of them… whatever played on Solid Gold… Hee Haw… Elvis, Michael Jackson Natalie Cole, Al Green. I didn’t get to hear soul music too much back then, my grandmother wasn’t having it! So i was influenced by whatever played at church and what i could see on tv

Final Words:

Thank yall for riding with me for so long! We have velvet seats in the car now. The ride from here will be much smoother.
Be on look out for The Mcmillan Story coming in Jan (Tarsha McMillan who happens to be his wife)
Also check me out on the upcoming Josh Turner, Al Green, Chingy, & Mint Condition projects!

Peep out the new video “Do You Feel Me”" from the American Gangster Soundtrack