Trina has reinvented herself year after year for over a decade, and 2010 is no different. This year she’s scheduled to release her fifth studio album, officially launch a clothing line, and make her debut in television. Her grind is nothing short of Amazin’. So you’re working on your fifth album? That’s correct. My fifth solo album, titled Amazin’, comes out June 8th. I’m really excited about it. It’s a summer album, so it’s really fun. When you say “summer album,” can you explain a little more about the theme? Honestly, I think it’s my best album yet. I have major control of how the album’s being put together. It’s good for an artist that’s been in the game a while to have that kind of control and have the label see my vision. I tried a lot of different things – up-tempo pop records, street records, dance records, I took it back to the old-school. I worked with Rick Ross, Ludacris, Monica, Nicki Minaj, Plies, Pretty Money, Keri Hilson, Diddy – it just goes on and on. It’s great to still be relevant and put out a great album. Speaking of Keri Hilson, “Million Dollar Girl” is the single you have out now, right? Yes, “Million Dollar Girl” featuring Keri Hilson and Diddy. When I first got the record, I thought of Keri Hilson instantly. She has a beautiful voice. I sent it to her and when she sent the vocals back I was blown away. Then I added Diddy. He’s just a fly guy, he’s very swagged out and he added a good twist to it. You were introduced to us over a decade ago… Yes ma’am, in ’98. How does your life now compare to where you thought you’d be at this point? I never really thought I would be a musician. I always loved music, but I kind of thought I’d be doing television, maybe movies. That was always a passion of mine. I’m definitely looking forward to pursuing that after this album. I’ve had some [movie] offers I’m looking into. I heard you may be doing a reality show. Yes, I am. The show will start maybe within a month or so. It’s based around my life and the things I do as an artist, a business person, a clothing designer. It’s going to show the things I do on a daily basis besides music. Are you going to allow the show to portray any of your personal life? Or will it be strictly about your career?
It’s my real life. Everyday I’m followed around from the office, to the studio, in and out of town, different shows and events, touring, seeing what I do at home when I’m not doing music, as well as what I do with the artists I work with. I have about 5 or 6 artists I work with. Everything I do is going to be on the show – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Are you still working with the Diamond Doll Foundation? I’m doing a Diamond Doll camp this summer for the girls. Usually I do a panel and we talk about things like teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, education, and finances. I wanna do something a little different this year. A lot of the kids are really young and don’t wanna hear you just preaching, so we’re gonna make it more entertaining. I love giving back to the kids. I love answering their questions to let them know that I was once a kid, I was teenager, I was in a relationship and had my heart broke. I’ve been through all the things these girls are going through, or will go through. It gives them confidence and motivation. You had a major appearance in the “5 Star Chick” remix last year. People really liked your verse. I thought it was a great record. It was the first time I did a record with me and another female feature with the guys. Me and Nicki Minaj were holding it down for the women. It was something new. Everybody wants to be a 5 Star now. Everyone commented about how you still look just as good in that video as you did back in the day. How do you keep yourself up as far as the beauty regime and workout routine? I have a lot of wear and tear from makeup and hair artists so I just try to take care of my skin. I get facials and try to keep my skin as clean as possible. I have a bad problem with not washing stuff off my face after a show. I’ll be tired and just want to fall asleep. I have pretty good skin, I don’t really break out, but I try to get facials and keep it clean. I’m not an exercise fanatic but I try to exercise as much as I can. I do cardio at least 3 days a week and try to eat healthy. I need a lot of energy to travel and perform. Is there anything else you have coming up this year? The album is coming out June 8th. Look out for Pretty Money, that’s the first project I’m working on. Look out for the reality show and the clothing line. 2010, look out for Trina! //
OZONE MAG // 19