The only way you can do that is by staying consistent with your work. That's really my goal. The only thing I'm competing for is competing against the old way I used to approach or made assessments of my artistry and just really set myself up making good business situations that I'll have the kind of respect and control that is needed to become a multi-media conglomerate. That's the ultimate goal.
Over the last couple of years, between the 2004 release of Out the Box and 2009's Unspoken, you have released several albums from your independent label, Nureau Ink. For those who have not had the opportunity to listen to the independent albums (and distinctly remember Out The Box), in what ways are you the same and in what ways are you different?
I'm the same in the sense that you're going to get a smorgasbord of different genres. I'm different in the sense that I don't present the fact that I can do these genres with a chip on my shoulder, with the expectancy of something negative to be said. It's one thing to say to yourself you're being different and another to walk in it and give off the energy of defense because you're so used to people, for no reason, bashing because of a few misunderstandings and ignorance. So that's the main difference.
I'm not bitter, I'm better as a person. I've grown up a bit. Having a child has a way of growing you up a great deal. The messages are very clear and plain. I think a lot of people thought I'm going to put out a bunch of random things about me but throughout the album, there is nothing but consistent messages about my belief structure in Jesus Christ, the resurrection, urban lifestyle living, relationships but all from a Christian perspective. I'm really happy about that.
A lot of people are saying, "Wow, I didn't think it would be lyrically this sound because you were starting to go in a more mainstream direction." Yeah, mainstream to expose what I believe and express it in the way that is accessible to those who believe in God but can't stand religion or organized religion, I should say.
You have cited Walter Hawkins as your biggest musical influence, at least on the Gospel side of things. What about his ministry did you admire the most?
First of all, his album cover from 1975, there were no Gospel records that even looked like that. That was very, very pop. They were doing covers like that for Donny Hathaway or someone like that. Even with the fonts, you didn't see those type of fonts used on Gospel records. Of course, we can't acknowledge Walter without acknowledging Edwin and we can't acknowledge Edwin without acknowledging Andre. We're all innovative pioneers and trailblazers, particularly their fashion choices.
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