You can tell a lot of about an artist by the music they listen to and perhaps even more by the way the way that they’re dressed. 2015 has been the year that RnB sensation Brooklyn will never forget, from releasing some of the top selling singles of this generation, and touring with the king of RnB himself, to the release of her new and upcoming album.  RnB sensation Brooklyn drops a new album, next year, and right now, we have exclusive information for you from personal matters; such as the contemplations she faced during, one of the hardest years of her life. To the release of her new and upcoming album.  

 

Right let’s get started, as you probably are aware, you are currently one of the hottest artist right now.  So what started this all off? What made you want to become a singer- songwriter and rapper?

Honestly, not many people know why I went into music, so this is an exclusive for you, she laughed. They know how I got to where I am today; but not why I chose to become a singer- songwriter and rapper. When I was 12 my brother died because he was caught in a horrible accident to do with gang violence. I’m not going to give you some bullshit sob story about how my brother was my bestfriend, even though he was, but that’s beside the point. So, right after he died, I didn’t know how to express my feelings so, I started writing and recording music, and soon afterwards, my dad bought me my first sound mixer and guitar. Most of the early songs that I wrote are in memory of my brother and the dangers of gang violence. I still often write songs about these matters but, I also wanna change and develop as an artist. So I constantly change my sound. After the incident involving my brother; my mum, pa and I decided to move from Brooklyn to North London when I was 16, so I could go to a music college in London, where I continued to make music to portray my interests. Hence my stage name being ‘Brooklyn’ to remember my roots. After I left college at 18, and moved back to America, because I was signed to an American record company ‘young money entertainment’. This is where I began being a backing vocalist to many different artists such as Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne. And in May 2013; I release my debut single “here and now” which is dedicated to my brother. And I guess, the rest is history.

 

What is the highlight of your 2015?

The highlight of my year was probably being invited to share the stage for one night with one of my role models that I grew up listening, Keith Sweat. He gave me so many tips on how to develop my voice and my vocal range as well as how to put a story being the beat and lyrics. And for that I am forever grateful.

 

Many people describe you as one of the one successful RnB artist of this era. How would you define success?

Money, fame, and power are often what we have been told that defines “successful”. If we don't get it, we often feel like we aren’t good enough or worthy. But I think that is bullshit, as success to me cannot simply be measured. It is something that you feel inside yourself. Different people have different things that are successful to them and have different ideas of the term ‘success’

 

And you’ve got a new album dropping soon, tell us about that? What is the most important message that his album represents and what made you want to produce this album specifically?

The main message of the “behind the fame” is to not succumb to societies expectations of you, because then you begin to lose your originality; your soul. Continue your journey in life and don’t let people change you or dampen your faith. Because behind the fame is a person that is waiting to be heard. Just simply keep positive even in times you think that you can’t because it always gets better. And even if you think that there is no way out of a dreadful situation, just gotta have faith and look up to God. Don’t do some shit that will get you killed, because that is the sort of shit that gets me angry, just seeing the youth lose their lives, over something stupid. When the youth are the future for this world.

 

Have you got any features on the album?

I recorded many songs with many of my brothers such as; J.Cole, The Weeknd, R.kelly, Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Nicki Minaj, Drake and many other people. There are about 4 features on the album. You’re going to have to buy the album on January 1st to find out who features, and start your new year with a bang” she laughs.

 

There’s something many of the readers and your fans want to ask you. So, throughout the year; you’ve been all over the media for all this shit that has happened in during 2015; such as getting arrested and your social media arguments. What have you got to say about that, give us the down low?

 

Honestly, with fame along comes a lot of responsibility, throughout this year, I’ve felt pressure that I’ve never felt before. And I just lashed out. The fact that I was always in the spotlight; people judge me for every move I make. Also the fact that  I was on tour so I had no sustainability in my life, it began to affect me, not only physically but also mentally. I couldn’t cope with the pressure. But by the grace of God, my fam and my brothers. I am in a better place now, and the songs on my album reflects the journey I went through, and the steps I had to take to overcome all the pressure put on me. And hopefully, with the album I am able to help people that are going through the journey to try and find themselves, as well as improving themselves. I know I have a lot of people, which follow me and look up to me as inspiration; I’m just simply trying to make good music for them and become a better person and musician. Because it’s simply all about the music.

 

Behind the fame drops January 1st 2016, be sure to pick it up and tweet us and Brooklyn your reactions.