BUZZ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

[photo credit: Kevin Goolsby]

I had the opportunity to talk with Kalenna, aka: KDiddy, about being in Dirty Money, working with Diddy, what’s next, and come to find out she’s a mother and a wife, who has a fear of clowns…who knew?!

We all know Kalenna as 1/3 of the group Diddy- Dirty Money, and a lot of us may not of even known who she was before that. But Kalenna says that’s the biggest misconception about her, is that her career began with Diddy- Dirty Money.

Kalenna had been a solo artist and songwriter since her teens, and had her first major songwriter placement on Christina Milian’s album when she was 18 years old. Since then, She’s written for Aretha Franklin and Fanstasia (Put You on to Game) , Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera (Bionic), Ciara (Kiss My Swag), opera singer Charlotte Church (Mood Swing), Dirty Money (Love Come Down) and countless others.

She’s also been featured on the movie soundtracks to “Phat Girls” (Stronger) and “Confessions of a Shopaholic” (Big Spender).

She is the winner of two Russian Grammy Awards, and with the group, has been nominated for a BET Award and 2011 NAACP Image Award. So clearly Kalenna is no newbie in this music game.

While folks feel that her and Dawn play the background to Diddy’s lead, with the Dirty Money movement, Kalenna makes it clear:

“I have been so blessed to be in this position. I thank God everyday for giving me this opportunity. I’ve worked really hard for this and there is no room for complaining. I just try to seize every positive opportunity put in front of me.”

How is it working with Diddy?

“The biggest thing to stand out about working with Diddy is his work ethic. It is impeccable and I haven’t seen anything like it. I think I was more in awe than surprised. He does not stop. Seeing that drive in him pushes me.”

I was able to get a little personal with Kalenna, and she opened up about her husband, who she’s been married to for 7 years and who co-manages her career, and their 4 year old son. I asked her how does her husband and her deal with her being constantly on the road, especially with such a young son at home:

“We both balance time with our son. His well-being is our first priority. We work hard now so that he can go to the best schools, learn foreign languages, and travel the world.

 

 

My husband has always been supportive of my career and instrumental in everything I’ve accomplished. My husband is my must have, we’re a team. I can’t function without him, and I need him by my side at all times.”

Here’s a pic of Kalenna’s lil’man:

 

 

with this quote:

“The reason I get up and Grind !! I Love Him Soooo much!”

Do you want more children?

“Yes, I would like 6 children if possible.”

What’s something your fans would be surprised by?

“That I’m afraid of clowns, any clown, it doesn’t matter. I see a clown and I will run the other way”

Your biggest pet peeve?

“People eating with their mouths open and smacking. I can’t stand people chewing and making noise. Eating like a horse and horses even eat with their mouths closed.”

Top 3 songs on your IPod?

“My top 3 songs are “Thriller”, that new Jeremih song (can’t remember the name), and all the songs on “Last Train To Paris.”

Ok. So when you’re not making music, touring, or being a wife and mommy at home, what’s your guilty pleasure?

“My guilty pleasure would be watching reality shows. I don’t have a lot of time for TV but when I do, I enjoy watching. I like the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” I don’t get to catch all the episodes so I haven’t been able to form a real opinion or choose a favorite housewife yet.”

Would you consider doing your own reality show?

“That’s something I have been thinking about but not settled on one idea just yet. If the cameras follow my life now, they will show me balancing being a wife and mother, with my career as a songwriter/singer, and entrepreneur aspirations with my clothing line.

 

 

They would also catch me with my two horses that I rescued, or mentoring youths through my nonprofit organization, the I Heart Kalenna Foundation.

You mentioned a clothing line?

“It’s called “Love Your Wool.” It represents prestige and is a combination of upscale lifestyle and tailored garments, which can be described as high fashion.” The brand name and its logo represent functional art, quality and timeless fashions.”

 

[photo credit: Loren Hooks]

Kalenna’s non-profit organization, I Heart Kalenna Foundation is very important to Kalenna. She was recently in Atlanta last month where she visited students at Newton County High School. She took time to mentor the children about the importance of earning their education, while using examples from her own life.

Kalenna was a rebellious teen, so she feels that by sharing her story, teens will either get back on or stay on the right track.

Kalenna says the visit was just the first of many more before she officially launches the I Heart Kalenna Foundation, which will provide resources for low income individuals with Lupus, military veterans and youth empowerment (three subjects very dear to her heart).

Being a military brat (her father was in the military), the plight of homeless veterans is a very important issue for her.

Additionally, the platinum songwriter has taken on the role as partner with the Lupus Foundation of America. This cause is also a personal 1 for Kalenna, since losing her youngest sister who died of complications resulting from Lupus.

In between tour dates, she will be working in communities across the country on behalf of both organizations.

[photo credit: Derek Blanks]

Kalenna also discussed her personal struggle of being a dark-skinned female in this industry:

“Hearing comments like you’re not marketable or what’s selling, which was true at one time. So I used that as motivation and decided to be a businesswoman to backdoor the game and write like the Missy Elliotts, the R. Kellys and the Keith Sweats. I was like, I’m going to write for other artists and they’re not going to have any other choice but to hear me, to buy my music and respect me as an artist.”

When will we hear just Kalenna on a solo project?

“My solo project will be released very soon. I have put a lot into it to make sure it is right and saying what I want it to say.”

What vibe can we expect, and any collabos?

“I can’t expound a whole lot about it right now. However, I will have features from my band mates.”

Well now you and the group are about to go on tour, what can fans expect?

“We will be in intimate locations where fans can feel us, see us and vibe with us. They should expect a personal experience that they won’t get in a large arena.”

You’re a mom, a wife, a songwriter, an artist, a soon-to-be fashion designer, a philanthropist, you rescue horses, so many things, personally and professionally…what won’t Kalenna do?

“I won’t do anything to disrespect myself and my family. I won’t do anything to jeopardize the purity of my music. My goal is to keep everything as real and raw as possible.”

You can connect and keep up with Kalenna on Twitter & Facebook:

Twitter: @kdiddybop and @iheartkalenna
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iheartkalenna