Mila J 'Split Personality' album

Growing-up in Ladera, California, with five brothers and sisters, emerging multi-talented performer Mila J knew early on that she wanted to be in the spotlight. Yet, before the multi-racial (African-American, Japanese and Native American) songbird stepped in front of a microphone, Mila excelled in the art of dance. In addition to shining in class, she appeared in Prince’s “Diamond and Pearls” video and toured the world with R&B group Immature when she was still a little girl.

“Believe it or not, I was very shy when I was younger,” the stunning singer recalls. “For some reason I had no fear of dancing, but I kept my singing and rapping skills to myself.” Yet, with the release of her debut album Split Personality, Mila J has finally overcome her fears. Working countless hours with long time mentor and friend Chris Stokes, the successful manager behind the success of teen idols Immature, B2K, Omarion and Marques Houston, 23-year-old Mila J couldn’t help but deliver a stellar disc.

“For me, the title Split Personality is my way of defining both the little girl and the woman inside of me and all women,” Mila explains. “There are some songs on the disc that are pure fun, some that are serious and then there are some that are a combination of both.” Indeed, with Mila J it’s all about the best of both worlds.

Mila J’s official first single is the friendship affirming “Good Looking Out,” a thrilling collaboration with Marques Houston. Putting one in mind of classic Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duets forty years later; “Good Looking Out” pairs the two young R&B artists as friends schooling each other on the pitfalls of love. A soothing mid-tempo jam that is as soulful as it is lovely. “Marques and I have been like brother and sister for years, but we’ve never worked together,” admits Mila.

Citing the rhythmic revolution of Janet Jackson, TLC and Aaliyah as her aural inspiration, Mila J got her first taste of singing in her father’s home studio. “Dad built a studio in the garage to make his own songs, I wasn’t the least interested in performing, I was busy watching my favorite movies “Purple Rain” and “Krush Groove.” I remember watching Prince, who is magical, to me – the epitome of an artist. And it was because of “Krush Groove” that I started secretly rapping.”

Mila J honed her skills, becoming a complete artist on Split Personality, openly tackling real issues in relationships. Regarding tired guys who lie, the songstress lays it down on the dawg-be-gone anthem “Wait A Minute.” Walking a thin line between a cool break-up and simmering rage, “Wait A Minute” musically mixes Asian influences with more traditional soul. Still, when the songstress starts documenting her drama, it is something that every woman will surely understand. “Better,” a sexy song about finally healing from heartache follows. “I think of ‘Better’ as the sequel to ‘Wait A Minute.’ Having being hurt, I wanted to come back with a song that said, ‘I don’t need to take this mess anymore. I am strong,” says Mila.

Reminiscent of her spiritual homegirl Left Eye as well as classic Cali rappers JJ Fad, the hip-hop side of Mila J shines bright on the hip-pop “I’m Mi.” Displaying her more girly side, “I’m Mi” is a playful track that serves as an introduction to this passionate Scorpio. “It might sound crazy, but when I was a kid Snoop Dogg’s first album was my favorite record.” Featuring Omarion on the hypnotic hook, the head nodding “I’m Mi” radiates with a sweetness that eludes most of today’s most fem-rappers. “I’m not trying to be hard,” Mila explains. “As the song says, I’m just being me.”

** Note **

No exact release date is known at this moment. (fall 2006)

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Mila J - Split Personality