At first introduction, you’ll find Demetria McKinney to be quite friendly, quiet and shy.
Don’t let the good looks and her great smile fool you. Behind that coy grin is a fun-loving and witty lady, with a whole lot of sass.
There’s nothing timid about this military brat who hails from “all over” — Albuquerque, New Mexico (where she was born); Philippines; Austin, Texas; the Chicago area; and Florida.
McKinney is no stranger to us. A spirited actress and singer, she’s used to making scenes — on television and in theater since 2006, playing Janine Payne on Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” among other projects.
Now the single mother is ambushing the music industry, unapologetically.
This summer, the leggy beauty has gotten radio play and been buzzing on iTunes with her catchy club banger, “100,” featuring Da Brat.
“It was surreal. I have always been a fan of her work from Funkdafied on. I love her spirit, her energy. I love how involved she is in the process of writing her stuff,” McKinney says of working with hip-hop vet Da Brat.
“It’s rare that you meet somebody with the level of expertise and prowess she possesses. She will actually even ask, ‘What do you think of this?’ ‘Do you think this will work?’ I’m like, ‘sure, we can talk about unicorns and fluffy rabbits … sure I don’t care.’
“The fact that she was on the single was amazing and she has been so supportive,” McKinney says.
And, Dee Dee, as her friends call her, has talent. So music is a perfect fit. Besides, it’s what she always wanted, deep down in her heart and soul.
Chatter at the water cooler even reveals McKinney is planting her stilettos in some fertile soil, the Bravo franchise that has made household names of many of its once unknown cast members, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in season seven.
McKinney chats with rolling out about her next chapter but remains mum on, uh … read on to find out who and what.
When did you learn you had the gift of song?
I knew I had the gift of song when I was 3. I have been singing my way through everything. Of course, my brothers would sing with me whether they wanted to or not. Or, I’d beat them up. I was a little bit of a bully. I’d attach pom poms to my head and sing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” at family reunions. They were going to sit down, watch it and enjoy themselves — whether they wanted to or not.
I really started taking it seriously as I was going through some life challenges and when life started to kick my butt. People like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan … all those strong, powerful voices and messages really told the story I couldn’t say. I’ve loved music forever.
Tell us about your childhood.
Growing up transient was kind of hard because I never really had the opportunity to develop any childhood friendship connections. I often hear people say, “We’ve been friends since third grade,” not me.
I am an only child with 11 brothers and sisters. My mom and dad had me. My mom had a couple [of kids]. My dad had a couple [of kids]. Then there was my stepfather, my foster brothers … we were all called the Bailey Bunch. At some time or another, there were at least eight of us in the house. It was different. I am in the middle. I couldn’t do right or wrong.
How did you get into acting?
I have been imitating people for a long time. I’ve never taken a class. The management company I worked with thought it would be good exposure. I joined the cast of a play called The Woman I Am Today in Dothan, Alabama. Tyler Perry happened to be there. He liked my [performance] and it was a wrap from there.
What can we expect with your upcoming album, Officially Yours?
You will get a glimpse into the life of Demetria McKinney. Demetria says the N-word. Demetria drinks. Demetria lives life. I am definitely a single mom. I am definitely a woman. I am not afraid of sexuality but I am not a slut. You are going to see every angle of me that you’ve never seen before. You’ve seen Janine, Monica [“The Rickey Smiley Show”] and now you get me.
It goes back to what R&B once was. It talks about something real, something relatable. No shade. There’s room for everybody everywhere. It’s my opportunity to introduce myself.
What is life like for you when you’re not working?
I am always working. I feel like the moment I stop, somebody is going to catch up with me because there is always somebody ambitious and on the cusp of where you are. In order to stay competitive in this game, I have learned there is no time-out. So it doesn’t feel like I am working. I am having fun. It helps when you have a team that you really like. This cover shoot was phenomenal.
How do you use social media?
It took me some time to get into social media. It has really become fun because I use it as my diary and scrapbook. I can look back on my timeline and see how I was really feeling that particular day or what exactly happened. I am chronicling my journey of the last few years and this whole music transition from the acting. I’ve been getting some really big news lately. I love the fact that the “#Demetrians” like Chelby aka Chel @DDWassist, @Iesha_M, and @DetroitsFinest really get a chance to connect with me and they, through social media, have had the chance to take this ride with me. It’s great to be known as Janine, but it’s a whole other level when you’re known for yourself.
What is motherhood like for you?
Motherhood is great. I enjoy it, a lot. That little dude [Daquan] better pass the 10th grade. I love being a mom. Having him was a life changer. God is definitely good in his planning when we have other plans. I might be someone totally different. I was a PK [preacher’s kid] getting out of my parent’s house. My son is my godsend. He’s how I keep everything together as this journey goes. It is really easy to get lost in the sauce. I always had someone to answer to since I have been in this business. Being a mom … I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We have fun. We have great communication.
How do you balance?
He’s very independent. He loves me, my ambition, and he supports me.
What’s your favorite …
Color?
It’s purple, royal.
Perfume?
Délices de Cartier
Finish the thoughts.
First lady Michelle Obama … is amazing and I love her.
Oprah … I want to be Oprah.
Tyler Perry …. Hey! Hi Tyler.
Roger Bobb … Hey baby.
Mom … Who?
Dad … Miss him. As far as mom, I want to be a good one. That’s my answer.
What is your idea of success?
It is a combination of joy and happiness. You’re not always going to be happy. As long as you have joy, you are cool. You are not always going to have joy, but if you have a moment where you can smile, you’re OK. When the two are both present and you’re content in the space you’re in, it’s success.
Story by Yvette Caslin
Images by DeWayne Rogers
