Following her stints on both Aftermath, which resulted in her Dr. Dre executive produced debut, Truthfully Speaking, featuring the Rakim-assisted hit single, “Addictive,” and her solid, but commercially overlooked sophomore collection, Ready Now, on Raphael Saadiq’s Pookie Entertainment, St. Louis singer-songwriter-actress Shari “Truth Hurts” Watson is now a free agent.
Let’s hop right into your latest entry, “Fight 4 Love,” how did it actually come to fruition?
“Fight 4 Love” is produced by James Worthy and written by me, and it came from an original composition written a few years back that was a powerful song I wanted to revamp. Now it’s “Fight for Love,” which is very much a message I want to represent in this hour.
Sonically, how does “Fight 4 Love” measure up to your other offerings? It’s definitely a departure, sound-wise, of sorts from what your fans and followers normally expect from you.
I don’t call it a departure, I call it a representation of my growth and who I’ve evolved into over the past 15 years during my travels abroad. Just broadening my sound, not abandoning it.
I’m assuming here, but is “Fight 4 Love” the lead offering from your next — and first since 2004’s Ready Now — full-length studio LP? And if so, what can you divulge about the upcoming collection?
“Fight 4 Love” is an interim record. Haven’t decided if it will be on the LP, but yes I’m preparing an LP which will most likely be titled The Naked Truth: (the sheuro experience), which is a collection of sounds that represent my artistry from past to present. … Very reflective of my most current truths.
How does the new material either differ or compare to your previous efforts?
Doesn’t compare at all, actually. But it will be a breath of fresh air for those who still follow my art and brand.
How has the music industry changed since you took a hiatus?
Of course the industry has changed … but that’s great because I’ve evolved as well, so I’m looking forward.
What have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during your lengthy musical hiatus?
Personally, I’ve been being a new mother again [to] a 2-year-old, and professionally I filmed a movie in Switzerland earlier this year called A Day Like a Week, also starring Steven Bauer, Armand Assante and other power actor names. I’ve also been traveling abroad and recording this new album, being very selective about the collection of joints I want to use.
How did you first discover your musical talent?
I’ve always loved music as far as I can remember, and started with classical music when I was very young.
Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?
My greatest musical influences begin with the giver of the gift, God … Then my father, who was a musician [and] also dabbled in the music industry a bit. Also, music greats such as; Prince, Phyllis Hyman, Teena Marie — the list is endless.
How then would you describe or define the style of music that you create and perform?
I don’t define music with words — sorry — I just call it art.
Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
I have a long musical career ahead of me, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?
Strength in womanhood and a message for women.
What do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to get the truth about love and life from my music.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? And, even more specifically, where exactly do you “fit in” when it comes to today’s current soundscape?
I don’t feel any particular way about today’s R&B, as I am a advocate of change and the necessity of evolving. Everything in life must change, we just have to learn to change and evolve with it. I believe I am doing that, so I fit into the the change.
Do you have any other outside or additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
Yes, I have some other businesses I am passionate about starting, especially in the beauty business. Stay tuned …
What has been your greatest achievement(s) so far?
My greatest achievement is my children, then some of my special moments in music — too many to name.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would collab with Prince or Sting or Ed Sheeran — Even Nas; all legendary artists whom have great respect from me.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
Arenas all over the world.
One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Most of the ones I’ve written lately are a personal story that reflects something going on with me somehow.
Lastly, Dre’s (finally) back, since you were formerly signed to his iconic Aftermath imprint, do you and the good Doctor remain in touch? Same question applies to Raphael Saadiq? That said, any chance of a reunion, either on stage, wax or both?
Sorry, no Dre answers. Haven’t seen or spoken to Raphael in awhile, but I’ve been abroad a lot for the past 4 to 6 years.
Anything else you care to mention?
Please follow my social sites and new music.
