Note from the Editor: Before the launch of THISENT.com, I had the honor of conducting a memorable interview with award-wining entertainment icon Raven-Symone.
Well received by its original viewing audience, our conservation, unfortunately, disappeared from the public eye. Luckily, I was able to relocate the interview in my personal archives and we’re happy to present to you now!
Raven and I shared a two-part conversation. In this second half, the actress, recording artist, producer, and director talked honestly about the difference between living in L.A. and Georgia, working with Kris Kross and Missy Elliott, growth, and her thoughts on being rewarded. Here you get the rest of the INTERVIEW in THIS COMPLETE REMASTERED EXPERIENCE!
Raven, your home state of Georgia continues to grow, especially as more residents and businesses move in. How do you feel about the sacrifice of the state’s natural beauty to accommodate this growth?
Well, I have been living in L.A. for a number of years now. I can only say that when I visit the area of Georgia in which I live, it is still very beautiful.
Can you feel the seasons change in L.A. the way you can in Georgia?
No, you don’t feel the seasons the way you do in Georgia. It’s a different type of weather change. We have rainy season, flood and earthquake weather, but the beach is technically year ‘round. And we always have snow and sunshine somewhere, you just have to find it.
Can you tell us what you have sacrificed for growth?
I don’t feel like I have sacrificed anything. The work I do has allowed me to travel and meet very interesting people. If anything, I have gained knowledge, and that has helped my growth.
You grew up in the public eye thanks to your television and film roles, but we can’t ignore your growth in the recording industry. As a successful recording artist do you think the recording industry has made the right sacrifices to achieve growth in an increasingly more digital communication era?
Real fans support their favorite artist by buying their music.
You started out as rapper just like your fellow Georgia natives Kris Kross. Were you fan of theirs, and did you dream about working with them?
I was definitely a fan! If they had asked me to work with them, I would have loved it!
How do you think your supporters would react hearing you with Young Jeezy, T.I. or Andre 3000?
I hope they would enjoy it! I would love to work with Andre 3000, Cee-Lo … goodness. Right now, I have to be personal and just say let me do it for me. No offence supporters! [Laughs]
You got the support of Missy Elliott at the start of your music career. She produced and was featured on your hit debut single “That’s What Little Girls Are Made Of”. Allegedly, Missy was omitted from your video because of how she looked. Does hearing that offend you?
Most definitely! That’s rude and disrespectful. But I was like 7 or 9 years old, so this time around it would be a lot different. I loved Missy then and I love her now. I was [little], and the record company was making the decisions. Currently, I would love to work with Missy. Missy, call ya girl!
You’ve broken a lot of ground in entertainment. There were no other little girls rapping at that level when you came out. You certainly made your mark. Looking back at the historical significance of your debut, do you think this makes you worthy of a VH1 Hip Hop Honors feature?
I’ve been in this business for a very long time. I do it because I love to entertain people and make people happy. That is reward enough for me. | THIS ENT
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
THIS INTERVIEW with Raven-Symone: THE COMPLETE REMASTERED EXPERIENCE [Part 1]
