During August 2006, we had the opportunity to speak with the rising R&B superstar, Jeannie Ortega, to learn more about her childhood days, her debut album, and role in the movie Step Up.
ABOUT JEANNIE ORTEGA:
Jeannie Ortega was a member of the first graduating class of Brooklyn’s High School of The Arts. In her youth, she performed at local parks as “Spice,” (one half of a singing group she called “Sugar & Spice”) and numerous times throughout her school years. At age 16, she had her first professional recording and it was placed on the soundtrack for the movie "Love Don't Cost a Thing." Jeannie later received a major recording deal with Hollywood Records. She is now prepared to release her debut album, "No Place Like Brooklyn." Her debut single is the hip-hop influenced "Crowded," which features Papoose. She has also finished work on a film called Step Up starring Mario and Channing Tatum. (Source: Wikipedia)
When is your album, 'No Place Like Brooklyn,' expected to drop?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:August 1st
Besides collaborating with Papoose on 'Crowded', who else did you collaborate with on the album?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:Nore, Gemstar and Mato, Quan and I worked
with a lot of great producers like Stargate, Soulshock and Karlin, KNS, and this new kid Kovas who is great.
What are the underlying themes behind some of the songs that you wrote for the album?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:Love, pain, and shaking your booty!
What was it like working with Mario and Channing Tatum in the movie 'Step Up?'
JEANNIE ORTEGA:It was nice. Channing is a very sweet, down to earth guy.
What role did you have in 'Step Up?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:I played a girl from the school. I'm just passing in the hall singing and I bump Channing.
How did you get discovered by Hollywood Records?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:It was with my first professionally recorded song that I wrote named 'Got What It Takes.' It was a featured song in the movie 'Love Don't Cost a Thing' that stars Christina Milian and Nick Cannon.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists trying to make it in the music industry?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:Honestly, to just believe in what they were blessed with and to put God first and trust that if they work hard for what they want that they will get it.
What memories do you have from your childhood days growing up in Brooklyn?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:Good times, bad times alike. I miss the block parties, but I don't miss the danger.
What other projects do you have planned?
JEANNIE ORTEGA:Well, I want to do some more acting, some hosting duties at a major entertainment network, start recording the next album and continue touring.
