By: Hannah Bateman

After making headlines in 2004 for being the First Lady of 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records, R&B songbird Olivia is spreading her wings and embarking on a new journey, one with a strong beginning and an even stronger ending. Her latest single, “Take It Off,” is making a great impression with mainstream music and earning her respect in the industry. With the Jamaican born diva appealing to the masses, her decision to put her career into the hands of Rich Dollaz of Dollaz Unlimited, the music executive responsible for the careers of many artists, has proven to be extremely beneficial. Not only will her second album Show the World be released this year, but the multi-talented vocalist also has several projects in the works, all of which will change her pending status from idle to active.

Bu’Ji Magazine (BM): It has been few years since your departure from your former record label G-Unit. Can you talk about what led you to leave?

Olivia: Well, I split with the “Unit” in 2007. I had always told 50 Cent that I just did not feel that I was being treated as a solo artist. I just felt like I was part of a group [because] I was always on hooks and I do not think people were getting a chance to see the real Olivia.

BM: What impact will your new management company Dollaz Unlimited have on your career?

Olivia: I actually met [Rich Dollaz] 6 or 7 months ago through a mutual friend of ours. I was looking for new management and I did not want somebody from a big company again because I feel like you just get lost in the shuffle. It just seems like he is a natural with me. I do not have to tell him what to do or what I need done. He is a great manager.

BM: Tell me about your upcoming album.

Olivia: The album is called Show The World and it will be out this year. [Some] of the producers on there are Missy, Rockwilder, Sean Kingston, and Sham who produced the “Take It Off” record I have out now.

BM: What do you hope to accomplish with this album? 

Olivia: I want people to actually know who I am. I do not feel like people know me. I feel like they know of me or always seen me with other people, but they do not know who the real Olivia is and what my style is.

BM: What is one obstacle that you overcame that you feel others might be able to relate to?

Olivia: Musically, it would probably be leaving the “Unit.” People still say to this day “Olivia from G-Unit,” and I am like “No, I am not with G-Unit anymore.” That was something that I had to overcome when I left and the whole stigma of being with the “Unit.” People used to say “formerly of G-Unit,” and that used to piss me of, but I am good now (laughs).

BM: Do you feel you have an advantage or disadvantage as an artist because of your prior affiliation with rap superstar 50 Cent?

Olivia: It is kind of both because [sometimes] I will get negative publicity for being with him [because] of all the negative stuff that comes with him, but then also it is good because he is a high-powered rap artist and everybody would have wanted to be in that position. It is like a 50/50.

BM: What has been your greatest musical accomplishment so far?

Olivia: The biggest one I would probably say is “Bizounce” because everybody still brings that [song] up. That was my first Top 40 record that I had out with J Records.

BM: If you could work with any artist, who would it be and why?

Olivia: One would definitely be Anita Baker because Anita is my ultimate favorite. The other would have to be Brandy because she is one of my favorite R&B singers.

BM: Who or what has been you biggest inspiration?

Olivia: My grandmother has actually been my biggest inspiration. I was brought up in Jamaica and stayed with my grandmother for 5 years so I learned a lot from her. My parents have [also] been together for over 30 years so I have a good backing with me. My family definitely keeps me grounded.

BM: Where do you see yourself two years from now and what steps are you taking to get there?

Olivia: I cannot stay where I will see myself because I will probably exceed my own expectations. I have been doing so much not just musically, but acting [as well]… I have a VH1 show coming out this summer also.

BM: What have you done or what do you think you can do to give back to the community?

Olivia: Anything that has to do with kids. That is what people normally call me for. My heart is always open for anything that has to do with children.

BM: What is one thing someone would not know about you by listening to your music?

Olivia: That I am a comedian. No one knows that until they meet me.

BM: What is one misconception that people might have about you?

Olivia: That I am b*#ch. I think all pretty girls get that one and that is so stupid, but we have to deal with it like I said in this industry [because] they are always making up something.

BM: What is one thing that you absolutely cannot live without?

Olivia: Shoes.
 
BM: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be and why?

Olivia: Personable, charming, and caring. Obviously, because I am a personable person [and] it is easy for people to come up to me and talk to me. I am very caring [because] I will give a shirt off my back and I just have a natural charm that I think I get from my dad.

BM: What is your favorite quote? Or what words do you live by?

Olivia: “It is nice to be important, but more important to be nice.”

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