With your image and energy, you could have simply chosen the straight R&B/Top 40 path. But your music has wonderfully surprising elements of rock fused in. How did you wander into that arena?

Well, mom growing up listened to everything. That peeked my interest. But most importantly, growing up in L.A. … there’s so many nationalities. The California experience is gonna have some rock in it. I listened to The Doors, Led Zepplin, Aerosmith, my favorite artist is Prince.

On you ideal debut solo release, who would the producers and collaborators be?

Prince, Me’Shell, Andre 3000, Sheryl Crow.

Wisdom

What have you learned NOT to do by having the opportunity to watch your mother’s career upfront and personal?

The obvious… drug problems, I know you can’t solve your problems in a bottle or a baggie…. Professionally I just want to learn as much as I can. Business-wise, sign your own checks and trust no one. Learn as much as you can, but know as much as you can. I know you’re gonna get royally screwed, but as least you can make folks use Vaseline.

What would you do differently if you were in her shoes?

I would definitely learn more business. I wouldn’t turn over all my trust and fate to accountants and managers. And SPEND SOME TIME WITH MY KIDS!!

What cha...

What cha listening to now?

Wendy & Lisa, Prince’s new CD, anything by Prince basically. Because he covers all my bases. You get your funk, your rock, good lyrics, everything. There’ something by him is always in my box. John Mayer too, he’s hot!!

What cha watching, or what have you recently seen and dug? (TV, film, DVD)

I saw that movie, “White Noise”. It was fabulous!! I loved it, loved it loved it!!! You MUST go see it. On TV I watch “The Golden Girls” on Lifetime. That’s my show, I’ve seen ‘em all, and I still watch ‘em faithfully!

What cha doing next week, next year?

I’m doing this hit in Germany next month. Basically, I want to write write, sing sing, perform perform. I fly by the seat of my pants. I’m trying not to commit no crimes. I keep it real!!