Written by | Ray Cornelius
Sy Smith is one bad chick!
This self-proclaimed “lovechild” of Sly Stone and Diana Ross has a resume that reads like a well seasoned artist. She is a singer, songwriter, television and film actress, video star, entrepreneur and has provided background vocals for such top artists as Usher, Chris Botti, Whitney Houston and American Idol.
We recently caught up with the “Underground Queen of R&B and Soul” who is currently promoting her latest album, Fast and Curious and talked style, men and her “Personal Paradise.” Are you ready to get pSYched?
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style could be described as Afro Glam. I’m all about allowing my natural beauty to shine, but I’ve got a thing for bits of glamour here and there! And I’m nothing without my heels!
New York or Paris?
Tough call. I love both cities. I was born in New York City and have always loved and maintained a strong connection there. But Paris has so much history, you can feel it like electricity, running through the streets! I’ll go with Paris!
What’s the last book you read?
The Savage City by T.J. English. It’s about police corruption, race relations and crime in NYC between 1963-1973. Great read!
Idris Elba or Michael Ealy?
Damn, really? Michael Ealy is from Maryland, so he’s the homie. But that Idris… he does it for me! I have much respect for both of those brothers though, they are incredibly talented actors!
You’re a big fan of Diana Ross. If you could record anyone of her hits, which one would it be?
Don’t know if I would choose one of her hits, that seems like the easy way out. But I do love her song “Surrender” (was that a hit?), I wouldn’t mind taking a stab at that!
Tell us the story behind the song Personal Paradise taken from your latest CD, Fast and Curious?
Personal Paradise reflects on the small and simple joys in life. And personally, I find so much joy being in love. Small actions like kisses, smiles and spontaneous dancing for no reason make me feel like I’m always on a mini-vacation… like paradise is really right in my backyard. And it is.
Catch Sy Smith’s Fast and Curious show with Zo on Saturday, May 5 at Apache Cafe – Atlanta