[Interview] R&B Divas’ Syleena Johnson Talks Staying Relevant, Season 2 + Acoustic Soul

Hands down, one of my favorite women of TV One’s “R&B Divas” reality show is Syleena Johnson. Unlike some of you true R&B heads, I was first introduced to her on Kanye West’s 2004 song, ‘All Falls Down’ (off of his ‘College Dropout’ album). I lost touch with her, until I learned that not only had she still be on the music scene, but was trying her hand with reality TV, alongside Faith Evans, Monifah, KeKe Wyatt and Nicci Gilbert.

After filming for the show had wrapped, I caught up with her in Atlanta for ‘Cocktails (or Coffee) with The Jasmine Brand’. We talked reality TV, if there’s tension between the cast (behind the scenes), marriage, her latest project (Acoustic Soul) and more. Peep a few excerpts.

On where she’s been:

I was here in the world. I dont know where YALL was at!

On if she was apprehensive about doing reality TV:

Im a very open person. What you see is what you get on all levels.

On rumors that there’s real tension between her and Nicci Gilbert:

Nicci gets on m y nerves; but some of my sisters do too.

On if her relationship with her father has gotten better, since the show aired:

My dad is what he is. Im glad he can now sit back and watch himself.

On whether or not the show has been picked up for another season: 

I cant say; but I like to speak those things into existence. 

On the key to longevity in the music industry: 

Humility. Sleep. Staying away from substance abuse.

On how she has a successful marriage:

With great patience.

Check out the full video interviews below:

Part 1
[youtube width=”590″ height=”415″]http://youtu.be/ZpEADl7kYFY[/youtube]

Part 2
[youtube width=”590″ height=”415″]http://youtu.be/2H_pnEkHkzI[/youtube]

P.S. I got her to sing for 2.5 seconds at the 8:25 mark.

For all things Syleena Johnson, follow her @Syleena_Johnson.

[Video: Keeyah/Photo: Singers Room]