Teairra Mari: with a host of big boosters like Jay-Z behind her, hip-hop's independent-spirited new lady-in-waiting is ready to fly

Interview, August, 2005 by Jon Bon Jovi

Detroit is known for a lot of things: the auto industry, unsightly architecture, and, of course, music, having spawned everything from Motown to house music, Kid Rock, Madonna, and Eminem. And with her big voice, seemingly boundless ambition, and primetime mentors, 17-year-old Teairra Mari is wing to become the next big thing to roll out of Motor City. Having recorded her first demos before she was even in her teens, Marl was discovered last year by Island Def Jam chief L.A. Reid, whose impressive resume of adolescent discoveries includes future chart-toppers OutKast, Usher, and Clara. Reid introduced Mari to the label's newly installed president, Jay-Z, who has taken the singer under his wing and personally supervised the recording of her sultry, sexy debut, Roc-A-Fella Presents ... Teairra Mari (Roc-A-Fella). Featuring production work from Sean Garrett, who helmed Usher's "Yeah" and Clara's "Goodies," the record has already created a stir on the strength of its first single, "Make Her Feel Good," which has been scaling the charts since its release earlier this summer.

JON BON JOVI: Well, it must feel like Christmas Eve to you right now.

TEAIRRA MARI: Yes, it does. That's exactly what it feels like. [both laugh]

JBJ: There you are, standing on the top of the stairs, looking down at all these boxes and wondering which one to open first. It's a very exciting time, I'm sure. I remember when my first record was coming out, it was like just the whole world is in front of you. It's bigger and better than you imagine. The great thing is, as long as you respect it and have fun with it, it can go on forever. So you have yourself a good time. You're 17, right?

TM: Yes, I am.

JBJ: How old were you when you made your first demo?

TM: I was 12.

JBJ: That must have been a little intimidating. TM: It was, actually, but I really, really wanted to do it. I always wanted to be an entertainer. I went to a performing-arts school in Detroit. It had drama, choir--all the arts. It's actually the same school that Aaliyah went to.

JBJ: You're working in some big shadows in Detroit when you consider that people like Aaliyah, Eminem, Bob Seger, and Smokey Robinson all came from there. What Berry Gordy had there with Motown made history. That's a lot to live up to, but it's also great inspiration. Who are some of your influences?

TM: Motown on the whole, because they come from where I come from. Patti LaBelle. Minnie Riperton. Mariah Carey. I also like Michael Jackson, of course.

JBJ: How did you hook up with Jay-Z?

TM: Well, L.A. Reid signed me to Island Def Jam last year, and Jay had just got his seat as the president of the label. So L.A. wanted me to meet him formally as the president, and when I met him, I guess he just liked what I was doing and all of that, and he was like, "You know what? I think it'd be good for your album to come out under Roc-A-Fella Records." Because it's very urban-sounding.

JBJ: Well, Shawn [Jay-Z]'s got an incredible track record. When I started out, it was with a single that got played in Detroit and New York when we didn't even have a record deal. That was in 1983, so for me it started with just one song. At least you have an album and a major deal, and some of the greats of all time behind you, too. Did you have any hand in the writing of the songs?

TM: Yes. I collaborated with my producer, Sean Garrett, on some of the songs. Even when it came to writing the lyrics, I would tell him my stories, and we would write them down together and make them into a song.

JBJ: That's what it's all about, isn't it? Telling a good story. Now you're going to have to tell me about something that I know absolutely nothing about, okay? I was wondering if you could explain to me about this thing that you're doing with the butterflies painted on the fingernails? You're talking to a guy who lives in blue jeans and boots, so please explain this to me.

TM: Well, I have my nails manicured, and they're very long, and I have a 3D butterfly painted on like it's flying off the nail.

JBJ: So you wouldn't bite your nails while you were waiting for the album to come out? TM: Yes. [laughs]

JBJ: All right. I've been reading about all the fly girls in Detroit with the Cartier glasses and everything. They really seem to have the whole style thing down. You're going to have to explain it all to me sometime.

TM: Yes. When I see you we'll have Detroit Fly Girl Style 101.

Bon Jovi will release their 10th studio album (Island Def Jam) next month.