Editor’s Update:

We first ran this story on Kalenna Harper back in April when writer, Mary C. Johnson, gave you a prolific rundown on the artist behind the artists (original article underneath). However, since becoming a part of Diddy Dirty Money, Kalenna now finds herself at the forefront of success. Straight out of her BET Awards win (along with Diddy and Dawn Richard) for Best Group, Kalenna Harper shared some statements and sentiments about what (or rather, who) she wore for her big night, how she felt about the award, and what her future plans are.

On her white hot outfit:

“I was wearing Tom Ford. He’s a very hot designer. I loved the look.”

On winning the award:

“Although I didn’t elaborate on my feelings last night, I feel very blessed to be in this position. Coming from Philly, being a military brat and a rebellious teen this is something I’ve always dreamed of and now it’s happening.”

On her future beyond DDM:

“I have so many epic plans for my immediate future. I’m so excited about everything that is going on. I don’t want to spill the beans so not to take away from its authenticity, but there is a single on the way, videos, performances, and more of me helping in my community with the homeless and those suffering from Lupus.”

Even after a big win, she remains humble and true to herself. Congratulations Kalenna Harper!

~Chris Ongsueng

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One third of Bad Boy’s new pop sensation is a bold and edgy beauty with sharp cheek bones, sultry eyes and a kick-ass asymmetrical pixie hair cut.  Referred to as the industry’s best kept secret (and for good reason), she’s written hits for A-list celebrities like Christina Aguilera, opera singer, Charlotte Church, Ciara and the queen of soul music, Aretha Franklin as well as several songs off The Last Train To Paris album. Now a platinum selling recording artist, Kalenna, Dawn and Mr. Take That – Take That himself are the conductors of a new sound ushered in by Will.I.Am called electro-hip hop.

“Hello, Good Morning” might be your jam right now, but how many of us wanted to buy LTTP? Not very many people thought they would. If you were like me, you didn’t know what to expect. Were you thinking that it was going to reek of auto tunes and ring tone rap-a-longs that Jay-Z so masterfully put into an all black coffin to be buried in the Valley of Death where sing songy rap ballads made popular by Ja-Rule and J.Lo went to be killed by a firing squad? And while I consider myself a true Brooklyn girl, having Biggie regurgitate “Party & Bullshit” lyrics over a new beat does not equal a new hot song, it’s still Party & Bullshit, but I digress. I tried my hardest to hold out until I found something that would have me Diddy boppin and “Angels” while I loved the single wasn’t enough to get me on the train.

Then comes the week of December 14th, I was seeing LTTP advertisements, on Twitter, Facebook, billboards, and popular blog sites and when I finally made it into the city after having cabin fever for four days, there were signs up at Spring St. that read “Last Train to Paris 12.14.10” huh? While I’m neither travel rookie nor a tourist, I was so fascinated by the ad campaign; I almost forgot where I was going. I had to get the album. Diddy Dirty Money was a new concept to me but I couldn’t deny that the advertising for LTTP was extremely clever and left me awfully curious thanks to the marketing genius of Brand Champion. Who was “Dirty Money” but mostly, who was Kalenna? I was a fan of Dawn Richard because I watched her become famous on Making the Band and I fell in love with her story about leaving New Orleans after the flood, and still following her dreams to become a singer, but I was curious about the new person. Who was she, where did she come from and why was she chosen I asked myself until I saw her perform.

This fresh faced new comer seemed like a veteran when in front of the camera, not to be swallowed up by Diddy’s larger than life persona or to stand idly in Dawns shadow going unnoticed, Kalenna commands the audience and she has a dynamic presence on and off stage.  Between her non-for profit charity, the I Heart Kalenna Foundation which provides social services to families with lupus or homeless veterans, and collaborating with Mama Monster herself, Lady Gaga, the 28-year old Philly native has been nominated for a BET and a NAACP award. Now with two Russian Grammy’s under her belt, LTTP nearing double platinum status and electric performances on the AMA’s and American Idol, it all seems a bit surreal but Diddy-Dirty Money can’t stop and won’t stop until you jump on that train.

I was able to ask Kalenna questions for all of the A.U.D.R.A. readers who wanted to know more about the super star, and here is what was said:

Congrats on LTTP, Diddy & Dirty Money has officially gone platinum. Last time I checked sales were at 1.7 million. How does it feel to have your first platinum album and is the album double platinum yet?
It feels great. We worked really hard on LTTP and going platinum is a message from music fans reaffirming that all the hard work wasn’t in vain.

On the album, there is an all-star list of producers and features, what was the creative process like and what song(s) on the album is your favorite? Why? Did you do any writing?
I wrote several songs on the project, however, I would say “Strobe Lights” is one that means a lot to me because it was the first song I ever wrote for Diddy. It took us two months to get it to the level we wanted. It was great experiencing the creative back and forth with Diddy. He was able pull the best out of me.

There were so many skeptics criticizing the album before hearing it because they didn’t know what to expect from Diddy’s new brain-child but now these same people have brought the album, love it, and are recommending it to other people – what do you think about that?

I think it’s kinda cool because people know good music when they hear it. They put all their preconceived notions aside and gave it a chance and they weren’t sorry. It’s good to be underestimated so when you bring it, people can do nothing but respect you and your grind.

By today’s conventional standard Diddy & Dirty money is not your typical pop group, but it doesn’t mean the set up hasn’t been done before. What makes the group dynamic work with the three of you as opposed to the Fugees or City High?
All of us have unique talents and experiences to bring to the table and respect each other for them. Dawn brings her experiences and wisdom from Danity Kane and Diddy is Diddy; he has done it all, he’s the vet and he’s the boss. My background includes several placements on other artist’s projects as a singer and songwriter.  My style is fresh and raw.

Bad Boy has been the home to many successful recording artists like the Lox, 112, Da Band, and Danity Kane but there was no longevity in their careers. Are you fearful that DDM will succumb to the same pitfalls as the previous Bad Boy artists mentioned? If not, what sets DDM apart from everyone else?
There will always be DDM, we may work on solo projects and endeavors separate of the group but when we come together, we are still DDM.

What kind of creative freedom do you have over your image, and your sound? And, if you disagree with something, is it taken into consideration?
I had a big role in constructing the sound for LTTP so I feel that my gifts and talents are definitely taken seriously within the group. Of course we don’t agree on everything because this is a group and everyone will have to compromise at some point. Everyone can’t be happy with every decision all the time but its okay because we will do what’s best for the team and not the individual.

Diddy has had a longer working relationship with Dawn because she’s a former member of Danity Kane, is there a closer bond with the two of them then the two of you or is it one cohesive working relationship?
It is one cohesive relationship because it’s all about the group, the team. We all have a common goal for the group and that’s what we focus on.

By industry standards, a successful group with two dark skin African American women is almost unheard of, are you aware that you and Dawn don’t fit into the mold of exotic, fare-skin and long hair?
How does that make you feel? And what do you have to say to the men who perpetuate that ideal?

I’m okay with that because everyone has a preference. I’m comfortable with who I am and my talents. I was told early on that I wasn’t marketable as an artist but that didn’t stop me then and it won’t hinder my future success.

There are always different personalities in a group, a nurturer, a prankster, the comedian etc., how would you describe your personality in the group?
I would consider myself the nurturer and the peace maker, maybe because I’m a mom. Innately, I want to make sure everyone is comfortable. I’m that way without trying.

What is your goal with DDM?
My goal is for DDM to continue until we are old and on stage with canes and in wheelchairs! The vision is endless.

What’s in your IPOD?
To name a few, Thriller, Jeremih and of course LTTP!!

For more information on Kalenna Harper-Vick or to find out the latest information about tours, the I Heart Kalenna Foundation, please go to Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IHeartKalenna and Twitter: @KDiddyBop and @IHeartKalenna