She took us on an "Emotional Rollercoaster" twelve years ago....and she's still one of our girl crushes. Inside, we're exclusively premiering Vivian Green's brand new 'Lovers' remix to her new single "Get Right Back To My Baby," plus we're catching up with the short coiffed cutie on her refreshed outlook on love....and what women should avoid in relationships (we're >><<< here, Viv).
Before Elle Varner and the likes, there was Vivian Green...the emotional & soulful R&B hottie singing about the real-life pains of love and relationships that we all could relate to.
Now, the 31-year-old is back with her fifth studio album Vivid (8/7). Fresh off the release of her first single off the album, "Get Right Back To My Baby" (#GRBTMB), she gave us the remix to premiere here on TheYBF.com.
But first, we had to catch up with the gorgeous Philly native and do some grown-woman-talk. Here's what she's learned about love and relationships since going through it on her previous albums:
We fell in love with you in the "Emotional Rollercoaster" days...and we still bump the track while going through drama. Has the way you deal with romantic relationships now changed? What can you share with your fellow ladies about what you've learned about love and relationships since the release of your debut single?
"My debut single was 12 years ago and I was 19 when I wrote it; so naturally my perspective on love is completely different. I'm a different person. That single was about my first love and I was a vulnerable young girl who didn't know anything. Now, I'm a grown woman four albums in, with a fifth (Vivid) on the way. There were many life lessons along my journey. I'm definitely not the woman who's on Emotional Rollercoasters; not at all.
Since my first two singles: "Emotional Rollercoaster" from A Love Story and "Gotta Go Gotta Leave" from sophomore album Vivian, I've learned to never give all of my power away when in a relationship. I think this is KEY for women because we often give too much to our own detriment. Always leave some for yourself. I've also learned being single is a great time to learn about yourself. It's good for reflection and growth."
How are you balancing staying true to your sound and the pressure of the illusion that an artist MUST have a radio record to "succeed"?
"I was afraid of my current single "Get Right Back to my Baby" at first because it's my first up-tempo single and I was nervous the fans wouldn't feel me. I'm so glad the response has been great! I honestly never felt pressure from radio. What is difficult is staying in your given "lane" or "sound," because as a creative person you want to do more than the box you were put in will allow. This is my biggest creative challenge. Sometimes I want to make music that's not R&B/Soul, but my fans most likely wouldn't feel me. As far as radio goes, I think the landscape of the industry has changed and artists don't necessarily always have to depend on radio to be successful, for example Janelle Monae, Goapele, Tech9, and Eric Roberson. So nowadays, you can have a career outside of radio which I think is cool for new artist. The industry is definitely changing.
Since artists are constantly inspired, which Sounds and artists are influencing your music at this very moment?
"I'm inspired by life when I create, and the artists that I grew up listening to will always be my musical inspirations. That includes Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Michael Jackson, Whitney, Toni Braxton, Holland Dozier Holland to name a few."
We feel you Viv!
The original "GRBTMB" song and video (above) infuses the timeless Maze featuring Frankie Beverly classic "Before I Let Go."
Now, check out our exclusive premiere of the sexy "GRBTMB" remix featuring Jamar Jones BELOW!