Motivation #5: Ailee

I met Ailee when I was trying out a songwriting gig (aha! multiple hustles ked). She was in the building about to go in the lab, and we talked briefly about interviews she’s done. Being a writer who interviews artists for a living, I get curious about what they like or dislike to answer. Well, she expressed some annoyance over journalists focusing more on her race rather than her music.. so we’re not going to do any of that (Yet, we’re not discussing much music either lol). Instead, we’re giving you boys and girls that Motivation shit.

• where are you from?

I was born in Denver, Colorado! Woo-hoo! I lived in Korea for about 2 years when I was little and then settled down in New Jersey. I LOVE New Jersey because it’s very secluded but at the same time, it’s also a fun place to be if you just want to kick back and relax with your friends. =]

• what turns you on/off about guys?

I have a few things that turn me on about guys. I absolutely adore guys who are capable of cooking and giving a relaxing massage! I don’t know how it can get any better if your man has a surprise dinner ready for you when you come back home after a hectic day, then gives you a nice little massage so you can loosen up a little. I haven’t found that guy yet so let me know if you know anyone like that!! haha ;] I’m also kind of turned on by guys with amazing abs and back muscles. Sexy much?

Guys who are overly confident when clearly they don’t know what they’re doing easily turn me off. Those kinds of guys seem extremely conceited to me and that’s never a good thing. I believe confidence is VERY important, don’t get me wrong, but it’s very important that you realize the difference between confidence and arrogance.  I also hateeeee it when guys are LATE! Guys should never make a girl wait for more than half an hour!! Our hair goes bad and all that time we put into doing our hair goes down the drain!

• what attracted you to your first crush?

Wow my first crush… I think my first crush was when I was in 6th grade! I definitely think the fact that this kid was both hardcore and awfully sweet attracted me to him. He was so cool in my 6th grade eyes because he was mean to everyone but amazingly sweet to me. He made me feel special, and in that age of course I bought into it!

“My love is hardcore”

(don’t front like this picture didn’t just bring you back to 6th grade!)

• if you were a dude where would you take a girl on a date?

What girl doesn’t like fancy restaurants and musicals? But I personally prefer romantic picnics at a park; visits to the zoo or to an aquarium. I also wouldn’t mind going to batting cages, the Yankees game or go race on dirt bikes. yeaaaaaa!

• what is your ideal guy wearing?

I’m into guys that dress nicely but my ideal guy wears basketball shorts and a plain white t-shirt. You can tell a lot by the way a guy dresses. I think shorts and a regular t-shirt shows his level of comfort with me, which I think is an important factor in a relationship. I used to not believe in this whole “ I wear these clothes because I’m so comfortable with you” business but now I think I really understand what it means and I’m thankful that I came to realize it.

• what motivates you?

My beautiful devoted fans! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for them. I know that’s such a cliché statement but it’s the truth! When I feel lazy and tired I usually don’t want to do anything, but when I think about all the fans that are waiting for my new music and new videos I get motivated to do what I do best.

• how do you force yourself to get up in the morning?

I usually don’t. I LOVE sleeping. If I could sleep forever, I really would. Haha.

• who’s your hero?

My hero is definitely God and my mother. They both have blessed me with so many different opportunities and guidance. These two will never give up on me when all else fails and everyone loses hope. They’re the ones who push me to do better and better each and every day.

• best advice you ever got?

PRAY! God answers prayers people! I truly believe prayer is powerful. Why get stressed out about all the negative circumstances in life when you can put it all in God’s hands? I have faith that the Lord will lead me to where he wants me to be!

• where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself as a very successful multiplatinum artist in the music industry. I also see myself building a small church in poor countries such as Haiti and Dominican Republic where children can be educated with information to succeed in life and with God.

• what’s in your itunes right now?

Funny thing is I just received copies of Shontelle (Shontelligence), Akon (Freedom) and Asher Roth’s (Asleep In The Bread Aisle) albums as a gift. So right now I’m currently jamming to their albums. I personally like the song “Stuck On Each Other” by Shontelle Feat. Akon. I don’t think song is released yet but I can’t help that I love the song SO MUCH =]

side questions:

• summer plans?

WORK ON MY ALBUM RIDICULOUSLY HARD SO MY FANS CAN FINALLY HEAR ALL THE WORK I’VE BEEN PUTTING INTO MY PROJECT =]

• anything you want to promote?

I know I have been busy and have been slacking off on my websites but fear not people! My new official website is coming soon with new pictures, videos, music and blogs! For now, continue to show your love and support on my Myspace, Facebook, and my Youtube and Youtube 2 pages! Thank you all so much for encouraging me with comments and video responses. I promise to do my best for all of you guys and I Love You ALL!

we shinin’