LeToya Luckett is nothing like her Single Ladies mean girl character Felicia Price.
Within the first few moments of speaking with the Southern Belle, you’ll learn the singer and actress is down-to-earth, goofy, and very easy to talk to.
During a recent conversation with GlobalGrind – in which Toya dishes all the deets on whether or not she’s ever been the mean girl in her crew, lets us know if LisaRaye’s ample backside is as impressive in person, and reveals how a man should approach her if he’s feeling her – it’s expressly obvious that she’s happy, grateful for all the success she’s already experienced, but ready for more.
It’s got to be that hunger that has Miss Toya showing off her impressive acting skills, preparing to release her new album Until Then this year, and creating musical bangers for VH1’s Single Ladies all in one breath.
We ain’t mad at her though – her hard work is definitely paying off. Toya also talks about being compared to other Destiny’s Child members and how being a part of the group has affected her life in the long run.
Join in on our conversation by checking out the interview highlights below and be sure to purchase a copy of her highly anticipated album, Until Then, this spring.
GlobalGrind: How easy was it for you to play mean girl Felicia Price on Single Ladies?
LeToya Luckett: It was a lot of fun because it was so different from my personality. I did have to do a lot of research, because I didn’t want her to come off so mean that people just hated her. I wanted to add a little bit of comedy, a little bit of sass… all of that, and I wanted to be true to the character, so I had to create a whole backstory for her. She took a little bit out of me (laughs).
So, you’ve never been the “mean girl” before?
Oh, NO. No. I’m super goofy and laughing all the time and I like to have fun. I feel like Felicia is a little cold and always on edge. I think it’s because of her position, being an executive, and running her own company – you tend to stay on edge a lot of times. You just want to make sure things are going right and running smoothly, so she just has a lot on her plate. She’s trying to balance a lot, so she’s not always nice (laughs).
What can we expect from your upcoming album, Until Then?
R&B, R&B, R&B. I’m trying something different on this album and when I play it for my family and friends, they’re like, ‘You sound different.’ I’m a little bit more open, I’m taking chances, and trying new things with my voice. I’ve definitely grown in the past four years as a human being, period. I want to share that with my audience and I’m so glad that I have such patience – the waiting around has been inspiring me, driving me, and keeping me hungry for this crazy music industry I’m in. I have some great fans and I know they’re ready for it. I hope they like it – the album is just so personal. It’s SO personal.
It’s the good and bad of love. It’s all of it. It’s the happy times, the sad times, the times I want to kill you. It’s all just jumbled into 9 songs. Each song is a part of me. I hope people can enjoy it and can relate to it. I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one that’s gone through these different situations.
Is actually releasing the album, and wondering if people will like it, the most nerve-racking part of it all for you?
Yeah, I think that’s the hardest thing. People have expectations and with social media, it’s so much pressure because everybody is in your face. They can go onto your Twitter or your Instagram and be like, ‘I hated it!’ or ‘I love it and that song helped me to get through.’ That’s half the reason why I continue to make music – people have come up to me and said I’ve helped them, they listen to my song everyday, and it’s given them the strength to get out of an abusive relationship. Those girls need a message. Or, those guys may have low self-esteem or he’s going through something in his life, coming into manhood, and surprisingly enough… he’s been listening to my album (laughs). So I think that’s why I continue to do what I do.
Has being constantly compared to other Destiny’s Child members been hard for you or have you been able to brush it off and keep it all in perspective?
Yeah, (laughs) the pressure’s there. I feel like I brush it off and I definitely keep it all in perspective. Destiny’s Child was an amazing time in my life, I’m very blessed that my childhood was spent around people that got up every day, were inspired to do what they loved, and it just helped to mold me into the woman that I am today – so I don’t take it for granted. I was able to travel the world and do all kinds of things that people would only dream to do in their lifetime. Of course things came with that, but at the same time I don’t see it as a negative, dark time in my life. Do you know what I mean?
I was very blessed to be a part of that. Of course, when you’re involved with someone who has done remarkable, amazing things as an entertainer and is one of the greatest of our time, and the bar has been set that high…. Of course, people are going to be like, ‘I don’t know how this is going to compare to that.’ You just keep doing what you love to do. I think we all brought something great to that group. I think we all did and because of that, we helped each other to grow. I think, now, that’s why you see all of us still moving and growing. There were setbacks, but at the same time everybody’s still doing their thing.
It’s not a single from your album, but you did a song titled “Don’t Make Me Wait,” with Single Ladies in mind, that’ll be released during next week’s episode. It’s about wanting a guy to take charge and approach you if he likes you. So, what’s the best way to approach Toya?
How should you approach Toya? Hmm… don’t be a cornball! (laughs) I’ve had a few ‘mac daddies’ come up to me with the worst lines that they could think of.
What’s been the worst line?
Surprisingly, I’ve had guys on Twitter like, ‘I’d love to give you a baby.’ Here’s the thing sir: I don’t know you, this is strange… that’s a little ill-advised of you. Take a few steps back.
I like funny guys, I like guys that can make me laugh, and to my surprise they’re trying to get at me. They’re not so forward that I’m wanting to take a few steps back. Like, ‘Wait a minute, does he like me?’ I like the mystery. Don’t be on some ‘Ooh baby, you so fine’ It makes me want to vomit a little bit… I don’t like the THIRST. (Laughs).
So, I have to ask you – LisaRaye’s booty looks crazy on camera… is it that serious in person?
She’s definitely blessed, she’s carrying, she’s packing… she knows it though, honey. She already knows. She is definitely blessed in that area.
PHOTO CREDIT: WaitPress
