Christina Milian is already used to being the centre of attention. The urban pop sensation has been preparing for her celebrity for quite a while. "I remember being 4 years old, and I would watch TV and try to get inside the television. That's how much I wanted to be a star," she excitedly recalls.
Born to Cuban-native parents in New Jersey and raised in Waldorf, Maryland, Christina has an extensive resume. At a young age she landed a role in a musical theatre play of Annie Warbucks. Later, Christina became a junior journalist on the Disney's Channel Movie Surfers. She explains, "my mum brought me to California when I was thirteen years old to pursue my acting career. It was there that I met Rodney Jerkins, who inspired me to get into recording music." Before igniting her musical journey, Christina has appeared as a guest on several TV shows, such as "Clueless", "Sister Sister," "Smart Guy," "Charmed" "The Steve Harvey Show," and as a recurring character on "Get Real." She also has done a voice over character role in "A Bugs Life", as well as an appearance in the film "The Wood". The wheels to Christina's success are already in motion.
But it was Ja Rule's #1 single "Between Me and You" that introduced Christina Milian to the mainstream. When the listeners caught a glimpse of R&B's next cutie softly singing on the hook, they say up and took notice. "Ja Rule didn't even know who I was when I recorded the song. After I did it, he loved the result," Christina says with a laugh. The video started a whirlwind of anticipation for Christina's music, exemplified by a flurry of fan web sites. Her official site,
www.christinamilian.com is already getting numerous hits from all over the world.
But Christina Milian is not just another singer. She is an entertainer, incorporating choreographed dance into each performance. "I grew up watching Madonna and Janet Jackson dancing, and after seeing them, I knew that was what I wanted to do." And with Christina, you get the total package: singing, dancing, and songwriting. "I almost require that I write, with every song, because I like to be involved in the creative process. And I know I'm liable for the lyrics I sing. I just love to write anyway," she declares. And her writing has attracted attention from others as well. Christina's talent was noticed by J-Lo herself; Christina co-wrote the Jennifer Lopez hit "Play" as well as PYT's first single "Same 'Ol Same Ol'."
Christina's energetic personality comes across on her debut album. Christina assures, "The album is based on experiences that I know teenagers go through. My album isn't too dramatic, it's an album that most young people can relate to." The down to earth concepts and up-tempo production provide danceable beats for almost anyone. And with production wizards like Jermaine Dupri (A Girl Like Me) and hot newcomer Bloodshy, the album is a sure winner.
On "AM to PM," produced by Bloodshy and remixed by Irv-Gotti (who produced "Every Little Thing That We Do"), Christina proves that she can rock just about any crowd. The song showcases her distinct singing talent and candid star quality.
Then there's "You Make Me Laugh" another hot track that will work for radio or the clubs. Anyone who's ever had a friend talk behind his or hers back will immediately relate. And on the ballad "It Hurts When", Christina takes her songwriting to an even higher level with this poignant relationship story, when one finds that an ex has moved on and is in love with another.
With a diverse musical background, Christina Milian takes a different step than many of her peers. By incorporating myriad influences from her background, Christina's sound reflects the pop arena and much more. "I grew up on a lot of oldies. We only had AM radio in my parents' car back then, so I listened to a lot of old school, from Diana Ross to Elton John. I love a mixture of music, I'm not set on any one kind of music," she admits. Her music is the perfect blend of urban, Latin and pop sounds.
On "Satisfaction Guaranteed," Christina Milian's universal appeal is obvious, as her voice flows naturally over the mid-tempo beat. This song is produced by the Artful Dodger (the English super-producer behind U.K megastar Craig David). Although the Artful Dodger's production talents are in high demand, Christina is the only true American artist he has produced thus far, as he strongly feels that she is a truly exceptional talent that will reach audiences worldwide. As a whole, the album features a number of songs destined to top the charts. The production is top notch, and Christina's realistic subject matter, on songs like "When You Look At Me" will earn her a host of new fans.
So get ready for her smashing debut album, because this talented young singer is about to descend upon audiences everywhere with her unique sound and style. Her music is cutting edge, with a wide range of influences, and with her distinctive sound and personality, Christina will inspire people everywhere.
ALBUM TRACKLISTING1. Get Away (feat. Ja Rule)
2. AM to PM
3. When You Look At Me
4. Spending Time (feat. Charli "Chuck" Baltimore)
5. It Hurts When
6. You Make Me Laugh
7. A Girl Like Me (feat. Jermaine Dupri)
8. Twitch
9. Until I Get Over You
10. Satisfaction Guaranteed
11. Got To Have You
12. Thank You