Since when does being a rumored home-wrecker eclipse nine Grammy nominations, a starring role in a Broadway play, and a New York Times bestseller? Don’t ask Fantasia Barrino, she couldn’t tell you either. Currently, the 25-year-old is dodging public claims of an affair with OPP (aka married man Antwaun Cook), allegations that reign high on her Google search and within blog discussions. But the soul embezzled chanteuse knows her fact from fiction and won’t let any silly gossip divert her attention away from the January premiere of her VH1 reality TV show, coming as-yet-untitled junior album, and a few other bricks being added to her mounting dynasty.
Dusting off the drama from an avalanche of foreclosure, heartbreak, and galling accusations, ‘Tasia catches up with Honey to clear the lies and redirect you down her right path.
HoneyMag: Congrats on the new VH1 reality show, how are you feeling about it?
Fantasia: Well I don’t call it a reality TV show, I call it a documentary. 08’ was a very trying time for me. A lot of things were happening, a lot of rumors and lies. I felt so many watched me go through these things and now I want them to see me as I rebuild my dynasty. I made it through bad management, bad accountants; it wasn’t foreclosure but there was somebody coming after both of my homes in North Carolina — a lot of stuff was out of order. I felt that God sent Brian Dickens into my life, the man who is now taking care of me and representing me. I love him to death, call him my angel. Things were just crazy and he came and everything just started to turn around.
So as far as family blowouts, can viewers expect a Kardashian feel or would your family dynamic border along the crazy lines of Keyshia Cole’s?
I mean we’re black [laughs]. So you’re going to see a little bit of a different culture. I come from a talented family. We all sing, we’re loud, but we’re just a regular old, round the corner family. I wouldn’t compare it to anybody else’s show.
Does it get frustrating with cameras in your face all day, more than usual?
Of course, there’s a lot on me at the age of 25 and I do have my moments. We’re all friends so when [the crew] catches it, I don’t think they mind. I’m only human and everybody has their time when they’re overloaded. But to who much is given, much is required. So those are special moments and let people know it aint a piece of cake. If you hear something about me falling, just pray for me.
Will do. Also, we caught the footage of you and Kandi … some impressive stripper moves there.
Kandi’s a big tweeter and I went to the studio with her one day and it was just girls being girls and having fun. I can’t ever really show my young side, all the pain and soul in my voice makes people always believe I’m older than I am, but I’m a young girl. And her body was hot and mine was too. I lost all that weight [and when I saw the footage] all I could say was “Hey, my body looks great!” My mom was like, “Oh no, don’t let me see you do that again, save that for closed doors” [laughing].
[Laughs] Okay, let’s talk rumors. There’s been a lot of blog talk that you’re dealing with a married boo and even got his name tattooed…
Yes, [the rumors] were all really cute to me. I guess it was something about a guy from T-Mobile? Inaccurate. He was hot, but I think I’m looking for my own man. There’s no boo in my life, I’m married to my career. Right now I’m not really focused on a boyfriend; we all know what happens when you get them… I have no tattoo on my shoulder, [that rumor] was very well put together! I wear my body out more purposefully now and when I’m walking I see people checking, “Like does she have a tattoo there?” As a matter of fact, I’ve never even [met him] before. I think I’d want to be with a guy who’s in the same tax bracket as I am … or higher!
[The rumors] were all really cute to me. I guess it was something about a guy from T-Mobile? Inaccurate.
[Laughs] Do you see yourself getting romantically involved with another celebrity, even after your relationship with Dro?
I tried the rapper thing and can say I’m over that. I mean you can’t always put a label on somebody, but I’m looking for someone not in the music business. Just somebody who is doing well for themselves and can hold their own.
Are you and Dro still friends?
We’re still friends, we still talk. If he’s kicking it with somebody he’ll tell me. I’ll always love Young Dro.
Aww. Okay, moving on to your favorite topic. What can we expect from your third coming album?
It’s been 2 years too long. I’ve really grown and have gotten to know myself even better. I had my hush time and now its time to make noise. I’m gigging and as you know I kick off my shoes and get in the audience and connect with the people and really feel what they like from ‘Tasia. I took all of that in this album. I want a timeless record. Free Yourself is my first baby, but this album has growth.
We’re with it. Now that you’ve tackled the small screens, Broadway, the autobiography, and the singing career, what’s next?
I’m doing The Color Purple again in February in L.A. Then I have, It Came Through a Dream, a movie I’m writing, a project that I’m very strong on. Look forward to seeing more acting because I really like it and I’ve seen that I can do other things. Actually, look forward to me doing everything Honey, I might even get me a cooking show… who knows?
- Guerdley Cajus
Great Article. I haven’t heard anything about Fantasia until I read this article. Reality show??? When is this suppose to air? She is a great artist and has a wonderful voice. I wish her the best!!!
Great article. Keep up the great work, miss.
Fantasia, the pictures of you at the 22nd Annual Thurgood Marshall college fund anniersary dinner clearly shows the tattoo “COOK” on your shoulder. Why lie about the guy if you know you dealing with him? Stop lying. http://www.starpulse.com/events/11818/0/1/22nd+Annual+Thurgood+Marshall+College+Fund+Anniversary+Dinner/0/
Great work G~Dawg! U r on ur way!! Congrats!
I’m confused..haven’t we all seen the pictures of Fantasia with the tattoo on her shoulder? How is she going to flat out deny it!?!? And I could’ve sworn I saw a picture of that guy sitting behind her at some event!?!?
Great article Ms. Lady!!!!!
Great job on the article!! Seems like Fantasia is doing well for herself!!!
Thanks for the interview with Fantasia. Her personal life should remain private, and I wish she had said “no comment” when asked about the rumors. With that said, I am ready for my Fantasia fix.
I think the reason that she is denying that she has a tattoo on her shoulder is because she might not consider that area her shoulder. She will probably claim that she has a tattoo on her “upper chest” area and its not on her shoulder. Either way, she got it, its there for the world to see and there isn’t a lie in this world that she can tell to change that!
Fantasia needs to focus on learning how to read and leave married men alone. This lady is very classy and Tasia cannot even step in her shoe.
Love Fantasia, she is real, from the tats to the hair. She isnt miss prissy or snobbish like some other divas.
well i’m glad to know she’s not a home wrecker! that episode with kandi should be interesting.lol
thanks for bringing light to this rumor! I needed to know the truth about madam fantasia ; )
I am only focused on the positive…and that’s Fantasia has a SERIOUS voice!!! The girl is bad and I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED her tribute to Chaka on the Soul Train Music Awards. Absolutely Divine! Keep Shining!
in LOVE
Lady Yvette
Follow Me @Mz_Lady_Yvette
the tattoo is clear indeed – http://www.starpulse.com/events/11818/0/12/22nd+Annual+Thurgood+Marshall+College+Fund+Anniversary+Dinner/1/
but it really isn’t our business. whoever she’s dating or not dating, it’s all good. let her live her life! waiting for that 2nd (not third) album ‘Tasia!!
I really enjoyed this article and to be completely honest, I haven’t heard any “rumors” about such and her “boo” or whatever. It’s great to know that she will come back in the near future and I support her in whatever she does – I’m super excited about that…
lol can’t get over the bloggers…. Tasia Tasia Tasia…I still love you though