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Artist of the Month: JoJo
Listening to JoJo wax philosophic about relationships, it's hard to believe she's only 13 years old. Way wiser than her years, the Boston native, who got her start performing on television shows like Bill Cosby's Kids Say the Darndest Things and The Oprah Winfrey Show, has strong opinions about everything from the upcoming presidential elections to her budding career. Watch and listen to JoJo's new single: "Leave (Get Out)".
You started performing when you were practically a baby. Were you known in school for singing at all the talent shows?
I never wanted to do them because a lot of girls where jealous of the fact that I was going after my dream. So I didn't want to draw attention to it. I never attended nor performed in them.
What was your life in Boston like before you started singing professionally?
I grew up fairly poor. We were never homeless, but we weren't much better off. So it was a struggle. My mom cleaned houses and my dad did a bunch of different things. They weren't together, though.
Are you and your mother close?
Yes, we're very close. She's my manager and my best friend. I tell my mother everything.
When did you realize that you wanted to perform as a career?
I've been singing since I was 2. So I realized it when I was about 4 or 5. I can remember watching the Grammys and getting really upset and perturbed because I wasn't up there on that stage. I just always wanted to be up there. I wanted to be Whitney and Mariah.
Who are some of the artists you're listening to now?
I just got R. Kelly's new album and I love it! I'm also listening to J-Kwon, Avril Lavigne, Ashlee Simpson, the Darkness, and believe it or not, Hilary Duff. Her album is actually good. I listen to some of everything even though my roots are in urban music.
What has been the biggest adjustment since you made the leap from aspiring singer to celebrity?
It's just been tough figuring out where I stand in the world. I'm so fortunate to be doing what I'm doing, but there aren't really any other people my age who are in my position. So I've been trying to make an effort to make friends with other young celebrities because they understand what I'm going through.
Is there anyone in particular that you've especially bonded with?
Yeah, I really like Alexa Vega a lot. She and I have been getting to know each other. And I've become friends with Omarion's little brother, Orion, and J-Kwon. They are all great friends who understand me.
Do you feel like you have to work harder to prove yourself because of your age?
Yes! I have to prove myself every day! People are always thinking that because I'm so young, that I'm ignorant or naïve. But I definitely know what's going on. I'm a very active part of my business and the decisions that are being made. I want to know about and be involved in every aspect of my career.
You wrote four songs on your album. What was that experience like? Have you always written songs?
I grew up writing poems and stories. I really wanted to put my own personal stamp on my album so that's why I wrote the songs. But I don't think I'll ever write an entire album. It's important to me to have the best songs on my album rather than being credited for everything. I don't care who wrote them. I just want to sing the best that's out there.
Your single "Leave (Get Out)" is about a relationship gone bad. You're pretty young, though. Have you even had an awful breakup experience yet?
Sure. I'm actually in a little bit of situation like the song right now. I've been seeing this guy for a little while and recently saw him on television with his arm around another girl. That really bothered me. I felt disrespected and I know that I deserve more in a relationship. I don't feel like I should settle for anything less.
Speaking of knowing what you deserve, you've been really active in encouraging people to vote and voice their political opinions, which is interesting since you're not old enough to vote yet. If you were 18, who would you cast your ballot for?
Well, let me just say this: I don't agree with the things that Bush has done in office. I'll leave it at that.
Watch and listen to JoJo's new single: "Leave (Get Out)".
