Burmy: Hello and welcome back to Burmy's Industry Rehab, where yesteryear's rising stars get their voices heard again!  Joining us here tonight to kick off "Cash Money Month" is one of the more balanced and down-to-earth women you'll find in this urban music business, someone who's added pure flavor to every song she's been on since the '90s, but for some reason has yet to get her proper shine as a solo act; now on her own independent style, she's building up her brand and working in silence for her own takeover!  Please welcome the one and only Strings aka Tateeze; it is SUCH a joy to have you here with us tonight!

Strings: Awww, thank you!  It's a pleasure to be here; thanks for having me!  I trust that all is well with you! 

Burmy: It is now that you're here!  How's it been for yourself lately?

Strings: Awesome and amazing, no complaints. 

Burmy: As I always do, let's get this started at the beginning.  Your most recently-published bio says you started your performing career by singing in the church choir at the young age of eight-do you remember at which point you first fell in love with music?

Strings: Well, to begin with, my dad's a virtuoso.  So, very early in life, I was at band rehearsal watching him and my Uncle (my moms brother) get it in.  My mom has nine sisters-they're all music lovers, so you see I had no choice music found me and loved me first.  

Burmy: As the son of a former folk guitarist and of a choir alumn, I know that story full well!  Like me, your background as a young woman was in the choirs, starting out in your church choir and then later going on to your performing arts high school choir.  Any memories you'd like to share? (what songs stood out to you and what experiences were some of your favorites in these days)

Strings: Just realizing that there are technical aspects to creating and performing music, especially in school.  Sure, the church choir had some structure, but in comparison the two were like apples and oranges.  No songs stand out; I was too caught up in theory!

Burmy: I understand...sometimes it can be THAT technical.  Once you turned 18, you made your way backstage to an R. Kelly concert to offer him an unsolicited vocal audition.  Since it sounds like you were a longtime fan of his, what thoughts were going through your mind at the time and what about your style would you say made him take interest in you? 

Strings: Oh my God, the nervousness over having the balls to do that shit in the first place, and telling myself "Bitch, u bet not crack!" *laughs*  I know my outfit is what granted me access, so I just used it to my advantage.  He didn't take a real interest in me at the time, though; I didn't wow him as a singer. 

Burmy: At a party not too long after that, you showcased your rapping skills to Kellz, which finally made him decide that you were somebody he was going to sign.  Two questions: first, did he prefer your rapping or your singing, and second: what was the one moment which made him decide to go and sign you?

Strings: True story; when I met him the second time, I changed my look so he didn't even know I was the same girl from the concert.  We were in the bathroom at that party where R. Kelly supplied the beat by beating on the sink and me spitting my rhymes.  He had a handheld voice recorder so me, Kellz and my best friend Trina (who also sings) were in there for hours.  I remember being so grateful that someone of his stature thought I had something special.  I gave him my number, and he said he'd be in touch. Honestly, I didn't think I'd ever hear from him again, but it definitely lit a fire under my ass to seriously pursue music.  To my surprise, one day he called from Miami with a song concept and told me to write a rhyme to it.  I did and called him back with my part; he loved it and flew me out to Miami to record it.  The rest is history. 

Burmy: And thus Strings' music career was born...how'd you go get that stage name?

Strings: I had the name already!  I was a stripper and I started to rhyme and dance at the same time, so I chose something that worked for both.  As far as music goes, the Strings on a track adds emotion, sets the tone, and tells the story and that was what my intention is when I rap.  So Strings it is.

Burmy: Your big introduction came not too long afterwards, on the remix to Kellz' "Gotham City" from the movie Batman & Robin.  While the film itself was universally panned critically and bombed commercially (A BAT-CREDIT CARD?!?!?!?!?!-sorry, it's just the Nostalgia Critic fan in me), both the original and the remix proved to be quite successful, with your determination to make it shining through and providing a nice counterbalance to Kellz' laments about being stuck in the ghetto.  Now these bars sounded straight from the heart-tell us, what exactly was in your mind that inspired such a spirited verse?

Strings: Actually, I almost choked when it came to that song!  I knew it was a big deal and it took me forever to write it.  But overall, I was just excited to see what the outcome would be.  There are so many things I've learned since then; I was so hard on myself about my creative process when I should've just trusted it. 

Burmy: Sometimes, that's how it works out, you know?  The music video showed minimal imagery from the film, but mostly Hype Williams' stylings and vision...of course, you stole the show in this guy's eyes with your quiet but vibrant energy (not to mention that black vinyl ensemble made you stand out as well)...what was it like being there on set?

Strings: Being a part of something so epic and surrounded by greatness in the heart the projects for the hood to see it all-PRICELESS.  I'm just sayin, the Batmobile was in Cabrini-Green and Im filming a video directed by Hype Williams with R.Kelly for a song I'm featured on.  That's a hell of a head space to be in.  (FYI: I hated that fuckin' outfit! *laughs*)

Burmy: I can only imagine (And PS: I understand).  You even recorded a full album for Bass/Jive during your time under Kellz' tutelage, which unfortunately never saw the light of day for various reasons.  What all was going on behind the scenes, and are there any tracks from that floating around? 

Strings: Well, we personally clashed because he wanted to control things in my life that had nothing to do with music.  I was all ears when it came to music; I knew that he was the master when it came to that so I followed closely, but my personal life is mine.  My daughter was 6 when he signed me so you can't tell me to not leave my hotel room in the city I'm from without calling you and then if I don't reach you just don't go-get the fuck outta here.  I will call you to tell you as a courtesy, but I'm going wehther I reach you or not-my entire family was there.  Then he didn't approve of who I was dating-that shit was ridiculous.  I have a copy of the music from that album, but I had to steal it. *laughs*  We weren't allowed to leave the studio with finished tracks, only instrumentals.

Burmy: Now THAT is some crazy stuff right there.  But it would settle down soon, as shortly after that, Keith Sweat himself signed you to a deal with Epic Records, prompting the era which gave you the most success as a lead artist.  What would you say he specifically saw in you which made him draw up the deal for you? 

Strings: It didn't hurt that I had a deal with Kellz; to top it off, when I was in between deals I used that album I stole to get a six-figure publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, so Keith was all in.  We recorded most of my album at Keith's home studio, so we got along just fine-he wasn't an egomaniacal control freak at all!

Burmy: That alone is a HUGE improvement! *laughs* And so we begin talking about that era with your debut single as a lead artist, the Swizz Beatz-produced and Drag-On assisted "Raise it Up."  How was it workin' with the Ruff Ryders right as their takeover was just getting started?

Strings: Dope.  Swizz is incredibly gifted and need I say "energy off the charts"?  They embraced me as one of their own and people thought I was signed to RR which didn't hurt at all.  

Burmy: Of course, with that collaboration, fans inevitably start comparing you to the Ruff Ryders ol' First Lady, Ms. E-V-E.  Given both of your laid-back, down-to-earth demeanor in real life, strong business acumen behind the scenes and the truth you both spit on the mic, I'd say that's a decent comparison-how would you respond to them? 

Strings: Absolutely, I'd say I'm in great company-Ms. Eve is a dope MC, so I take that as a compliment.  

Burmy: Unfortunately, that didn't take off as well as it should've, prompting you to go with the racier singles you've recorded-let's go with your Sisqó remix/response "Tongue Song," giving the ladies' point of view on how they like to be pleased.  What prompted you to make that reply?

Strings: Not my idea to do a response to that at all; my A&R from Epic came up with that.  I was a street rap artist signed to a mostly pop label at the time; they had no idea how to market me or my music so they panicked and tried to go the gimmick route.  I hated it and my manager at the time wasnt focused on me, so a lot of things happened that shouldn't have.  They all loved it, though; I couldn't believe it.

Burmy: Truth be told, I always felt that was a misuse of your talent too.  Now that you're more grown, what would you say it takes for a man to please you now? 

Strings: Substance, ambition, common sense/courtesy, spiritual awareness, some level of success, honesty-of course, I love learning so he has to be able to teach me something!

Burmy: Unfortunately, that single never really caught on either, which brings me to two other songs of yours from that era.  First let's talk about "Pimps Up Hos Down," your collabo with fellow Chicagoans the Infamous Syndicate (for those not well-versed in hip-hop history, that was the duo Shawnna started out as a member of).  How was it working with this young set as they were coming up before they became Chicago hip-hop icons?

Strings: Oh, mad love, mad respect for the both of them.  I run into Shawnna from time to time-she's so underrated!  To me she was a fuckin monster. 

Burmy: And, for obvious reasons, let's go over your collabo with the Hot Boys "Hey Ya".  Even though B.G. was incarcerated at the time, Juvenile, Turk and Lil Wayne still showed out on their verses, setting the bar high for your closer, and yet you not only met but exceeded their energy and delivery here!  How was it bein' in the booth with them for the first time, and what memory of the collabo did you keep in mind when signing that deal three years later?

Strings: Thank you!  It was interesting to say the least; first of all just listening to them and understanding what they're saying is almost like learning another language.  New Orleans is like foreign land within the US, so I did a lot of observing.  We recorded that at Keith's house; they didn't waste time at all so I appreciated that.  That's where the musical chemistry me and Fresh had was realized-"Hey Ya" was produced by Steve Huff and "Cash Money" was produced by Mannie Fresh.  We always have fun creating together. 

Burmy: That always showed in your collabos!  Unfortunately, even with all these star-studded collabos, your debut album "The Black Widow" was never officially released, being shelved shortly after going into print.  What sort of snags happened, if you don't mind telling us, and do you have any regrets regarding that stillborn release?

Strings: As I was saying to you earlier, being a rap artist on a pop label was not a good look then.  Social media didn't exist then, so we used guerrilla marketing, meaning being in people's faces via street teams, promo tours, and having a killer live show was everything!  You had to reach them while you had them in that moment-there was no next time.  My regrets are that I didn't fight more for my authenticity as an artist *cough*Tongue Song*cough*, and I wish I had better management.  The work doesn't end after you get a deal-it's an uphill climb that continues.  If you don't have a plan for after you have a deal, you've already lost. 

Burmy: Before we get to the next era, I just wanted to let you know that there are copies available on Amazon.com for $30+ upward...I would buy one, but first I want to get your blessing (mostly to make sure you'd get paid from it)...so, is it cool to cop?

Strings: Let Me research that and get back to you.  

Burmy: Gotcha...and now we get to where the story takes a crazy twist.  In 2002, Birdman decided that Chicago was going to be where the future of Cash Money was, signing you at the same time as fellow R. Kelly disciples Boo & Gotti.  What specifically about you shone brightly enough to catch the #1 Stunna's eye (And did it have anything to do with the aforementioned "Hey Ya"?)

Strings: We fought like cats and dogs at first (He'll say "She was actin like a bitch!" *laughs*).  But once we got past that and he saw my work ethic and how I handled myself, we got along much better. 

Burmy: You also started going by a different stage name, now going by Tateeze.  What motivated you to make the switch, and what's the meaning behind that name?

Strings: Birdman started callin me Ta Ta, then they put the extra "eeazy" on it, ya heard me? *laughs*.  I shouldn't have allowed that to happen either, though, but you live and learn. 

Burmy: The first most heard from you after that was on the Big Tymers' hit single "Oh Yeah!"  It also showed a brand-new side of you, with your airy vocals on the hook complementing the breezy vibes of the verses and Mannie Fresh's instrumental.  What was it like showing the world that other side of you, and was there ever any pressure from the labels to try and limit that given how you were better known as an MC?

Strings: The world was exposed to that already, they just didn't know it.  I did background vocals on four songs on R. Kelly's self titled album: "Not Gonna Hold On," "Hump Bounce," "(You to Be) Be Happy" and "Thank God it's Friday."  Epic had wanted to limit that because they said it would confuse my audience, but that's it.

Burmy: I noticed the video only had you in one brief scene (on Birdman's right hand side in the inside of the cruise ship while it's in Alaska).  What all happened there? (And might I add you were looking as stunning as ever in that red dress)

Strings: Thank you, I try.  I don't remember exactly what happened, but I remember being pissed that the video girls were singing my part; that's always been lame as fuck to me.  You have the artist right there; they did the work of writing and recording their parts, so stop playin' games.  Who knows what type of fuckery the higher-ups have in mind when they do that, but it is what it is.

Burmy: The next collabo with Weezy, "Get That Dough." had a sound more familiar to fans of yours, with your cold-as-ice bars complementing Birdman's, as you stay fly, stylin', and ready to "dribble on a ho"!  These days, what would you describe your "signature look" as for the nights when you wanna hit the city and do your thing?

Strings: Well, when I shop, I look for things that aren't mass-produced for the most part.  That means it may cost a little more, which is fine because in 20 years if I can fit it in can wear it.  So I'm wearing something they've never seen before or I'm wearing it in a way they've never seen anyone wear it.  Also, I make jewelry, so that's always on a thousand whether I made it or not.  My face is beat, my shoe game is nasty, hair and nails always done, I'm extremely well-put-together everytime. 

Burmy: So you STILL killin' 'em in the clubs to this day!  The next year, you laid down a memorable hook on Boo & Gotti's "Chi-Town."  In my mind, that song should have been released as a single (and likely would have had the album not undersold)-being a hometown anthem, I surmised that you sounded your most at-ease and laid-back in quite some time.  How right was I?

Strings: Wow, I forgot about that song-that's crazy!

Burmy: A year after that, and you landed on yet another single, this one being the Mannie Fresh duet "Conversation," which saw you with the most vocals you'd gotten on a single since your Epic days.  Five years ago in my review of "The Mind of Mannie Fresh" for RefinedHype, I talked about your role bein' the playa's target, ready to rebuff his attempts at spittin' game.  Let me ask you, what are some of the lamest pick-up lines you've ever heard from a desperate fella?

Strings: *laughs*  We had so much fun making that song and video!  You know what the lamest shit ever is?  "I got money."  My response is always "Me too. What else you got?"  They never have anything else, so that ends the dialogue for me.

Burmy: Of course, Mannie does his game down a bit, ready to turn this into a good ol' fashioned dance number.  What are some of your favorite moves to do on a night out?

Strings: Not too much; just groove a lil bit, keep it sexy!

Burmy: That's of course what we've come to expect from you.  We hear you once more on the album's very last track, "Shake That Ass," a remake of your ol' boss Keith Sweat's "Make it Last Forever" also featuring Lil' Mo and Rell.  Here we heard a return to the sultry style known from your debut-what kind of mindstate were you in putting your own twist on his classic?

Strings: Just to enjoy the process and stay true to myself is all.

Burmy: All these collabos I've brought up, but unfortunately we never even got a buzz single with you as the lead artist during your Cash Money era?  Of course, any chances of you dropping a debut with the CMB camp got washed away in Hurricane Katrina.  Are there any unreleased songs from that era you especially remember and would like to talk about with us?  (Is there a chance we may see any of them hit the 'Net in the near future?)

Strings: No comment, sir.

Burmy: Understood-after securing your release, you laid low for a good five years, focusing on yourself and working in silence.  What did you appreciate the most about your break and what motivated you to get back in the music game?

Strings: I'm a music-for-lifer (if that's a term), so I'm always making music whether I release it or not.  My love of music won't leave me alone.  

Burmy: Fourteen years after your debut, we FINALLY got to hear a full project from you in the form of your "High Maintenance Music 101: The Mixx-Education of Strings," featuring a bit of everything fans have come to love about you, from the "icy-hot" bars to the sultry flows to the R&B-tinged grooves...and even some true lyrics from the heart!  How did it feel to finally be unleashing a project to the world where you could just be yourself?

Strings: It was bittersweet.  I was very sick when I recorded that music and I kept being misdiagnosed.  We couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and nothing  was working.  If you listen, you can hear a voice difference-it sounds like somebody else to me.  But anyway, I went through the entire process and used my own money to pay for it all and that felt amazing just to be able to do that.  "ILL" is my shit still. 

Burmy: Now it's five years after that, and your fans are waiting for your next move-so tell us, how has your life been like now that you're lying low once again?
 

Strings: I'm a person who had made the decision to be happy, so I no longer do things I don't want to do for any reason.  I'm a jewlery designer and I have an online boutique that's doing pretty good-its www.ironlacejewels.com custom designs for women, men and children.  Also, I'm a senior credit analyst for a  credit repair company-NO, not the scammer kind but the licensed and bonded legal kind.  It's called Show and Prove Credit Repair, LLC-look us up.  I have excellent credit and it's life-changing.

Burmy: I'll be sure to keep the fans posted!  Of course I have to ask, what's the word on that long-awaited debut album, tentatively titled "Homecoming" last I checked? (And are there any projects we should expect before then?)

Strings: I'm not sure about releasing any more music; I love the music but not the game.  So, we shall see.

Burmy: OK, just keep us in the loop.  Now let's take a moment to talk about your side venture, Iron Lace Jewels and Accessories; what sets it apart from most other jewelry shops and collections, and what would you have to offer people who might shop there?

Strings: I'm going to say that this is a full-time venture now.  It started as an expensive ass hobby and grew.  To begin, I'm physically making each piece myself and I pay great attention to detail.  Iron Lace is for everyone, really, because you can come to me with a design in mind and I get it done.  But my main things are those with bold style like my own, for whom unique pieces are a prerequisite.  Iron Lace offers exclusivity at a great price point-its all made to order with your measurements, color preferences, etc. 

Burmy: To say the least, I imagine it has been a strenuous (more likely grueling) road over the past 20 years, How do you manage to keep your head up and stay strong even in the face of all these setbacks?

Strings: I don't view them as setbacks.  You can't fail at something if you never try.  It takes courage to try; some people never come off the porch. They were learning experiences that I had at one time in my life.  We are meant to have many different experiences and we shouldn't allow one experience or career path to hold us hostage and trick us into believing we are less than that if we chose something different.  I discovered that as long as I'm creating, be it music, jewelry or whatever, I'm doing what I'm here for.  

Burmy: Finally, and this is the last question I ask everyone, what would your message be to young girls and women trying to make it in this business or any woman whose life experiences have been similar to yours?

Strings: It's not for the faint at heart, so put on your big girl panties immediately and get ready for the ride of your life.  Stay teachable-there are lessons everywhere, and you don't know what you don't know.  Make music that's authentic and means something to you and know your worth.  If you feel that your worth is low, re-evaluate. Be grateful for everything; it's all lyrics.  If you don't have these experiences, you have nothing to talk about. Do your best to make bottom-line decisions, not emotional ones; save your emotions for the music, and  handle your business rationally.  I could go on-there are so many jewels I could drop-but to end, your bedroom is no place for the people you do business with.  Don't shit where you eat.

Burmy: Fantastic!  Now before we go, could you share with us a Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, or any other site where us fans can keep in touch of what's been new with you?

Strings: Sure.  My personal Instagram is @Strings1, my Twitter is @StringsMusic1, and my Facebook page is "Strings-Artist."  My business Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest are all @ironlacejewels.

Burmy: And once more, I thank you SO much for joining us here at Burmy's Industry Rehab-you are truly one of the more underrated urban music artists (beyond femcees) in the Midwest and beyond, and I wish you nothing but the best in all that's ahead for you!

Strings: Thank you so very much for your time and consideration!  I pray that something I said in this interview adds value in one way or another to the lives of the people reading it.  Peace, love and blessings to all.