Encore: The Exclusive Interview With Toni Braxton

Last time the world heard from Toni Braxton she was dancing her way into the hearts of America on “Dancing with the Stars” a certified superstar in the 90’s, the issues that Toni went through would’ve been enough to floor an ordinary person. But not Ms. Braxton.

After a short stint on the Vegas strip and her  time on “Dancing with the Stars” Toni is ready to come back and do what she’s famous for doing, singing and performing.

With a new album, single and tour coming up, Toni Braxton sat down to talk with wordonthestreetsmag.com music editor Mehka about her new album, her health and Trey Songz.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: What made you take so long to drop another album?

Toni Braxton: I had to make sure that I was healthy before I got back to work. My son has autism so I had to make sure that he was ok as well before I got back in it and he’s Ok. So now I’m ready to get back into the work force.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: Are you excited about the comeback?

Toni Braxton: Yes! (laughs) Don’t judge by my voice. I’m a little horse but I’m excited to be back in it.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: I hate to talk about rumors but we can’t duck this one. What’s good with you and Trey Songz?

Toni Braxton: Absolutely nothing! Though he is a cutie. The kiss was merely professional. We were trying to narrate the song. It’s about being in a relationship and that relationship being over. It was the part where it says, “It started with a little kiss” Sometimes your say ‘I hate him’ and then you go back and you kiss him and you get lured back into that relationship. That’s what that was about?

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: Well I’ll leave it at that. Talk about the new album.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: The new album is called “Pulse” and it drops Feb 8th I’m really excited. Its been a while. It’s a really good album and I think my fans will be pleasantly surprised by the album.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: I’ve interviewed a few newer artists and they’ve mentioned your name as someone who they wanted to emulate. How does it feel to know that’s how people feel about you and your impact?

Toni Braxton: Do they say that?

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: Yes they do!

Toni Braxton: I’m honored. I’m going to always keep it classic. I’m gonna keep it very Chanel. I’m gonna add some new money things to it to keep it current. Trey helps with that.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: And here we go back with the rumors.

Toni Braxton: And that wasn’t the initial thing that we were going for. We’re label mates and I’ve always been a fan of his music. He reminds me a lot of Robert Kelly. When I heard his voice I immediately fell in love with him

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: How are feeling now? I know you went through some health problems.

Toni Braxton: I was diagnosed microvascular-angia It’s a form of a small heart attack. I don’t know if you have ever seen 7 pounds. The girl in the movie who needed a heart transplant, that’s what they thought I needed. I was pretty down in my spirit. Then they came back and told me that it was something different was very fortunate. I’ve been doing cardiac rehab, I’ve done dancing with the stars, I got a new album. I’m off mostly all my medication.

And my youngest son was diagnosed with autism. And now he’s talking and he’s back in mainstream school. And he’s done really well. And now here I am (laughs)

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: How long will Toni Braxton be singing and performing?

Toni Braxton: I want to be that lady who’s 80 years old and still doing her thing. Still singing, still keeping it sexy. But a different level of sexy at 80. I’m excited right now.

Wordonthestreetsmag.com: Are there any artists that you listen to now?

Toni Braxton: My favorite is Rhianna. I love her style, I love her image, I love her voice. She can sing and has a unique tone. When you hear her, you know her immediately. Everyone thinks you need to belt out and sing like Whitney Houston, but its not about that all the time. I love her and I’m very proud of her.

Toni Braxton’s new album “Pulse” drops February 8th and listen for the new single “Yesterday” ft Trey Songz