More Than One Thing

Amerie Looks to Extend Her Lighthearted Longevity

Naimah Jabali-Nash
Photography by Ryan Kobane, Production manager: Tricia Rubino Production Assistant: Lina Fares Stylist: Eric Archibald for Margaretmaldonado.com Stylist: Corey Parker Hair: Stephanie Pohl for Artists by Timothy Priano Make-Up: AJ Crimson

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Amerie knows what she wants. Not in that grandiose ‘I’m a diva’ fashion, but instead with a consciousness that comes after nearly a decade in the music industry. It’s evident the minute the songstress crosses the threshold  to the intimate Brooklyn design studio. Her disheveled locks hide behind oversized Helena Rubinstein shades. She catches up with her glam squad and discusses getting that “milky complexion” with her make-up artist, which from the looks of it, already seems like a mission accomplished. 

Stacked in vintage neon orange Louboutins, Amerie peruses the racks where runway looks dangle beside fairway favorites. “She’s a bohemian rock star,” says her stylist. It’s another title to add to her already lengthy list of singer, songwriter, actress and budding production company CEO. Now, Def Jam’s newest recording artist is on a promotional whirlwind for her fourth-coming album In Love & War (something golfers know a little about).  “I don’t really know everything that’s happening right now,” Amerie jokes. 

But the hectic schedule of this Grammy nominated singing sensation mirrors that of her nomadic childhood while growing up on military bases. In between calls of duty, Amerie’s father, an avid golfer, taught the game to his two daughters. However, his affinity for the game didn’t latch on. “It was just so hot!” she exclaims. Amerie found her calling elsewhere—on stage. Although, she dabbled in a few talent shows, it wasn’t until her senior year of high school when Amerie decided to take singing to another level. “I always sang when I was younger,” she says. “I remember a particular friend in my class. After I expressed that I really wanted to do this professionally, even though I was living in Alaska, he just said, ‘I really think you’re going to able to do it. I have a feeling. You’re going to make it!’ I’ve always remembered that.” 

A year later, Amerie relocated to the nation’s capital to attend Georgetown University. “I feel like that’s where I really grew a lot as an artist. There’s so much creative energy,” she explains. “I’m a citizen of the world, but DC will always be home.” She graduated with a degree in English and Fine Arts. While staying in DC, Amerie linked up with producer Rich Harrison who collaborated with Amerie on her first two albums All I Have (2002) and Touch (2005). And her single Why Don’t We Fall In Love? off her debut album, catapulted the young star into the mainstream. The feel-good summer track landed Amerie on the Billboard’s Hot 100 and the Top 20 R&B/hip hop chart. But it was her sophomore album that  snagged two Grammy nominations, Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her Go-Go infused single 1 Thing. 

Today Amerie remains in control. She exudes confidence while standing in front of the austere white backdrop, hair blowing in the fan produced wind. She instructs the photographer as to when he should snap the next shot. “Can you let me see?” Amerie requests. It’s easy to see her carefree personality as she dances to songs from her latest release playing from her manager’s ipod. And before she’s whisked back to Los Angeles, Amerie talked with The Green to discuss her latest album, joining the Def Jam roster and letting others play through.