Interviewed By: Clarence McMill, Entertainment Editor
Written By: Dashaun Moody

 

Born into a religious family with her father being a pastor and her mother a missionary, it was only natural that Krys Ivory would be blessed with a heavenly and soulful tone.  Excercising her vocal chops in her early life through gospel,  Krys’ mainstream musical colors would soon come to light and seperate her brilliance from the rest in 2006 on a track titled “My Life”. 

It would be one of the first features that would showcase Krys’ raw talent in an industry filled with aspiring stars. Possessing an undeniable creative spirit, Krys not only can belt out an uplifting melody but, she can also dance, write, draw and act.

Tell us, growing up when did you realize that you wanted to be an entertainer?

KRYS IVORY: I started getting up and singing at my father’s homeless ministry when I was only 5 years old.  People would be so touched that they would come up to me crying and tell me things like “You have blessed me in a major way, God gave you a gift use it.” I knew then on that singing was something I needed to look into (laughs).

 

So who were some of your musical influences that you would say molded you into the artist you are today?

KRYS IVORY: I grew up listening to everything from Toni Braxton, En Vogue, Mary J Blige…to The Mamas And The Papas, Jimi Hindrex, Joni Mitchell, Donnie Hathaway.  But, the one person who made a major difference in my life in such a REAL way was Barbara Streisand.  I got the opportunity to sing for her when I was in a gospel group.  She took a liking to me during our time spent with her.  And she gave me some real solid advice as well as words of wisdom.  She told me to never give up and to keep trying.  She also said to love myself.

 

Are there any hot artists out there right now who you’d like to work with that you haven’t yet?

KRYS IVORY: There a million artists that I want to work with (laughs).  But, I mainly want to work with Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West, Danja Handz and want some of that feel good music from the West to come back. Like DJ Quik’s “Balance and Options”.  I want people to feel good about buying an album again.

 

Now, I have to congratulate you on overcoming your recent battle with cancer!  But, was there ever a time during your battle that you considered giving up on your dreams of becoming an entertainer?

KRYS IVORY: Thank you!  During my battle I never gave up!  There were times when I said, “Well what if I die?” I told myself I’d rather die trying (laughs)!  You should’ve seen me!  I’d throw on my wig, draw on my face, I had lost my hair,eyebrows, eye lashes and go out and perform! I knew that God had his arms around me.

 

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to others battling cancer who are afraid to either continue going after their dreams or even go after their dreams at all?

KRYS IVORY: It’s so important to love yourself!  Take that extra mile and do your make up even when you don’t feel like it.  Get your self a cute wig!  Have fun! And regardless of what the doc says, get your butt out! Go have fun with the ones you love!  Go to the beach!  If you sing, go sing!  If you dance!  Go dance! If you write!  Go write!  If you draw!  Go draw! NOTHING CAN STOP YOU BUT YOU!  I know there is the risk of infection but, if you dont nurture your heart then you will grow sicker!  Never give up on your dreams! And if you can’t do them now then try from where you are! Get on that computer and tell somebody your story!

 

Ryan Leslie Intros Krys Ivory @ Cal State University from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

That was beautiful!  So, now on to some more lighthearted stuff, what about a boy makes you just want to stop and sing?

KRYS IVORY:Oooh Weeeee! You asked the right question.  A man who loves the Lord!  I also love a man with an incredible smile and sense of humor!

 

Fashionably speaking, would you consider yourself a stiletto diva or a kicks chick?  What are some of your favorite pairs?

KRYS IVORY: By day I’m such a L.A. girl with my kicks.  But, by night fall I turn into a DIVA (snaps)!  My heel game always needs more additions!

 

So, what’s your must have fashion piece of the summer?

KRYS IVORY: Lots of gold chains!  I love boho jewelry.  I always have on accessories and lots at that!

 

Tell us something about you that we wouldn’t expect?

KRYS IVORY: I’m a great freehand artist!  I draw super hero’s, cartoons, and I also oil paint.  I even tag (graffiti) a little.

 

What’s the future of Krys Ivory?

KRYS IVORY: I’m working on a very special project right now, call it my “PRE ALBUM Release”.  It’s gonna be special remixes that make you feel good. It’s in the beginning stages but, I can tell you that it will have alot of big features so BEEEE PREPAARRRRRRED (laughs)!  On another tip…the future of Krys Ivory is paving a way for young girls who lose their way, runaways, broken homes, to find themselves through what God gave them.  I want to encourage young girls to love themselves.  The media can be full of such lies and tear down the self esteem of so many young women out there.  I want to round house kick Chuck Norris style these lies in the face.  There is no certain way that a woman should look.  Your beauty will shine when you love yourself.  I plan on being an ACTIVE example to my fans.  I’ve already teamed up with “The Living Beauty Cancer Foundation”, “LoveCuresCancer”, and “The Aneisha Brookes Foundation”.  It wont stop there!  I’m going in folks! Time to make a difference!

 

 

Support Krys by keeping up with her here:  

Website: www.krysivory.com 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/krysivory

Myspace: www.myspace.com/krysivory