Rap-Up.com || Rap-Up TV: Leah LaBelle Gets Props from Jay-Z, Inspiration from Lauryn Hill

Pharrell discovered her on YouTube. Jermaine Dupri co-signed her. And now Leah LaBelle is gearing up for the release of her i am OTHER/So So Def/Epic Records debut, due later this year. The Seattle songstress sat down with Rap-Up TV in Beverly Hills to chat about her album, love for Lauryn Hill, and her encounter with Jay-Z.

“The album is just a really good, feel-good album,” said the “Sexify” singer, who got her first taste of stardom on “American Idol.” “It makes you happy, it makes you want to dance. It’s gonna remind you of the good times.”

The project was produced entirely by her superstar mentors, who both rap on the J.D.-produced “100%.” “It’s a real talk song, a lady talking about I’m gonna love you and I’m down for you,” explained Leah, who cites Lauryn Hill as her “biggest inspiration.”

“She really set the road for me for who I wanted to be as an artist,” said Leah of the Fugees frontwoman. “Even to this day, I’m still Lauryn Hill all day.”

While she doesn’t get starstruck easily, she was in awe while meeting Jay-Z during his studio session with Pharrell. She witnessed the hip-hop icon record a song and even got his feedback on her music. “He shook my hand and he was like, ‘Congratulations, this is some good stuff.’”

Posted in Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Lauryn Hill, Pharrell, Rap-Up TV | Permalink

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19 Comments

jeremydante
July 13th, 2012 at 7:46 am
jay-z doesn’t ALWAYS get it right when he gives props or co-signs an artist. one word: AMIL

iiiiiiiii rest my case.

[Reply]
Bri Reply:
July 13th, 2012 at 7:56 am
@jeremydante, No where in the article does it say Leah Labelle will blow up cuz Jay gave her props so your point makes no sense.
I saw her at Essence Festival & she KILLED! Her live show surprised & blew me away. AND she is right about her music. It makes you feel good puts you in a good mood. I’m becoming a fan.

[Reply]
jeremydante Reply:
July 13th, 2012 at 8:01 am
@Bri, oh, im not saying that she isn’t good. i been a fan since she was on american idol. but i think it’s stupid that some people think artists are somehow more validated when other artists put them on.

[Reply]
Bri Reply:
July 13th, 2012 at 8:14 am
@jeremydante, I agree with you on that. It always comes down to the artist & if the music is good.
In Leah’s case, I personally think she is the real deal after I saw her show. This girl is an entertainer. She impressed The hell out of me.

[Reply]
shakeLIFE
July 13th, 2012 at 8:05 am
i dont even care what its made of..

Nicki Minaj’s ass >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Reply]
Leila
July 13th, 2012 at 8:46 am
This chick has as much star quality as a pair of socks.

She can’t write songs nor hit a note live.

Bitch go back to the background where you belong.

[Reply]
ryann Reply:
July 13th, 2012 at 9:52 am
@Leila, damn haters never take a day off.

[Reply]
jeremydante Reply:
July 13th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
@Leila, AHAHAHAHA damn, socks though?! hella funny.

[Reply]
Kiarra Reply:
July 16th, 2012 at 11:53 am
@Leila, I’m with Ryan! you’re just mad cuz you can’t sing nor perform any other task that requires talent. So just sit back, shut up, and watch Leah shine!

[Reply]
J. Peezy
July 13th, 2012 at 9:38 am
Sounds like this is going to be a VERY solid album.

[Reply]
WonderLand19
July 13th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
LOVE this chick! I’m ready for this album to drop!

[Reply]
JH8
July 13th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Funny how much she looks like Jessie J!

[Reply]
- Reply:
July 13th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
@JH8, Leah is way prettier. That’s a insult to her…

[Reply]
TheDreamer
July 13th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
I love her music. Looking forward to hearing the album. I know Pharrell will give her some great songs.

[Reply]
Basze Lineaj
July 13th, 2012 at 11:22 pm
can’t wait for her album when it come out this Year and puls What her Next single gonna be, Great Interview Leah L

[Reply]
Torrence R- Dallas Tx
July 14th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
She is Dope, She is fine, She has personality. I support Leah Labelle keep doin yo Thang baby

[Reply]
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