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Life Story
Christina Milian is a multi-talented
phenomenon whose resume includes film, television, theater and music.
With starring roles in two upcoming feature films this year and hard at
work on her highly-anticipated debut album, Milian is poised to take the
entertainment industry by storm.
You know her from the infectious single "AM To PM" which hit
the top position on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart in 2001, yet that
was just a taste of what this multi-faceted young woman is capable of.
An accomplished singer, songwriter, dancer, TV personality and actress,
Christina has become a star of international proportions.
She’s gone platinum, written hits for a
slew of international acts, hosted MTV’s 'Wannabes,' enjoyed two Top 5
hits on the UK charts, recorded a smash that was #1 on RadioDisney for
12 weeks, had roles in several feature films and brought her
intoxicating pop/R&B grooves world wide.
Add to Christina's amazing list of accomplishments this; her
long-awaited Island release It's About Time. Featuring production from
some of the heaviest hitters in R&B including Warryn Campbell
(Alicia Keys, Brandy), Corey Rooney (Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey),
Polli Paul (Black Eyed Peas), Bryan Cox (Usher, Lil Bow Wow) and songs
co-written by Christina, It's About Time is a sizzling indication of who
Christina is and where she's at.
As Christina explains it, "Obviously the title refers to the length
of time that it took me to complete this and finally have an album
available in the US. But the other meaning is that I've learned that
everything in my career has to do with timing. Clearly I could have
rushed to put an album out two years ago when I first had a hit single,
but because I had to wait, it worked out for the best. Everything
happened for a reason, and it's made me who I am. Which means that this
album is really a reflection of me."
One listen to It's About Time and it is clear that Christina is in a
decidedly more mature space. "I'm older now. When "AM To
PM" came out I was a teenager. Now I'm 22 and so songs on this
album have a little more depth to them." The depth is evident by
the album's R&B vibe and lyrics that have a bit more edge. You can
feel the sexy point of view on cuts like the uptempo "Love."
Produced by Warryn Campbell and featuring labelmate Joe Budden,
"Love" vibrates with a retro 80's dance club feel.
Another track guaranteed to make you move is the rhythmic "Peanut
Butta and Jelly," produced by KP and EZ Tommy. "I love that
song," Christina offers. "It's got this real energized beat;
it totally makes you wanna dance. It's gonna be a great song for my live
shows". Equally propulsive is the first single "Dip It
Low," which came via new comer Polli Paul. Although Christina is
one of the industry's most in-demand songwriters (she co-wrote Jennifer
Lopez’s hit "Play"), sometimes she seeks out inspiration
elsewhere. With her album nearly completed Christina knew that something
was missing and as fate would have it a friend turned her on to a hot
producer. "When I met Polli and he played me "Dip It Low"
I just flipped. The song was crazy, so I just went right back into the
studio to record it and everyone just loved it."
Yet it's not just on up-tempo jams where Christina shines. Listen to the
lovelorn ballad "Someday Oneday," produced by Corey Rooney or
the emotional "Oh Daddy," and you will hear an introspection
that can only come with growth." I've been through a lot these past
few years, both good and bad, so it's natural that my songs are going to
reflect my thoughts."
Born to Cuban native parents in New Jersey and raised in Maryland,
Christina has had her eyes on the prize since she was only four years
old. "I remember as a kid watching TV and I'd try to get inside of
the television. That's how much I wanted to be a star!"
While still young, Christina landed a role in a musical theater play and
later parlayed that into a recurring part on the Disney Channel's 'Movie
Surfers.' At 13 Christina and her mom (who she cites as a major support)
moved to Los Angeles so that Christina could pursue acting. Christina
landed guest spots on TV shows such like 'Charmed' and 'Sister Sister'
and provided voice over work for the #1 film A Bug's Life.
In 2000 Christina gained worldwide fame when her girlish vocals were
showcased on Ja Rule's #1 hit "Between Me and You". Soon
everyone was wondering who was that girl singing the hook and
Christina's star began to rise.
Propelled by the overwhelming success of the Bloodshy produced "AM
To PM" Christina started recording the collection that was slated
to be her debut. Suddenly, Christina was a huge star in places she'd
only dreamed of and her music was loved by fans that didn't speak
English. "I'd grown up watching people like Michael and Janet
Jackson. People who were universal superstars, so for me, being able to
conquer different territories was a very big deal. The whole experience
made me more confident and proud that I could reach so many people. Sure
it was hard not having an album available back home but in the end it
all worked out for the best. I had the chance to tour (she hit 17
countries between 2001-2002) and work on my songwriting. So everything
happens for a reason and I know I'm blessed."
The blessings also manifested itself when it came to Christina's acting
career. In 2002 Christina was tapped to host MTV's widely popular
'Wannabes' and it was on an episode that she met director Joseph Kahn.
Kahn asked her to audition for his highly-anticipated feature film
Torque opposite Ice Cube. She secured the part, which subsequently
landed her the coveted lead role opposite Nick Cannon in Love Don't Cost
a Thing. Christina's star continues to rise on the silver screen with a
lead role in Cheer Up opposite Tommy Lee Jones. With a thriving film
career, Milian continues to be passionate about making music.
"Singing and acting are both my passions and they go hand in
hand."
She might have undergone a circuitous route, but it seems that in 2004
Christina Milian is ready to stand in the spotlight and go for hers. As
her album title would indicate, in the end it's often about timing and
with Christina Milian, that time is now.
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