Born in Landover, Maryland, singer-songwriter Grenique, née Harper, officially arrived onto the music scene back in 1998 thanks to her song “Disco” appearing on the 'Rush Hour' movie soundtrack. The alt-R&B / soul vocalist, whose name is a combination of her father, Greg, along with the fact that her mother just knew she was going to be unique, soon was able to secure a recording contract with Motown Records. Grenique’s major label debut, Black Butterfly, followed in June 1999. In addition, Grenique would also go on to provide backing vocals on Alyson Williams' It's About Time, as well as co-writing The Game's "Game's Pain," featuring Keyshia Cole.
Let’s hop right into this single, “Memory Lane” — Tell me about this track; how did it come to fruition?
I grew up listening to Minnie Riperton. My mom and dad are both music lovers, and they used to play her music in heavy rotation, lol. One day, I posted a video of myself singing "Memory Lane." Raheem DeVaughn, who is my business partner, tuned in and told me I should remake it. The rest is history.
How then does “Memory Lane” either differ and / or compare to previous Grenique entries?
Minnie Riperton was a very soulful and earthy being. All of her music was heartfelt, and she exuded a certain grace. I feel like I have that same grace. By the way, both of us are Scorpios, lol! When delivering her songs, she took her time, and I do the same. We take you on a journey with our music. There's no need to rush—where are you going? Sit down and stay a while! :-)
From a songwriting standpoint: when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?
When writing my music, I’m inspired by life experiences and love. I don’t only write about my own experiences; I also write about the lives of those around me and the things I see outside of my circle. I believe that life is a book, and it’s up to you how you convey it, so I choose to express it through song.
Of course “Memory Lane” comes courtesy of your sophomore LP, When Butterflies Become Unicorns — Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
I have traversed many stages in my life’s journey thus far, with countless more to come. I once found myself in a caterpillar phase, youthful and somewhat uncertain, still trying to discover my path. Then, I blossomed into a butterfly, becoming attuned to my grace, intellect, spirituality, and beauty, gliding through this world with elegance and curiosity.
Now, I feel as though I’m in my unicorn stage—carefree and unapologetic; pretty much not giving a shit, lol—just kidding! :-) I am truly in my zone, at a point in my life where I no longer concern myself with others' judgments. Everyone has their opinions, just as everyone has a heart. I fully embrace who I am and allow no one’s judgment to deter me from my self-perception.
My sophomore project speaks on love. I’m a goddess. I call myself Scorpion Greek Goddess because my nickname is Greek and I’m a goddess. I’m a lover.
Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music -- When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Grenique?
Both of my parents, as I mentioned before, are deeply passionate about music. My dad grew up playing in bands, showcasing his talent on the percussion, while my mom is a talented poet. By the way, they’re still together! My oldest sister sings, though she isn’t pursuing a career in music. My parents would have us sing The Supremes together; my middle sister, who can’t sing but has the attitude, took on the role of Diana Ross, while my oldest sister and I represented the other Supremes, lol.
Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
I grew up immersed in the vibrant Go-Go music scene in the DMV area. I’m from Maryland, on the outskirts of D.C., not Baltimore! People often assume I’m from Baltimore just because I say Maryland. I have been heavily influenced by Go-Go music, as well as soul legends like Prince, The Delfonics, Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, George Duke, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Angela Winbush, Karyn White, Joe Sample, and Cameo—the list goes on and on. My parents also listened to a lot of alternative music, including artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Barbra Streisand. I, too, enjoy alternative music, with favorites like Coldplay, Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne, The Script, and Evanescence. During my time in Go-Go bands, I also dabbled in rapping, and I’ve always had a deep appreciation for hip-hop, having grown up listening to it extensively.
That said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?
I consider my music to be alternative soul, also known as New Era Soul. Raheem created a genre called New Era Soul, and I refer to myself as the Queen of New Era Soul. I see myself as more than just a soulful artist; I was raised listening to alternative music, hip-hop, go-go, some country (lol!), R&B, and soul, all with a touch of jazz and blues.
At what particular point in time did Raheem DeVaughn enter into the picture? And, what role exactly does he serve as far as your career goes?
Well, Raheem and I reconnected in 2018, but we've known each other since 2001. Raheem is the executive producer of my project. When I ran into him at Erykah Badu's birthday party in 2018, he asked if he could work on a project with me. I said sure, so When Butterflies Become Unicorns is primarily Raheem's writing with my vocals; I wrote on a couple of songs. As a writer, it was definitely an interesting experience to have someone else write most of my project, lol. I was able to humble myself throughout the experience because Raheem is so talented.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
I want people to truly feel my music. I aim to evoke emotions and create connections through my songs, allowing listeners to experience a range of feelings—from joy and empowerment to introspection and healing. My hope is that my music resonates with their own experiences, inspiring them to reflect on their lives and find solace or motivation in the melodies and lyrics. Ultimately, I want my music to be a source of comfort and a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate on a song with Marvin Gaye, André 3000, Prince, George Duke, Chuck Brown, Minnie Riperton, D’Angelo, Ro James, and Robert Glasper, who played on my Black Butterflyproject. I want to create even more music with him. Oh, I would also love to work with Coldplay, Timbaland, and Pharrell. How could I forget about Babyface, Dr. Dre and Nipsey Hussle?! My list goes on and on—I'm sorry! Lol. All of these artists / producers have substance.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
I’m looking forward to performing at Afropunk and Coachella. I feel like those festivals allow you to be free and open, letting the music flow naturally. I’m also excited about the opportunity to perform at the Grammys, where I can showcase how the Queen of New Era Soul does it, lol!
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
I’m excited about the current state of R&B because it’s returning to its roots of substance and depth. It’s exciting to see so many producers sampling from older music; I think that’s truly dope! Love is making a comeback in the music, and you can really feel it resonate in the songs. It’s refreshing to experience this revival, where the emotions and connections are at the forefront once again. You feel me?
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
I believe the secret to my longevity in music lies in authenticity. When you truly connect with your own sound, it creates a ripple effect—those who are meant to vibe with your music will naturally gravitate toward it. So, stay true to yourself, and your tribe will find you. Embracing who you are is not just a path to success; it's the heartbeat of genuine connection!
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?
I’m all about fashion and makeup, so I launched my own boutique, Ladyleftfield Boutique, and I’m excited to share that my Ladyleftfield Cosmetics line is now available at www.ladyleftfield.com [http://www.ladyleftfield.com]! But that’s just the beginning—I also love painting, which I use as a form of meditation, and I have a children’s book on the way. Right now, my main focus is on my music and my boutique, but stay tuned because there’s so much more coming soon!
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?
My biggest career move was performing at Impact in Nevada, where both of my parents were in the audience, and I received a standing ovation. The venue was packed, and I absolutely killed it!
Another moment I will never forget is when Prince called me! I had a show at his old nightclub in Minneapolis, and he was supposed to come but, unfortunately, his session ran late, so he couldn’t make it. Instead, he sent his bodyguard, which left me disappointed because I really wanted to meet him after my performance. After the show, I went back to my hotel room with my friend and background singers, who were all hyped up, but I was still irritated that Prince wasn’t there. Then, at 3 a.m., my road manager woke me up saying Prince was on the phone. At first, I thought they were playing a prank on me because they had been teasing me all night, but then I realized it was really him! I was so excited! He asked me how I felt (that) I did, and I told him, “I rock!” I had my leather pants on thinking he was in the audience, lol…he told me that his bodyguard said that I did really well. I asked him when we could collaborate, and he said, “You’re not going anywhere, are you?” I replied, “No, I’m not,” and he laughed, saying, “Okay, I’ll see you soon.” Unfortunately, that meeting never happened, as he passed away. Rest in peace, Prince.
What’s an average day like for you?
An average day for me is all about shooting content. I’m always looking to stay ahead of the game, so I make it a point to film two videos each day, whether it’s for my music or my cosmetics line. Content is the new wave, and I’m all about riding that wave and staying sharp! When I'm in town, I always make it a priority to have dinner prepared for my son.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...
My music is available on Even.biz - their slogan is buy the art from the artist - and if you spend $35 or more, you get a FaceTime call from me! It’s been such a blast connecting with my fans this way. Also, whenever my fans repost my material, I make it a point to send each of them a personal message to express my gratitude. They don’t have to do that, and it means a lot to me. I strive to stay connected with them and let them know just how much I appreciate their support.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part of being an artist is expressing myself through my passion for singing. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on people’s faces while I perform—it creates this incredible energy that you can feel from the crowd. On the flip side, I can’t stand the fakeness some people bring to the music industry; it’s honestly annoying, lol! While I’m not a fan of the music business, my love for the music itself is something I cherish with every breath I take.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
First off, I’m honored that you look up to me! The music industry can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My advice would be to stay true to yourself and your unique sound. Focus on honing your craft, whether it’s through vocal training, songwriting, or performing. Build a strong support system of friends and mentors who can guide you along the way. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—networking is key, but remember to stay authentic. Lastly, always keep your passion for music at the forefront, because that’s what will keep you going through the ups and downs. I believe in you, and I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you!
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
Looking ahead five to ten years, I envision myself living on a piece of land where I can grow my own food and create a sustainable lifestyle for my family, complete with houses for all of us. I also see myself running a chain of boutiques in major cities around the world, each reflecting my unique style and vision. Of course, I’ll still be performing, but on my own terms—gigging when I want to and enjoying the freedom that comes with it. Ultimately, I want to create a life that’s fulfilling and allows me to connect with my passions while being surrounded by the people I love.
As for the immediate, what's next for Grenique?
We’re preparing to drop my EP, When Butterflies Become Unicorns, on all digital platforms, and I couldn’t be more excited! Right now, I’m in the process of assembling my band to get ready for an epic tour. It’s going to be an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
I like to give a shout out to my immediate family for just being there and supporting me. All of my friends and fans who have been on this journey with me, I truly appreciate them..
Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?
The "about you": Be the best version of yourself. Aim for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll be amongst the stars. Keep pushing and shining bright! Also, go to even.biz to get my EP When Butterflies Become Unicorns, tell a friend to tell a friend to tell their auntie and uncles, their kids and their friends to get my EP as well. Lol!
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