Tamar Braxton might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but her new legion of fans “live for her!” Since the debut of the reality series Braxton Family Values, the singing (and bickering) clan of Braxton sisters has earned devotees that are eagerly awaiting their refill of family drama. Yet Tamar, inventor of dot-com-isms and the youngest and most vocal of them all, has America addicted with every bit of her candor, unadulterated humor and larger-than-life confidence.
As Tamar prepares for the new season of The Braxton Family Values (premiering Thursday, November 10, at 9pm EST on We TV) BlackEnterprise.com chatted with her about sibling rivalry, why hubby Vince Herbert no longer manages sister Toni, and whether or not there’s any truth to those skin bleaching rumors.
BlackEnterprise.com: First off, let us ask how your hubby [Vincent Herbert, who suffered a pulmonary embolism] is recovering since returning from the hospital.
Braxton: Yes he is fine, thank you.
BlackEnterprise.com: Glad to hear he’s on the mend. We are so happy to see The Braxtons return for a second season. What are we in store for this season?
Tamar Braxton: The Braxtons on steroids (laughs). I think the first season was a very true introduction to who we are and everybody has grown up a bit. This season, again, it’s The Braxtons full on steroids and there are times that I thought, I can’t believe we said that. So people will get a closer look into each of our personal lives this season.
BlackEnterprise.com: So how has reality TV stardom benefited your career?
Braxton: It’s definitely different now. People are curious about how I sound and want to do a record to find out if my big personality is the [real deal] (laughs). But I’m pretty much the same person. I think that’s a great combination. I’m even more excited being myself. I am not a character that I made up. Who I am is who I am.
BlackEnterprise.com: What kind of offers have you received?
Braxton: It’s been a lot of things, but none of them are the right fit for me. Yes I do act, but it’s not what I’m focused on right now. I’m open to it, but again, that’s not the goal right now. So I’m not the attention whore that people think I am. If it doesn’t have anything to do with my sisters, it’s not right…
BlackEnterprise.com: Do you think that the attention you’ve received has caused some sibling rivalry?
Braxton: At first I did, and it was very difficult for me because I would get accused of acting like a prima donna. But I’m like, if y’all think about it, I’ve been making the same faces since I was about 2 [years old]. I think the problem is when you see it on TV it’s magnified. I believe it was difficult for my sisters to watch it and they became defensive. But again, I’ve always been candid and honest. I believe everybody is back to normal and it was more of the surprise the first season.
BlackEnterprise.com: Speaking of which, you had a heated argument with your mom this season who told you she’d “slap the piss out of you†if you ever disrespected her again. What were you thinking in that moment?
Braxton: At that moment I wasn’t embarrassed, but I was definitely shocked and upset. I was thinking, where is this coming from? I didn’t feel, and still don’t feel, I did anything wrong. Because I felt myself being disrespectful I had to [leave]. I didn’t understand the conversation or why we were having a conversation in the first place. Toni and Tracey said I had a problem with singing background, but I’ve always said that I’m blessed and grateful and that it was a start on my career path. However, that’s not what I want to be everyday of my life. It’s okay to change career paths.
BlackEnterprise.com: Do you think their issue with you was because they found out you had done a single through a third party and not directly from you?
Braxton: No, let me remind you, I’ve always said I would do my own record in the first season. When we all came together and talked about doing The Braxtons album, I said, ‘If [Toni’s] gonna do her own record, so am I.’ I didn’t feel I had to call everybody to tell them I was starting my record. When I said to them, ‘Don’t you remember?’ They said, ‘Oh we forgot.’ So I wasn’t trying to be sneaky. I just don’t think I have to give everybody a play-by-play when I’ve already told them [my plans].
BlackEnterprise.com: Understood. So will your hubby serve as your manager?
Braxton: At this point he does, but it’s tough because I’m his wife and sometimes it’s hard to separate the two. When we have date-night he doesn’t want me to
talk about work, but I’m like you can’t just cut off and you have to let me know because I have issues I need to discuss and things to figure out [regarding my project]. (Laughs). So it’s a work in progress and we’re working through how to balance it all.Continue reading on the next page
BlackEnterprise.com: There were reports that your husband is no longer managing your sister Toni or Lady Gaga. Is that true?
Braxton: No, he’s still involved in managing Lady Gaga because my husband discovered her and she’s signed to his label. And yes, it is true that he is no longer working with Toni.
BlackEnterprise.com: Do you think the reality show affected his business relationship with Toni?
Braxton: I think people grow up and people want different things. When you’re an artist and a sibling is getting the attention or some of the opportunities for the same person it can be difficult. I think in any relationship there are changes and in this case Toni and Vince had to do what makes them happy and that’s all I’m gonna say about that. (Laughs).
BlackEnterprise.com: When you think of developing and expanding your brand, what’s your priority?
Braxton: The No. 1 priority is to complete my album and fulfill my dream. One of my other passions is talking to and empowering young women by teaching them about self-esteem, the importance of education and choosing a [career path] for their lives. I really enjoy doing things like that so right now speaking and empowering young women and helping them to be confident is something I’ve found I truly love and want to do more of in the future.
BlackEnterprise.com: What is the craziest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
Braxton: God, there are several, but the one that really bothers me is that I [married] my husband for money. What? Where did that come from? Are you saying that because he’s thick? How do you know I don’t like teddy bears? I mean, really? Have a seat. Do people realize that [those comments] are very disrespectful to my relationship and friendship with my husband? I find no humor in that. To have people [speculating] about why you like what you like. Don’t they think that could affect how he feels about himself or me? If we didn’t have that openness and friendship it could. I’m sure those comments hurt his feelings. Sometimes people wanna say, “With all that mouth Tamar has…†and I say to [all of them], have several seats because I’m gonna always stand up for myself, my husband and our relationship.
BlackEnterprise.com: Unlike other celebs who go under the knife it’s refreshing that you’ve always been candid about your belief in plastic surgery. In the blogosphere, there’s been much debate about whether you bleach your skin. Do you?
Braxton: Yes, I believe in plastic surgery because I believe you’re supposed to enhance what you are not happy with. And if I bleached my skin then I wouldn’t have stretch marks, right? So boom! (Laughs).
BlackEnterprise.com: (Laughs) Indeed. Well, what do you hope your legacy will be?
Braxton: Great question. Hmmm….that I love hard, I believe hard and I’m a good person…who can sing her a** off (Laughs).