ALTHEA Hewitt speaks her mind - at least in her music. And, like many of her forerunners and contemporaries, she has earned loyalists the old fashion way: speaking boldly and honestly about the peaks and valleys of life and love - whether she's belting out original material or the lyrics of one of her idols.

Never straying far from a potent lyrical formula, the talented girl-next-door, who we first met years ago singing sweet harmonies as a member of the now-defunct Fourth Street Sister, continues her no-holds-barred exploration of human relationships with the release of Introducing Althea Hewitt, her first solo recording since splitting from the girl group - proof that she's still standing strong.

HEWITT... There's lots of competition out there and I'm happy to be apart of it.

Penned primarily by Hewitt herself and produced by such luminaries as Dwight Pinkney and Astley 'Grub' Cooper, the new album highlights the singer's throaty vocals on an eclectic collection of reggae-pop ditties and get-your-groove-on grown folks' material. By her own admission, Hewitt is ready to expand her musical legacy while showcasing her creative growth and her intention to etch her name in the reggae history books.
Sunday Entertainment chatted with the singer to discuss the new album, her melodic journey and her plan to take her career to greater heights.

Sunday Entertainment (SE): Congrats on your new disc, Introducing Althea Hewitt. What inspired you to record and release the album?

Hewitt: When I signed my three-record deal with VP Records, I was so excited that I wanted to release my first reggae album as soon as possible. I grew up on reggae and the influence has been with me from the days of growing up with my father. So I've pulled on those influence and included some pop and dancehall to create the kind of sound and vibe that I like. This album is also paying tribute to the icons who I've looked up to for years. And there's something on it for everyone: from the taxi men to the housewives (Laughs).

SE: Talk to me about some of the messages on this album. What do you hope listeners will take away from it?
Hewitt: This album is really about life experiences and about being thankful for all the blessings. I also write alot about love and that's mainly what people will get when they listen to this album. It's been a great journey for me to this point and I just want to share that with people out there.

SE: There's a track on the album called Crime Scene. Why was it important to speak out on an issue like crime/violence on your first CD?
Hewitt: I've lived in Delacree Park for years and in the 1980s I remember hearing lots of gunshots and seeing dead people lying all about the place. So when I wrote that song in 2005, it brought back a lot of memories. Crime is a problem everywhere you turn but I'm a fearless person and that's how we have to be in life.

SE: So with all your experiences over the years, are you a new and improved Althea or the same chick from Fourth Street Sister?
Hewitt: (Laughs) Improvements have been made. Definitely. I've had so many experiences and sometimes you have to glance back before you step forward. I always aim to give it my all, no matter what I am going through.

SE: What has been your biggest hurt as you grow into your new self?
Hewitt: Honestly, there have been no hurts and even if there were any, they would've been for me to become a better person. In life, I try as much to keep on the positive side. I always try to keep happy and laughing.

SE: So how do you deal with a bad or failed relationship in your life? What's your release therapy?
Hewitt: I just move on. Mi nuh linga (Laughs). Once I see the signs, I do not stay around. As an entertainer I have to stay focussed on my music. God comes first then my music. Anything that will cause discomfort, anything that will cause negativity I avoid. It's my whole approach to life as well.

SE: Speaking of relationships, how do you feel about interracial dating?
Hewitt: I have no problem with it. I have no problem dating someone from another race. We are all human beings. What separates us is colour and maybe language. And I don't think that should be a problem. It's not a problem for me. I'm more into personality.

SE: What has been one of the biggest lessons you've had to learn since being in the music industry?
Hewitt: In any walk of life you go, you need to be good to people. Going through life, you need to have manners because you never know who the person could be. There are also people in this industry, who work in the background and do things for you - and you don't know. So you have to be respectful and thankful at all times.

SE: Do you think you'll ever retire from the mic to take up a behind-the-scenes job in the biz?
Hewitt: I will eventually because at some point you have to grow and I see myself going into new areas like fashion designing and running my own fashion house. I love producing music too so that is always something worth considering. I don't know what the future holds for me but I can only hope for the best.

SE: So how do you move forward from here and keep your strength?
Hewitt: I strive for perfection and professionalism at all times. Wherever and whoever my music will touch, I really appreciate it. And there's a whole lot more to come. I'm excited and I'm nervous (Laughs). There's lots of competition out there and I'm happy to be apart of it. I'm just out to give it my all. It's all I know and love. The stage is my home.

Halle Berry and her picture-perfect family co-ordinate in grey

Cheating PS

'What was I thinking?' Chris Brown speaks out