Interview with Cheri Dennis

Bad Boy recording artist Cheri Dennis has attracted quite a gay following. She took time away from the studio to talk to Gay Life about making it out of the projects, her new grown and sexy album and the reason why she loves her gay fans.

How did you go from being a girl in the Edenwald projects in Cleveland, Ohio to joining Diddy's Bad Boy family?

I went to New York to work with a singing group and a friend of mine that worked at Bad Boy invited Puffy to Jimmy [Cozier]'s birthday party. I just came to the party with my music and that's how the ball got rolling on my deal.

The projects (or any neighborhood for that matter) can be a tough place for young gay and trans kids. Do you have any words of advice on how they can make it through?

Stay true to who you are. Be yourself and be determined. That's the best way to fight that type of negativity. At the end of the day people appreciate you for being yourself; maybe not the people that are bigoted or closed-minded, but the people who know what time it is really appreciate you being yourself.

You've attracted quite a gay following. As an entertainer, how important is it to have gay fans?

It's important to me to have fans from all walks of life. Anyone who loves music will appreciate my music and appreciate me. Gay kids are fabulous, so why I wouldn't I want them to love me and my music?

Who's your favorite gay person?

I like Dave LaChapelle because I'm extremely intrigued by the fantasy and the concept of his shoots. I wouldn't say I have a favorite, though. I try not to see gay and straight, just fabulous.

What does your new cut, "Portrait of Love," say about you?

It oozes sex appeal. That's the most appealing thing to me.

So, what's the one thing about Cheri that people just don't get?

My carefree and outgoing spirit. Sometimes it can be a little too much for people.

Who's the one artist that you'd love to work with, but haven't yet?

Prince. I'm a huge Prince fan. I love his sensuality, his sex appeal and his androgyny.

Of course there are gay recording artists out there, but is the industry ready for an openly gay R&B Billboard topper?

There always has to be that first one. We will see if they're ready for it. I think we are still very, very far from people being accepting of everything. But, at the end of the day, I don't know if anybody is necessarily ready for change. Somebody just has to come out and do it.

Is there anything your fans can expect from your upcoming album?

Just expect it to be a reflection of my personality. Sometimes I can be very grown and sexy. Sometimes I can be very sheik and other times a little raunchy. Just expect a lot of different sides of Cheri.

Look out for Cheri's highly anticipated album. In the meantime, check out her tracks on MySpace.