Traci Braxton released her debut album Crash & Burn this Tuesday, and TheBobbyPen.com was invited to attend a special taping of The Traci Braxton Show on WPB Radio.

The intimate affair was Soul Food Catered by Breaking Bread and cupcakes from Cakes by Cynthia, making guests feel right at home. Traci arrived late due to traffic, but jumped right into action once everyone finished stuffing their faces.

Between questions from her co-hosts April J and Comedian Larry Lancaster, and the audience, we learned a lot about Traci the sister and Traci the artist. Here are a few topics discussed in the video below.

What does the title mean?

Traci said people will talk you out of following your dream– particularly, your parents who are afraid for you to fail, but its OK to fail. That’s the meaning behind the title track and why she decided to give the project that name.

Favorite Song

Traci’s favorite song is “Passion.” She says the lyrics describe her yearning for the love of someone who isn’t paying her the attention she craves.

“I’ve wanted this person for so long and I don’t understand why you won’t come to me. But it’s not about a person though, it’s about music. Eventually it comes to me,” joked Traci.

Her Biggest Obstacle

Traci say’s she didn’t think she’d be singing solo, and gave up her dream because she thought she was too old. She was waiting for her sisters to do a group project and that would have been the highlight of her career. But her manager, Clint Jones, overheard her playing around in the studio and encouraged her to record an entire album.

She and the management team recorded 24 songs and shopped them around. Eventually, E One Music signed her after hearing only 3 tracks.

Traci was also concerned with comparisons to her sisters Toni and Tamar Braxton. She calls herself “seasoned” and isn’t trying to compete with any of the industry’s younger newcomers. Her sound is late 80’s/ 90’s and she admires the vibes of Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige.

I had to show people I have my own identity. I’m not Toni. I’m not Tamar either.”

As for her album art, Traci tried to channel her inner Janet Jackson as inspiration for the look and feel of the cover. She also mentioned that Aaliyah was a family friend of the Braxtons, since her uncle was Toni’s manager for a period. “I Need It In My Life” is a track that looks back at artists like Aaliyah who influence her.

What Should Fans Get from Listening?

When younger women listen to “Crash and Burn,” Traci wants them to get encouragement, confidence and the strength to love themselves. She really feels that this album proves you’re never too old for anything.

What’s Traci’s Long-Term Goals?

In the next 3-10 years Traci Braxton expects to put out more good music– good R&B music. She is passionate in proving that R&B is not dead at all. Traci also wants to tour and fantasizes about her, Toni and Tamar all being nominated for Grammy’s together. She said they’ll be like the musical Venus and Serena Williams Sisters if they pull that off.

Album Features & Collaborations

Traci boasts working with “luscious lip” Raheem DeVaughn, who’s radio show has also moved to the same WPB Radio network. The two recorded duet “Still Sippin’,” and while DeVaughn was in New York for a show, he still called in to congratulate Traci on the project. While listening to the call, Traci’s face was lit up with joy and excitement. Tank also wrote and produced a couple of tracks including “Perfect Time.”

She also reached out to her siblings for track “Reasons,” which her brother wrote 14 years ago for Toni after their parents’ divorce. I thought it was cute that she would ask her 6-time Grammy Award Winning sister Toni for advice on how to perform the song.

The jovial, playful and candid Traci Braxton was a great host and I listened to her album Crash & Burn the whole way home to DC from Baltimore. It’s great feel good music for this time of the year, making you want to two-step and snuggle up close without skipping a track.

Keep up with Traci Braxton online:

http://soulworldentertainment.com 

Twitter @TheRealTraciBraxton

Instagram @TheRealTraciBraxton

Check out my pics from the event and let me know how you’re feeling the album in the comments below!