If there’s anyone more real than LisaRaye, I haven’t met her yet. Recently, I had the pleasure to meet and sit down with the tell-it-like-it-is actress to talk about her hit new reality show, LisaRaye: The Real McCoy, her love life and why she’s headed for platinum status.
Singersroom: So of course, you’re wearing all white today, which is your signature look. I’ve heard that you’ve been wearing white for 8 years. What would it take for you to wear another color?
LisaRaye: Sporadically, I might do a yellow or pink just because my stylist would say, “Girl, I couldn’t find any white,” and then it’s too late for me to grab something out of my closet. As a character or in photo shoots, you can have whatever color you want, but personally I wear white. The funny thing is I have a whole section of colored stuff in my closet with tags on it, but I just don’t ever get around to wearing. But I have good intentions!
Singersroom: Even your nails are white. They’re gorgeous!
LisaRaye: I like it. It’s just so clean. I wear this, or either the light, pearl white or nude. It goes with everything.
Singersroom: So congratulations, I heard your show is the highest-rated program on TV One.
LisaRaye: In history.
Singersroom: That is so exciting. So what made you decide to do the reality show?
LisaRaye: We actually pitched it and sold it to them. It was a business decision because, you know, so often we forget about the business side of show business. The show part is the lights, camera, action, the red carpet. However, nobody really understands that it costs money to look the way we look on the red carpet. So, when I came back off of the scandal, off of the divorce, off all of the gossip, rumors and blogs and the obsession of who they thought I was, I looked to TV to figure out how do I jumpstart my career again? And I said, reality TV has totally taken over. We are now sharing the red carpet with reality stars. It’s almost like if you can’t beat them, join them. Let me be a part of this reality craze, and I have a message to tell. I have a story to tell. And people definitely did not know what I was going through-and what I’m going through still-which means that they wouldn’t know how to support me, or hate me. But there’s a message within my journey of me being the first African-American actress to be a first lady. Historically, it’s a title that I hold and it can’t go anywhere. That’s something that no other actress has done. So fuck an Oscar right now. I’m not there, but I helped run a country. I’m in a whole league by myself. And for that, I’m proud. So coming back, I said you know what? I am still LisaRaye, I am still talented, there’s still a fan base for me, and I have to tap into that and see where would they like to see LisaRaye while I’m trying to figure all of this out. And I’m still doing it. I also had to let go of a lot of anger [with my ex-husband]. I had to let go of that guilt of what could I have done better or more of. And I had to move forward because failing is not an option for me.
Singersroom: Is your divorce final yet?
LisaRaye: My divorce is final but the financial settlement is not, which is the most important part to me.
Singersroom: So, are you dating anyone?
LisaRaye: I want to say I’m looking. I hope that I find someone because I’m definitely a fan of marriage, and love, and of a partnership and a union and respect. I want to belong to someone, and I want someone to love me.
Singersroom: So what would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your previous marriage?
LisaRaye: The sacrifice and the acceptance of what I did that I could have made better. Being able to compromise without losing yourself. Although I walked around for a bit with a little guilt, because what worked for me as a sex symbol in the States did not work for me as a sex symbol in Turks and Caicos as a first lady. So I had to shed that image and become a whole total different person. And when I was married, I felt like a princess in a glass house. It was like I’ve got everything, all the jet skis, diamonds and planes and stuff, but it’s like am I happy? I’m not as happy as I could be. Or as happy as I want to be. And when you think that, and you have to answer those questions, you say to yourself “Nah, I’m not.” Then it’s really time to move on.
Singersroom: So would you say you’re happy now?
LisaRaye: I’m happier now. I’m not at the happiest. You know, because I’m still coming out of what that divorce is. I’m still healing. I’m still trying to find my way back to my career. I haven’t gotten to my ultimate job yet, whatever that is.
Singersroom: What is your ultimate job?
LisaRaye: Maybe my ultimate job is the role that I just got actually. I am dong a movie with Queen Latifah’s production company, Flavor Unit, which is a VH1 movie of the week that they’re turning into a series, and it’s like a black Sex and the City. And my role is very much like Samantha, so it’s very high-end fashion, and it’s about friends that talk about their love, their career, their friendships and empowering one another. I also want to do some behind the scenes stuff, like producing. I want to empower other people now. I want to employ others and still become powerful with me learning how to produce and direct. I really like the set up of building something, an idea coming from scratch. So I see myself going in that direction. And I also see myself doing more mentorship or philanthropy, like I do with my nonprofit, LadyRaye Foundation.
Singersroom: Sounds fabulous. I have one more question I have to ask. You recently did an interview for Essence and they asked you about being a so-called gold digger. And you pretty much said you were digging for gold back in high school. Please elaborate.
LisaRaye: I don’t know what the definition of a gold digger is but I always say: you don’t know me. You don’t know where I come from, what type of family I come from. I was interested in gold when I was a teenager. I’m at diamonds status now. So I don’t like digging, even in a garden. And I don’t like taking out the trash. So if gold digging is finding someone that I’m evening up with, finding someone that I can look at his history, where he’s been so I can know where he’s going, that I can bring my value and my work to the table with him and build together with that, if that’s gold digging, then I’m digging for platinum. —— By: Crystal Tate
LisaRaye is an actress, model, and entrepreneur who has made her mark in Hollywood. Her career spans over two decades and she’s been at the top of her game for a good portion of it. She’s also known for being outspoken about issues that affect people of color, particularly within the entertainment industry. But there’s more to LisaRaye than just acting: she’s also a rapper whose bars are both catchy and profound. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than on her song “So F**k An Oscar Right Now / I’m Digging For Platinum” which was released in 2017. In this article we will take a look at why LisaRaye chose to make rap music as well as what themes this particular song explores. Let’s get into it!
The Life And Career Of Lisaraye
LisaRaye is an American actress, businesswoman, and model best known for her roles in the hit television series All of Us and Single Ladies. She has also had appearances on several other shows such as The Parent ‘Hood, That’s So Raven and Girlfriends. LisaRaye started her career when she was cast in the romantic comedy film The Players Club alongside rapper Ice Cube in 1998. Since then, she has established a successful acting career with major credits including Beauty Shop (2005), Pastor Brown (2009) and The Cookout 2 (2011).
Outside of acting, LisaRaye has made numerous charitable donations to various organizations such as Feeding America and UNCF. In addition to this, she launched her own clothing line called Luxurious Prerogative which features affordable fashion pieces that are size inclusive. LisaRaye is also well-known for launching the PYD Project (Put Yourself On Display) which encourages people to pursue their dreams without fear or hesitation.
Not only is LisaRaye an incredibly talented entertainer but she’s also a savvy business woman who uses her platform to empower others. Her infectious energy combined with ambition make it clear why fans have been inspired by her story since day one—she’s living proof that anything is possible if you believe in yourself!
Her Impact On Pop Culture
From her iconic roles in television and film to her philanthropic endeavors, LisaRaye has made an undeniable impact on pop culture. She is a prime example of someone who has taken the power of their platform and used it for good—inspiring countless others to do the same.
LisaRaye’s spirit of resilience and tenacity have been felt all around the world, encouraging people from all walks of life to pursue their dreams regardless of any obstacles that may stand in their way. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing seemingly insurmountable odds; she’s living proof that success can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
Her fashion line, Luxurious Prerogative, celebrates diversity by being size inclusive; allowing women everywhere to express themselves through fashion at affordable prices. Similarly, PYD Project encourages individuals to remain true to themselves despite what society may say or think. Through these two initiatives alone, LisaRaye has shown us just how powerful one person’s voice can be when used for positive change.
Conclusion
I. Conclusion
In conclusion, LisaRaye has had a successful career as an actress and model that continues to inspire many people today. Her iconic catchphrase “so f**k an Oscar right now / I’m digging for platinum” perfectly encapsulates her attitude towards success, which is one of determination and ambition. Not only has she achieved great success in the entertainment industry, but she also serves as a role model for women everywhere who are striving to make their mark on the world. She embodies the power of female empowerment through hard work and dedication and inspires all of us to reach for our own dreams with confidence.
II. Impact On Pop Culture
LisaRaye’s influence doesn’t just stop at acting; her cultural impact extends far beyond that. From being featured in several music videos to creating her own fashion line, LisaRaye has made sure to stay relevant in popular culture by pushing boundaries and staying true to herself. She’s become a symbol of self-reliance, strength, ambition, and resilience – traits we can all strive for in our lives.
III. Final Thoughts
Overall, LisaRaye is living proof that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. Through her drive and passion for excellence, she has been able to accomplish so much despite facing numerous obstacles along the way – something we can all be inspired by! Her story will continue to remain an example of how no dream is too big or out of reach if you persevere long enough.
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