The adage goes, “Sex sells,” and one of its biggest sales-women is Trina. The Dade County queen has been in the game and has dropped jaws since her appearance in Trick Daddy’s "Nann Nigga." Ever since 1999, Trina has been trying to remain constant and innovative in, not only her appearance, but her musical growth as well. As the south has continued to concrete its foundation as one of the dominant superpowers in hip-hop, Trina’s new album Still Da Baddest looks like it’ll be her most innovative joint to date. Not only is the album a rebirth, but she has left her label – Atlantic for EMI.

HipHopDX talks with Trina – still “da baddest” one – as she talks about her happiest “Single Again” moment, spreads love for the newest members of Slip-N-Slide records and expresses how marketing can help more female emcees get out there in the game.

HipHopDX: Your name was in a lot of people’s mouths this year and your new album hasn’t even dropped yet. How does that feel?
Trina: [Laughs] I think that it’s great when people talk about me. It means that I worked extremely hard. Even without an album, my name stays in a circular motion, so I have to be doing something right for someone to talking.

DX: With the “baddest bitch” title – do you ever feel pressured to handle yourself in a certain way when confronted?
T: No, I’m always usually the same way – I’m normal. Being “that” – it definitely means that one has to be a strong character. I am a very strong woman and you have to stand up for yourself in certain situations. I’m very independent and focused on what I want. I don’t like to take no for an answer. I’m not worried about being approached by someone because people are usually respectful. I think it’s the type of person that I am and they see me as a character. But I’m very humble and still very sassy, yet very normal. I’m always laughing and they get intimidated by that. I think it’s just me being outspoken. So, you don’t really know the angle that you’re going to be presented with.

DX: What should your hardcore fans expect from your latest?
T: The fans should expect a lot of different things. I went into the studio with an open mind. I went in there wanting to do things my way. I did songs that have some Reggae, some Rock & Roll, some techno and all of it was different for me. I have the sexy, fly, aggressive, the party record… just a whole variation of records. It’s refreshing and new. I was trying different stuff. I know my fans are always looking for me to do the unexpected and on this album, I even sang on a record. Doing the techno song was a different type of thing all together. I had never done something like that before. I thought, “Wow.” It’s a whole different level of music for me to do that and love it, that’s different.

DX: What sort of changes have you noticed moving from Atlantic to EMI?
T: The change is different. Atlantic is a major and it’s a different company versus EMI – which is a smaller form of the label. Everything isn’t hands on, but I feel business-wise it was the best decision. It’s a little bit more work. At Atlantic, things are handled differently, but at EMI you have to do double the work. I’m used to that so it’s not a drastic change for me. It’s all still the same to me, it’s just more work that has to be done on mine and my team’s part.

DX: …And what changes have you noticed in your own life since making these new transitions?
T: I am still the same person and do mostly the same things, but I am transitioning into a different format. Your life changes when you do all these different things. I set a calendar that plans my everyday life and my album’s life. With music, everything kind of changes when you have a project to promote and plan, so you have to transition with that.

DX: You have the new joint, “Single Again.” People always try to get into your relationships, but what was one relationship where you were happy to be single again?
T: [Laughs] Wow, that’s a good question. I have had a past relationship where I felt that I wanted to be out of that situation so badly that once I was out I was relived. When I was out of it, I was happy that I was out it. When I looked back, it was definitely a growing process. I learned what I didn’t want to be in.

DX: When you started out, Miami wasn’t the place in Hip Hop that it is today. It wasn’t full of out-of-town rappers and celebrities. Are there any elements to your city that you miss?
T: Not really. My city is pretty great. It’s one of the best states. It has great weather and great food. I just feel really good to be a part of it. To come from that is a blessing and for others to come there to live is a great look. I never thought that I would move away from Miami.

DX: You and Trick are synonymous in Florida and the rumor of him leaving to go for G-Unit had people wondering if there was any tension between you and him?
T: No, not at all. We’re cool. Trick is Trick and he’s a great person. He has his ups and downs, but we’re friends and we’re always going to be like that. Continued on page 2 »