DX: So, how has it been to watch Slip-N-Slide usher in a new class with Rick Ross and Plies?
T: It’s actually great. [Rick] Ross and I have been friends for a long time. He sat patiently and his dreams are coming true. I’m 100% proud of him and his work. The acts that have been signed to the label have been waiting, and it’s their time now. With that I’m really proud of both Rick Ross and Plies. I remember when Plies sat around patiently and he came out and put out a great record that got people to really think.

DX: You helped to build the label up. Do you ever feel pushed to the side?
T: I never felt that. I’m the only girl on the label, so I had a lot of benefits and had the upper hand. I’m like the prized possession of the label. So, it’s kind of a favorable position to be in.

DX: There are women who try to get into rap who follow your archetype of “sex sells.” Do you think that that impression empowers women or makes them become easily marketable sex objects?
T: I think that everything you do is about marketing. The new girl’s coming into the game should know that it’s not just about being sexy; it’s about you as a person. It’s about your will and your determination. It’s about how you perceive yourself and why should people look at you. What is your impact? So many girls out there have similarities to mines or Missy Elliott’s story, but you have to have your impact stand out. People want to have something to follow; something that they can relate to. You have to be an inspiration to others. You have to do whatever it is that you can do. I just think for any new artist that they should have their own movement.

DX: So, who are some ladies out there that you love?
T: Jackie-O is a very talented artist. I love Diamond and Princess. They’re doing their thing! They’re relevant to the school kids. I even like Rasheeda. She hasn’t been overexposed, yet. I like Chyna White. She’s still an incredible artist putting out that rugged music.

DX: When “The Baddest Bitch” dropped in 2000, it was one of the best years for album sales in Hip Hop. In the midst of the 50 Cent/Kanye West sales rivalry and with the Internet so prevalent, do you think that sales can ever get to that level again?
T: I don’t know. I hope so. [Laughs] That’ll be great for me and artists who come out. I just think that with everything going on with the bootlegging that it’s just so hard to sell albums. With them and their competition, it was actually about people wanting to buy a product. I thought it was a great plan and the way they marketed their plan was well. I just hope that people are aware and that they buy the album. We need that, we need the album sales and I think we need great marketing plans to make albums become a commodity again. That 50 vs. Kanye was you heard… everywhere! People were anticipating the albums dropping and that range of competition was insane. Those type of things help out in the long run.

DX: I know that this borders into going into your personal life, which I know you want to shy away from. But I have to ask you – what was your reaction when 50 Cent mentioned your name in “Fully Loaded Clip” like that?
T: I kind of laughed a little. I felt that 50 is just 50 and he does what he does. I didn’t look at him like, “Why would he say that?” It wasn’t a big thing where I felt like I was mad. He just called out my name. I know that the statement wasn’t true. I don’t think that there’s any need for retaliation. It’s not the first time