At 23 years old, Christina Milian already has a resume that would make most entertainers envious.
The Latin singer scored her first No. 1 single (2001’s “AM to PM”) before she was legally old enough to drink, toured Europe extensively, wrote a hit song for one of her heroes (J.Lo’s “Play”) and just went top 10 with “Dip It Low,” a collaboration with Fabolous. Milian is now playing arenas around the country with two of urban music’s biggest superstars, Usher and Kanye West.
But music is only part of the equation for Milian, who also has a budding film career in the works. In addition to a starring role in last year’s “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” Milian appeared in “Torque” alongside Ice Cube and is featured in “Be Cool,” the upcoming sequel to “Get Shorty.”
Fortunately, success hasn’t gone to Milian’s head. She’s down to earth rather than diva-like, counting her blessings and appreciative of the good fortune that’s come her way. She spoke to RedEye recently about her childhood, the music industry and meeting Tupac.
When you first moved to California in your teens, you lived in the same apartment building as Tupac. Any stories?
I bumped into him a few times. One time I was so nervous, I was 13, and he was at the convenience store in the building. I had the biggest crush on him, so I didn’t say anything to him. But he said hi to me.
Was it hard growing up in the spotlight?
No, not at all. It’s not like I grew up like some of these kids who are extra-famous and have to go to preschool with a bodyguard. I grew up a normal teenage life where I went to school, had my friends, had fun, got into trouble like everyone else. I’m pretty happy with the way I was able to do my career at the same time. That was my preference–I hated not working when I was growing up.
If you have kids, will you encourage them to go into show business?
It’s a lot of work, I’ll tell you that. I would definitely encourage my children if they wanted to do it, but I would never force them. I wouldn’t be one of those people because I know how much work it takes.
Is the music industry sexist?
It can be. As in any industry, it’s got its little backlash in being a woman, but at the end of the day, you gotta be a strong businesswoman. As long as they see that you know what you’re talking about, you’ll get your respect. At the same time, of course, people are gonna have their crushes from seeing you on the videos. You’re thinking you’re getting into a business venture with somebody, and they really just want to take you to dinner.
If you had to choose between acting and music, which one would you pick?
If everything would go my way, I’d pick music. I love performing. I love creating music. I love writing music. I love being onstage. I get chills.
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Edited by Cara DiPasquale (cdipasquale@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
