This is the Chat Transcript from Imajin's chat on October 22nd on MSN live!
Jive Recording Artists, Imajin, John Fitch, Jamal Hampton, Olamide Faison and Talib Kareem.
Chat Event
22 October 1999
(c)MSN Live
Edited for clarity. May not be copied or reprinted without permission.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Good evening! Welcome to the Starloft! Tonight we are pleased to
welcome our guests recording artists, Imajin--
John Fitch, Jamal Hampton,
Olamide Faison and
Talib Kareem.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Guys, welcome to MSN! Great to have you here! Let's get started!
Olamide Faison says:
How's everybody doing on the World Wide Web?
Digital Dish Diva says:
Shasta says: How did you guys get your start?
John Fitch says:
We got our start playing around NYC. We did a showcase with Jive
Records and they gave us a deal.
Digital Dish Diva says:
How did you guys get together?
Talib Kareem says:
Burt Price put us together from all over the US. We are all the same
group from day one.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Where are you all from?
Jamal Hampton says:
I am from New York, Talib is from Jersey.
John Fitch says:
I am from New Orleans.
Jamal Hampton says:
We are based in New York.
Digital Dish Diva says:
frankie says: Do you write your own music?
Jamal Hampton says:
Now we do. The first album was experimenting. Now we know how to
write and produce. So t he next album you can expect that, cause that
is what we do now.
Digital Dish Diva says:
talibs_wife says: When does the album officially release?
Olamide Faison says:
Officially releases on Tuesday, October 26.
Jamal Hampton says:
The official release party is Saturday, the 30th of October at the
National Black Theatre of Harlem in NY.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Are there tickets available for the release party?
Jamal Hampton says:
The party will benefit the Mother Hale House in Harlem for children
born with HIV. In order to get in the party you must bring a new toy
or children's book.
Jamal Hampton says:
2031 5th ave at 125th in NY
Talib Kareem says:
Bring a toy and an educational book and you will get in.
John Fitch says:
You can also send books to Phat Productions. That is also the fan
club location.
Olamide Faison says:
You can mail us and we will write you back
John Fitch says:
251 W.30th street NY, NY 10001
Digital Dish Diva says:
Mami_Chula_2000 says:
Ask them how did they get their name, please.
Olamide Faison says:
My name is Nigerian. I was named by an African King and it means
bring honor to the family.
Jamal Hampton says:
Jamal is my middle name and means King.
Talib Kareem says:
My mother named me and it is an Arabic name meaning wise student.
John Fitch says:
My name is John- no meaning. Just call me John. The group's name was
given to us by Jive Records. Our first name was Prodigy but that
didn't work, so Imajin was then our name. We like the fact that
Imajin means whatever you want you can try to achieve.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Nicole says:
What is your web site address?
Jamal Hampton says:
Imajin.com.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Also, http:
//www.peeps.com/imajn
Digital Dish Diva says:
Tayte says:
Have you guys ever been to South Africa?
Jamal Hampton says:
No, we haven't but we would love to go. We plan on seeing the whole
world. Not everyone gets that chance. We would love to meet Nelson
Mandela.
Digital Dish Diva says:
AmyLynn says:
What is your favorite thing about performing?
Olamide Faison says:
Singing in front of huge crowds, watching people and their
expressions, every time I touch their hands.
Jamal Hampton says:
My favorite is getting up on the stage and memorizing the crowds.
John Fitch says:
My favorite thing is hearing the crowd scream and the girls who feel
what you do.
Talib Kareem says:
My favorite is just to entertain the crowd and see them cheer for us.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Nicole says:
Do you guys get noticed a lot?
Talib Kareem says:
Yep, all the time. We get noticed a lot when we are together, mostly.
The average teen girl would recognize us if we are together
Digital Dish Diva says:
prettyboy says:
Who is your inspiration?
Olamide Faison says:
Stevie Wonder, my mother and father, and Burt Price.
Jamal Hampton says:
My mother because I have a gospel background. My mother is gospel
director at church. Watching her inspired me.
Talib Kareem says:
My role models are my mother and Michael Jackson.
John Fitch says:
My inspirations are my father and my mother my producer Burt Price
and Michael Jackson and Prince and Babyface as a songwriter.
Digital Dish Diva says:
gigglez asks:
If all of you could go to any country in the world,
were would you go and why?
Jamal Hampton says:
Africa, cause I have Ever been there.
John Fitch says:
If I could go anywhere I would go to the Virgin Islands to chill in
the nice sun with the lovely ladies.
Talib Kareem says:
Hawaii.
Olamide Faison says:
I'd go to Puerto Rico, hit that blue water.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Nicole says:
How old are you guys?
John Fitch says:
17
Talib Kareem says:
16
Jamal Hampton says:
18
Olamide Faison says:
15
Digital Dish Diva says:
Marae says:
When are you going on tour?
Jamal Hampton says:
In November or December.
Digital Dish Diva says:
lostone says:
How do you fit in school with your music?
Olamide Faison says:
Jamal and I have tutors and when we are on the road the tutors come with us.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Ciara says:
What are the groups future plans?
Talib Kareem says:
We'll put together a live album and we'll be on top of the world.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Neepoo says:
What is your favorite song off the album?
Olamide Faison says:
"I'm Feelin' You"
John Fitch says:
"Ever Again"
Talib Kareem says:
"Flava" and "Love Letters"
Jamal Hampton says:
"Keep it to Yourself"
Digital Dish Diva says:
mami_Chula_2000 says:
Would you tell John, Jamal, Olamide and Talib
that I have enjoyed them since they first performed at my middle
school in Norfolk VA about 3 years ago and I was wondering when the
next time it is that they will be around here?
Jamal Hampton says:
When we start the tour we'll be sure to come to Norfolk or some where close.
John Fitch says:
We love Norfolk.
Digital Dish Diva says:
braniac says:
Is it weird to be recognized now that you are getting famous?
Olamide Faison says:
Not really. When people say your name and you have to see if you know
that person and you realize what the situation is.
Digital Dish Diva says:
randy says:
What is the best thing about being famous?
Talib Kareem says:
Touring and doing shows around the world.
John Fitch says:
My favorite thing about being famous is that we get to go out and see
the world.
Olamide Faison says:
Meeting people and different celebrities and going to parties
Jamal Hampton says:
You can be recognized by people you don't know for being famous.
Everyone knows you.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Shamieh asks:
Talib, we're doing an Imajin-Nation 2000 site for the
old family. You gonna visit when it's done?
Olamide Faison says:
I will.
Talib Kareem says:
Send us a link at dphatt@hotmail.com
Digital Dish Diva says:
shockme says:
For all of you, what is your best way to chill?
John Fitch says:
Best way to chill is to go back home to New Orleans. Go to some
parties. Hang with my friends.
Jamal Hampton says:
Playing basketball is my way of chilling.
Talib Kareem says:
Watching TV and playing Video games.
Digital Dish Diva says:
kaya says:
When you tour do you get to see the town? I really can't
wait to see you. I LOVE you!
John Fitch says:
Cool!
Jamal Hampton says:
Sometimes we see the town if we are not too busy.
Digital Dish Diva says:
julia says:
Will you guys be on TRL?
Olamide Faison says:
If fans put up the signs up we'll do it.
Digital Dish Diva says:
taligirl says:
What do you want your fans to know about you?
Olamide Faison says:
We want them to know we are real people. We are down to earth and
humble and generous.
Digital Dish Diva says:
huarache says:
Do you read the teen mags about you?
Olamide Faison says:
Sometimes when I see it in the newsstands near my house, I take a peek.
Digital Dish Diva says:
wallasenche says:
Has being famous changed any of your relationships?
Olamide Faison says:
Nothing has changed for me.
John Fitch says:
I am still the same old person.
Jamal Hampton says:
Nothing has changed. Our friends give us support.
John Fitch says:
I still have the same friends.
Talib Kareem says:
Nothing has changed for me.
John Fitch says:
They still respect me as the same person.
Digital Dish Diva says:
heidi12 says:
Will we see you on TV soon?
Olamide Faison says:
Our new single "Flava" just came on TV just a couple days ago.
Olamide Faison says:
Check out BET and you'll see it and the album is out October 26.
Digital Dish Diva says:
heidi12 says:
Will you be doing any talk shows or CD signings?
Olamide Faison says:
We will be doing a lot of in store, record stores, mostly NY. We'll
be signing at the record release party on the 30th and performing. So
bring your toys and books! We want to set an example for our fans to
help in their communities any way they can
Digital Dish Diva says:
That is really commendable of you guys to set this example. Mother
Hale House is such a great place that helps children with AIDS and
HIV.
Digital Dish Diva says:
nadia2 says:
Where will you be on New Year's Eve?
Olamide Faison says:
Working, doing a show somewhere, probably.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Brandie asks:
Are you critical of yourselves?
Jamal Hampton says:
We are very hard on ourselves, very self critical.
Digital Dish Diva says:
imajinfan says:
Would you ever want to do a duet or something with a
female singer like Brandi?
Jamal Hampton says:
I think so yeah. I like Brandi a lot.
Talib Kareem says:
I like Monica.
John Fitch says:
I want to do a duet with Janet Jackson. I aim high!
Digital Dish Diva says:
heatherfan says:
What do you see yourselves doing in five years?
Talib Kareem says:
As a group I see us acting as well as singing, acting in movies and TV shows.
Olamide Faison says:
I see myself in a nice house, singing and acting.
John Fitch says:
In five years I see myself as the number one songwriter of the year
with ten songs on the charts.
Jamal Hampton says:
I plan to be a great singer and producer and have a couple of kids
and have a couple of keys to cities.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Nice to see you guys aim high!
Digital Dish Diva says:
butterfly says:
I love you guys so much! I love what you wear too.
Who designs your costumes?
Olamide Faison says:
The designer of our costumes is 1001 flavors for our Video cover and
various people for our stage costumes.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Karisma273 asks:
Do girls ever chase you when the see you in public?
Olamide Faison says:
Yes, and tell 'em I love 'em!
Digital Dish Diva says:
Razorsharp says:
How long did it take you to make this new CD?
Jamal Hampton says:
It took about a year and a half because we kept on recording and
recording until we got the right material.
Digital Dish Diva says:
Hey, guys, thanks so much for being here!
John Fitch says:
I would like to say thank you so much. We love you. We will be coming
to a town near you.
Jamal Hampton says:
We really appreciate our fans.
Olamide Faison says:
Thank you for all your support.
Jamal Hampton says:
We love you
Digital Dish Diva says:
Guys, it was really cool spending this evening with you! Best of luck
with your new CD!
Digital Dish Diva says:
Good night!
