Up Close LeToya Luckett Comes “Back 2 Life”
It’s been a seven-year hiatus from music for LeToya Luckett, but after some soul searching, the Grammy Award-winning original member of Destiny’s Child and actress is back on the scene in a very real way. Apropos of her long-awaited return, her new studio record is titled Back 2 Life, and it comes accompanied by a 12-minute narrative music video called “In the Name of Love.” It’s a classic story of love triangles, stunted relationships, and all the trials and tribulations along the way.
We’ve all been there, but LeToya’s passionate voice backed by smooth melodies makes this bad romance all the better. We caught up with LeToya at W Hollywood to talk about her sonic influences, style icons, and how to make someone smile and take over the world at the same time.
What was the first album you bought?
LeToya: It was a Whitney Houston album. I listened to that tape religiously. I studied her. She was such a power house.
What’s your morning routine?
L: Pray. Instagram (lol). Work out. Go through emails. Figure out a way to make someone smile. Plan to take over the world.
What do you do to prepare for going on stage?
L: I pray and try to shake the nerves by reminding myself that I belong there. And I eat a peppermint.
Did you have a nickname growing up?
L: My dad nicknamed me “pink socks” because he said I was girlie and my mom would always dress me in pink socks.
What makes you feel most at home when you’re traveling?
L: Listening to Houston hip hop like DJ Screw, Lil KeKe & UGK.
What are three things you can’t travel without?
L: Witch hazel face wipes, sunscreen, and my favorite black lace bra.
What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?
L: When I forgot the words at a Patti Labelle tribute. I still have nightmares about it! Also when I had an asthma attack on stage during the Mary J Blige Breakthrough tour.
Do you have any secret behavior you do when you are alone in a hotel room?
L: I give myself facials in those microscopic mirrors in the bathroom.
At what moment in your life were you positive that you were going to be a performer?
L: When I lead my first song at church.
How do you balance your life and your career?
L: I try not to think of my career as a job. I also make sure to try to spend as much time as I can with family and friends to keep me grounded.
Where do you find inspiration? Do you have a place to go or something you do when you feel creatively stuck?
L: I get a room at the W Hotel in Scottsdale, then take a drive to Sedona to re-center my thoughts. I get the best ideas there.
Who is your style icon? What’s your mantra for how you dress?
L: Carrie from Sex and the City, and Jada Pinket Smith. My style is classic, colorful, and different.