“Tell us about that inspiration.”
Samari blushed. “I can’t give you all my secrets but I will say, ‘Nothing and No One’ is about me accepting that I have a real man in my corner and that I needed to stop getting in my own way. ‘His Crown’ is about not settling, demanding the love I deserve while giving that in return. He’s the king, I’m the queen. Both positions are earned, not given. We work on this daily. As for ‘Loyal You, Loyal Me’ it’s a spin on how people see loyalty. It’s usually one sided. Everyone demands loyalty but it has to be given to be returned. I’m safe with him. I see him, he sees me, and neither of us are running. Each of these songs are layers of love and how I’m loved. None create the illusion of fairytales because that’s not life. Life is real and so is what I have with him.”
“Himbeing A’so.”
“No…” Samari shook her head.
Saniya arched a brow and Samari confirmed. “A’so belongs to the people. I share him.AsaoDelaneis all mine.”
“Point made and Black love is a beautiful thing. Speaking of Asao, you two are very public with your relationship.”
“Honestly, we’re not. We don’t hide, but we don’t share either. If you ask, I’ll never deny what we are. He won’t either but it’s not like we’re out here posting billboards confessing our love. If you see it, you know.”
“We definitely know,” Saniya added before moving on. “He’s part owner of Track Killaz, which is your new label.”
“He is.”
“Some have voiced their opinions of there being a power imbalance between the two of you since you’re signed to your boyfriend’s label. What do you have to say about that?”
“Firstly, I don’t give a damn about what people think. It doesn’t change my life or his. There’s no imbalance. A hard line exists between personal and business with us. That was simply born from his understanding of my need to have separation. When it comes to my career, I’m no different than any other artist on the label. In the studio, he listens, gives his thoughts when required, but my voice is the final decision, always. If you ask him, he would be quick to say I’m hardheaded though.”
“Is that true?” Saniya asked with a smile
“No. I always listen because he never gives bad advice. I think he just likes to talk shit because he can.”
Samari smiled smugly when she noticed Asao was back inside, posted up in the kitchen. She felt his eyes on her but didn’t turn her head to confirm.
“So you’re partners then?”
“Definitely.”
“That leads me to my next question. There’s never a time when we see you that we don’t see him and vice versa. He’s always nearby. It’s cute because he’s so protective. I can’t count the number of videos circulating of him stepping between youand fans or paparazzi to make sure you’re good. Does that ever feel like too much?”
“No but why would it? If a man loves you, his actions will show it. He knows me better than anyone. That means knowing when I’m in the headspace to grant others access and when I’m not. As much as I love my life and this career, it’s a lot. Sometimes, it’s suffocating. He gives me room to breathe when the world refuses to. I love that he shields me from the chaos by knowing what I need without me having to communicate it.”
“That’s a new perspective. I respect that and can attest to how that man loves you. I was at the performance you did a few weeks ago. The way he watched you like you were the only person who existed in the world was very intense.”
“Yeah, I saw the clip.” Samari smiled, making Saniya laugh.
“Speaking of clips, can we talk about the viral moment that happened with that tattoo? Did you know?”
Samari blushed.
If your name is on me, mine should be on you…
Samari shook her head. “That was very him…”
She cut her eyes at Asao who had a smug grin in place.
“What do you mean?”
Samari wouldn’t admit the full story, which started with her tattoo under her left breast. His full name. Asao Delane. A tattoo no one would ever see which he was adamant about. He made it clear that the world would know his name was on her based on the way he stepped behind her. He then proceeded to get one of her name on his neck, big as hell, very visible because he wanted there to be no mistake about who owned not just his heart but his entire being.
“Intentions are important.”
Saniya glanced at Asao who chuckled, making her arch a brow at Samari. “It sounds like there’s something there you’re not going to share.”
“You would be correct.”
