Q laughed when I told him I’d be typing his answers verbatim and not to rush.  I gathered from that, whether in the recording booth or enjoying quality of life, he’s a gentleman that likes to take his time.

He just released a new solo album “The Manual”.  One listen and immediately you realize that Q, his voice, his swagger is the soul of his group 112.  A group that left ladies melting and wanting more after their departure from Bad Boy.  We both agreed that his “footprints are all over the 112 sound” and, when it comes to Q, being a solo artist, what you hear is what you get, a tone that is so very familiar, and you like it.

“’The Manual’ was inspired by me wanting to give the public a look at Q Parker, the man.  How I’ve grown, matured, adjusted to being a grown man…It’s me wanting to give the public and specifically my female fans something to be proud of,”

He notes:

“I’ve heard women complain many times that men don’t sing anymore.  They’re making songs for the club or making records for the homie, but this is something female fans can be proud of, too.”

However, on the flip side is his alter ego’s mixtape series QGasms which was released earlier this year. When asked about the difference between the two projects, he says:

“’The Manual’ is different because with the things I say in ‘The Manual’, I pay close attention how it’s worded.  I still get my point across, still respectful in a way that no one is offended, making sure I don’t come across so direct, hard and brash.  A man has to keep his swag enough to know when to tone it down a bit…’The Manual’ is all about the delivery.”

“The Qgasms mix tape series is straight at you.  Gentle when you need to be gentle.  Dirt dog when you need to be dirt dog.  When I’m in QGasms mode, I loosen my tie up a little bit…while Q in ‘The Manual’ is a lot more polished and sensitive to delivery. There’s a time for both of them,  but both are always at the ready position, so whichever needs to present himself, he’s ready.”

And ready or not, Q is making his mark as a solo artist.

“It feels good, and has been a journey.  I learned a lot about myself during the process.  I was comfortable being a group member but there were certain ways I didn’t push myself. I’m a better group member now because of the process I’ve gone through bringing out Q, the individual.”

Q has been married for ten years with two children, a boy and girl.  His daughter made headlines recently  in the blogosphere for a fight that took place during a new reality show taping for “Big Rich Atlanta”.  I asked him how he handled the news when he heard.

“One thing about being in the public eye, you have to be prepared for the good and bad that’s printed or said about you. With regards to the incident, I always tell my daughter don’t look for stuff, but if it comes to you, defend yourself.  I tell my son, sister, anybody, the same thing.  She defended herself and it got out of hand.  I tell my children to always be responsible for their actions and deal with answering back accordingly.”

Words: Dominga Martin