…difficult corner of her life. “I really took the time to look at myself and look at my life and decide who I want to be, and not what anyone else wants,” she explains. “I learned who I am and understand that I am responsible for myself and for my life.”
This new perspective has made aspects of the music business she once loathed—long hours in the studio, doing press interviews— a lot more pleasurable. She’s even putting out fires, like claims that her image was purposely lightened for the cover art of the album’s first single “Cocoa Butter.”
“Some people were really getting crazy and just being disrespectful and I wanted to snap back [but] I didn’t,” she admits. “If it were true, and it’s not, it would have been a huge betrayal because of my reputation and what I’m about,” she says. “The black community has a certain ownership of me, and it’s beautiful and I’m proud of that.”
Since her near-exit out the game, she’s come to cherish her unique role even more.
“You know, I was in my early twenties when I came out. I was a kid. Now I’m an adult, I’m a woman. I’m even more committed and more clear about what my message is, and more empowered to carry that message further.”
Coming full circle, India insists “I don’t sing because I’ve got all the answers and I’ve got it all figured out. I sing because I’m on that journey too, to be the best person I can be. Whoever it resonates with, I’m happy. I know that it’s not for some people, and I’m okay with that, too.”
This time around, she’s making time for self and is expanding her company, SoulBird.
“These past 10 years, I’ve never had any time for other things that I love to do, such as jewelry and clothes. And maybe [I will make time for] a relationship,” she sneaks in. “I can’t see it, but I feel something. I needed time to heal, and now I’m ready.”