Thick Fab Life (TFL) is excited to bring you our second official interview—a chat with the majorly accomplished songwriting duo Shanell Irving and Tenesha Blacks, better known in the music industry as Big Drawz—established songwriters with credits including Trey Songz, Destiny’s Child, Charlie Wilson, Tyrese Gibson and Patti LaBelle just to name a few. Here, they talk about their career, accomplishments and their definition of sexy… plus, their views of what we at TFL call the FUN STUFF! Look for future music, TV shows, clothing and perfume from this dynamic duo!
Songwriting Duo Big Drawz In The Studio
Chel/TFL: HOW DID YOU MEET EACH OTHER & BECOME A WRITING TEAM?
Shanell: [Tenesha and I] met while we were in a singing group called ‘Thick’ signed to EMI/Pocketown. We wrote everything we did, so when the group disbanned, me and Tee kept writing and–as you can see–we made it happen!
HAVE YOU EVER BATTLED WITH YOUR WEIGHT? WHAT IS YOUR WAY OF BEST DEALING WITH YOUR WEIGHT?
Our weight was always an issue, but we came up with the concept “you don’t have to be thin to be in.” Success comes in all shapes and sizes. You just have to believe in what you do and your asset as an individual. We understand that too much weight is a health issue so we maintain diets and exercise.
WHAT SIZE ARE YOU? (I ASK THIS SIMPLY SO READERS CAN IDENTIFY)
Shanell: I used to be a size 22, now I’m a size 14. Tenesha is a size 18.
WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE/MOST MEMORABLE SESSIONS?
That is a great question. Our most memorable and favorite sessions would have to be with Charlie Wilson, Destiny’s Child, Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Tyrese Gibson. They were all amazing, humble and funny. They were real people who made us really look back on why we love what we do in this music business.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CLOTHING BRANDS/PLACES TO SHOP? Shanell: Well me and Tee both love shoes and boots…no specific name brand. They just have to look good and feel great on our feet! As for clothes, we like Darion, Torrid and Baby Phat, just to name a few.WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS?
One of our biggest career achievements was becoming the firstfemale writing duo signed to a publishing deal with no placements. Warner Chappell signed us soley off of our hustle and grind for loving what we do. Two heads are better than one! Lol
Our biggest personal achievement was letting go of a nine-to-five and being able to write and develop acts full time and still take care of home.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY/CAUSE?
Our favorite charities/causes are definitely Cancer Foundations, AIDS Foundations and Missing Children’s Foundations. We don’t have a specific one…we have a few that are amazing.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Spare time? What is that? ( Lol.) If and when we do have it, we are either sleeping, with family or thinking of the next big thing to make history.
Big Drawz poses with R&B singer Tyrese.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY UP TO/WORKING ON?
Shanell: Well me and Tenesha have three artists we’re currently developing and negotiating deals for: Spoiled Rotten (band), Carly, and Boy Wonder. We’re very proud of the product we are putting together. We’re also developing a teen talk show called ‘The Joe V. Show’ where kids have a voice and can really learn some new things; as well, our own line of perfume and clothes. Big Drawz is a brand of many amazing things, so keep an eye out.
WHERE CAN READERS FOLLOW YOU & KEEP UP WITH YOUR CAREER?
We have a Big Drawz page [on] MySpace (www.Myspace.com/BigDrawzMusic06 ) and we’re also on Facebook as Shanell Red and Tenesha Blacks.
IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO THICK WOMEN CHASING THEIR DREAMS?
We would have to say don’t give up or let your weight be an issue or reason why you don’t succeed. Think healthy, and live healthy. You deserve a shot. Your weight doesn’t make who you are.
*Big Drawz & the FUN STUFF*
Big Drawz on the “Fun Stuff”–stuff you will be learning about all of our TFL guests!
YOUR DEFINTION OF SEXY…
Sexy is THICK…
AT A PHOTOSHOOT, TO GET INTO “THE ZONE” YOU PLAY ?
We play “It’s Raining Men”. LOLOLOL
FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH THE GIRLS, YOU LOVE TO ROCK?
Jeans, some sexy open-toe shoes (toes done of course),and a sexy top.
SEXIEST MALE MUSICIAN, ACTOR, MODEL OR CELEBRITY?
Shanell: for me it is definitely Idris Elba and Tyrese Gibson. For Tenesha, it’s Morris Chestnut and Trey Songz.
WHAT BRAND IS YOUR FAVORITE FITTING PAIR OF JEANS?
Our favorite jeans are Abercrombie & Fitch and Seven Jeans.
ANY BEAUTY SECRETS YOUD LIKE TO SHARE?
Yes, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and walk a lot. <