In 2002, Tweet's Timbaland-produced hit single "Oops (Oh My)" became an instant classic of the era. Charlene Keys’ church-trained vocals paired with her sensual sass carried her to the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart as her debut Southern Hummingbird (released that same year) reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The song spawned a friendship and mentorship for Tweet with Hummingbird producers Timbo and Missy Elliott, but when ‘It’s Me Again’ did not take off in 2005 the songbird opted for a 10-year hiatus from the music industry.
Now Tweet is back with her third album. Simply titled Charlene, her welcome return is a complex diary, taking listeners back to her gospel roots while showcasing the self-assured woman and artist she has become. In a conversation with Billboard, Tweet discusses her personal and musical self-reflection, teaming up again with Timbaland and Missy Elliott and how Twitter has changed the music maker's grind.
*billboard.com
