Marques Houston – A Serving of Success

Q) What are some of your most recent projects that you are working on?

A) Well, the most recent projects that I am working on is a film with MTV/Paramount called Soldier with myself and Omarion. Also, my new album “Naked” is in stores now. Omarion and I recently started a company called Franchise Boys Entertainment and we will executive producing films and starting a clothing line together.

Q) You are now on the UPN show “Cuts.” What was it about this show that made you want to be a part of the cast?

A) I just felt like it was a great cast and it seemed like a funny show. Plus, one of the executive producers is a good friend of mine and I definitely wanted to work with him. It all kind of fell in place, I felt like it was time for me to get back on the television scene. A lot of people were asking me would I be going back to TV and I think it was the right thing to do. The show got picked up and we’re excited about that. You’ll be seeing another season of “Cuts” and it’s a good thing!

Q) Your brother Omarion recently guest starred on “Cuts.” What was it like reteaming with him on an acting project?

A) It was a lot fun. We just clowned around and I think we have a good chemistry together as actors. People like to see us together so I think it was really good to work with him again.

Q) What is it like working with Shannon Elizabeth and the cast of “Cuts?”

A) It is fun and we all have a great chemistry also. We got along the first day we all met and we just kind of gelled. It’s been a great bond since then and we all just have fun. We’re all very close and if anyone comes to the taping they can see we’re really close to each other and we’re real affectionate with each other. We’re always hugging each other and having a good time. We have a good time on the show.

Q) For those who have not seen the show yet. Why should people tune in to watch the show “Cuts?”

A) They should check out the show because it is really funny and fresh. It is something new to hit television; there are no other shows like it. It’s like a mix of a barbershop with a day spa and no one has ever done that before so it keeps it fresh and it’s a funny show. Plus, I’m on it!

Q) The album “Naked” is your second solo project. Do you have a favorite song off it and why is it your favorite?

A) My favorite song off the album is “Naked” because it is the title track and it kind of sets the tone of the whole album. The meaning of the song is a little bit different from the meaning of the album, but that still kind of sets the tone for how I want people to listen to me or hear me. That is one of the songs that I personally came up with the concept for and that is one of the songs that I personally had a lot to do with.

Q) What is the meaning behind the title “Naked?”

A) The title for the album is just what people see from the naked eye and the naked truth. It is more like being naked with my soul and putting myself out there for all of the audience and fans to see me. I am musically naked!

Q) Your video for “All Because of You” is now available for fans to vote for it to air on “Direct Effect.” How does this make you feel?

A) That is a beautiful thing! Anything to get on MTV, that’s a beautiful accomplishment. I just recently did “TRL” for the first time the day my album came out so I was really excited about that. It makes me feel good and it makes me feel like I am getting somewhere in my career and that I’m taking bigger steps. It’s a great feeling!

Q) What can fans expect to see from your show when they buy a ticket to your concert?

A) Expect to see a great show that is high energy and very sexy. It’s going to be sexy with the album being called “Naked.” It’s just a great show because I love to entertain!

Q) You’ve been in the music business since you were a kid. What advice do you have for up and coming musicians? 

A) The advice that I have is stay positive and stay around positive people. Don’t let anybody that’s negative be around you saying that you can’t do this or that. Stay focused, that’s the main thing, no matter if it takes a year or ten years you have to stay with it.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future and why them?

A) I would love to collaborate with Alicia Keys because I think she is a really talented artists and a really great singer. Possibly, also I’d like to collaborate with John Legend.

Q) Omarion, your manager Chris Stokes and you have created a company called Franchise Boys Entertainment. What can we expect from your company? 

A) We have a film called Soldier that we are executive producing for MTV/Paramount Films coming up. We have possibly You Got Served 2 that we will be executive producing and we have about five other scripts that we have lined up that we’re going to keep putting out. We have a clothing line together, my brother and me. We have separate clothing lines, but it is together as our Franchise company. Just expect a lot, everything!

Q) You were recently featured on an episode of “MTV Cribs.” What is the one item that each crib owner should have and why?

A) Each crib owner should have a fly car in the driveway. If you don’t have a fly car then it just doesn’t work.

Q) Your homepage offers fans a chance to ask you questions. Why was this an important feature for you to have on your site?

A) It is because with this whole album and this whole project, I just want my fans to be able to get to know me personally more. A lot of artists you don’t get to know them personally, you just get to know them through their music. Sometimes, not all the time, the music is so personal. With this album, I wanted to make a really personal album and give the fans a chance to get to know the person who I am.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) I would like to say thank you so much! I appreciate everything. I humbly appreciate everything my fans have done for my career and me. Let’s just keep going!