Toni Braxton says religion prevented her from not partying and having more sex when she was younger.
Acclaimed American songstress Toni Braxton is beloved by generations of R&B fans, the result of a long and decorated career. Yet, in spite of that, she reminisced on few regrets from her younger days in an exclusive interview with The Guardian. The outlet caught up with the crooner for the premiere of her tenth studio record, ‘Spell My Name,’ which dropped on August 28. Speaking on her upbringing, well-being, and discovery, Braxton shared that she wished she had been more daring and taken liberties despite being raised a Christian.
“I regret not having more sex when I was younger. I should have drank more. I should have partied more. Smoked more, even,” the songstress said. “I think my religious upbringing stopped me doing a lot of things that I should have done. It’s not a good look at the age I am now. The way it works is you do that stuff in your 20s and 30s and then in your 40s you’ve earned enough to pay for the therapy.” Ironically, the veteran’s last project was 2018’s ‘Sex and Cigarettes’, a compilation which spawned the soulful fan favorite “Long As I Live.”
Comedian and internet star Lil Duval came through with some advice for the singer when he got word of her so-called plight. “Noooooo you looking at this wrong. You 50 something now so this the best time for u to be a hoe. Think about it, It’s harder for u to get pregnant and the only disease u gotta worry catching is hepatitis from these old ni**az. This is your prime. Moral of the story, Live your best life suga. just stick with the old ni**az tho cuz these young boys gon run thru you and f*** up yo legacy. Love lil duval @tonibraxton” he wrote, shooting his shot at Braxton.
The Guardian’s review of her new record calls it “a full-bodied record that exhibits Braxton’s stylistic and vocal range.” Featuring assists from Missy Elliott and H.E.R., the milestone is a crowning moment for the silky-smooth vocalist who wasn’t always comfortable with her contralto.
“I didn’t realise I could sing until my teenage years. Singing was so much a part of me and my family. We got up, we sang, we went to bed. I think at elementary school I realised I had a different tone. My voice was always low. I remember everyone in class singing Joy to the World and I was the only one who couldn’t sing it in the key. I was always the kid in the room with the low voice that made you turn around.”
The “Breathe Again” singer also shared her current keys to wellness in these wild times.
Toni Braxton joins R&B trailblazer Mariah Carey in releasing new music this summer, gifting fans a few new gems to cope with what’s turned out to be a most tumultuous year. She’s also among the celebrities and thousands more worldwide mourning the tragic passing of Black Panther lead, Chadwick Boseman. She uploaded a black and white image of the actor, sharing a moving anecdote from their relationship.
