Former MTV/BET VJ Ananda Lewis is no stranger to radio – she hosted a Los Angeles morning show with John Salley -, but this time, she plans on being on the other end of the Mic. She recently revealed to Vibe.com her affinity for singing and discusses her goal to release her own album next year.

“I’m projecting for April, but we’ll see what happens because it’s really about my own schedule," said the California native during a Vibe.com interview. "I’ve had a lot of great lessons in the TV field and now I feel like I’m getting a chance to experience myself.

"I cannot tell you how excited I am about it.”

Lewis, who never even considered exploring her vocal talents until just a few moths ago, says friend Dwayne Wiggins of the famed group Tony! Toni! Tone!, was the one who urged her to write and sing.

“I started vocal classes to condition my voice. I ain’t no R&B Whitney Houston type – I ain’t blowing people out the water but that’s not my voice. My voice is much more of an alternative hip hop.”

Lewis describes the rush she got once she broke through her fear of singing in front of an audience, explaining, “I feel like my head opened up like a lid and stuff just poured through. There’s been things I’ve been waiting to say or things I’ve been holding in that all just started coming out.

"I’m at about 6 songs right now and when I hit 13, I’ll just try to perfect them and put them out. There are no limitations. I think people are ready for different music.”

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