Case: Resurrected

Case Woodard, or as he is more commonly known, just simply, Case, began his musical journey by penning lyrics and providing back-up vocals for other artists such as Jodeci and Usher. The son of an aspiring singer, Case's solo career really took off with the release of his gold-selling hit single, "Touch Me Tease Me," co-written by Mary J. Blige, whom he also briefly dated, and featured a vocal assist by Miss Foxy Brown. The song first appeared on the soundtrack to the Eddie Murphy starring vehicle, "The Nutty Professor," and helped to set the stage for his 1996 self-titled Def Soul debut.

Open Letter, his third, and most well known album, dropped in 2001, and spawned his biggest chart-topper, the heartfelt ballad "Missing You," which is his only no. 1 single to date. Industry politics, personal and professional setbacks, and a near death experience has put quite a damper on things to say the least, and just about permanently ended Case's full-time occupation. Fortunately that wasn't the, pardon the pun, case, and now the talented father of two (a boy and a girl) has finally returned to the limelight...

BallerStatus.com: Welcome back. Musically, it's been nearly seven years since the masses last heard from you. Where have you been?

Case: After the last album, I moved to Atlanta to be closer to my kids. I took some time off to relax, and then did some writing, producing, and recording for the new album. I also requested a release from Def Jam over creative differences mostly.

BallerStatus.com: I understand part of the reason for your absence from music stems from an incident in '02, where you almost killed yourself in a freak accident with a firearm. Can you share some details as to how this whole unfortunate situation unfolded?

Case: A friend left a gun at my house while they went to the store. In the meantime, my kids were on the way over and so I went to put the gun up, carelessly I might add. It went off, and I got shot in the throat. So, I was kinda out of commission singing-wise for quite a while.

BallerStatus.com: Well, the good news is that you are FINALLY working on some new material. Thus far, what can you divulge, or reveal, about it?

Case: It's beyond working at this point. It's done. I'm happy with it, and feel like it represents what I want to put out to represent me.

BallerStatus.com: It has been titled, The Rose Experience, so what does that name represent?

Case: The Rose Experience refers to my alter ego, Blaxl Rose. This album represents to and for me a freedom of sorts. It's me doing what I want, how I want. It's my first time doing production for myself. This is the first time I did all the writing on my first single.

BallerStatus.com: For someone, like myself, who hasn't heard it yet, what would you tell that person can be expected?

Case: I think everybody can expect to be pleasantly surprised. One thing I tried to do was make much brighter music sonically, than I have in the past. I like the old stuff, but it always had a darker feel than I would've liked.

BallerStatus.com: How do you feel that this new project measures up to that of your previous recordings?

Case: I think it measures up just fine. I think in some ways it outshines past projects. I say that because I'm always growing and having different experiences. Again, I did production this time and kinda approached different types of issues than I have in the past.

BallerStatus.com: Let's take it back to your early beginnings. When did you first become interested in music?

Case: I was born with music in my blood. My dad was a singer, and so there was always singing and music in my house. Singing was one of the first [things] I did in life, even before talking and walking. I didn't really consider being an artist a reachable goal until I moved to Mount Vernon, New York and was face to face with Heavy D, Al B Sure, P. Diddy, and people like that. Seeing them up close and personal made it really seem real.

BallerStatus.com: Who did you actually grow up listening to?

Case: I had tons of influences; from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament, The Gap Band, The Beatles, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Curtis Mayfield, Barry Manilow, Carole King, Commissioned, Guy... The list is endless actually.

BallerStatus.com: How did you wind up doing it professionally?

Case: Once I moved to Mount Vernon and saw that music was beginning a strong youth movement, and I started to meet and/or see guys that were artists right in front of me is when I made that decision. The one defining moment in that decision was when the first Guy album came out. It moved me so much so that I knew then and there that music was what I had to do.

BallerStatus.com: Initially, how did you first link up with Def Jam Records? And, since you are now signed to Indigo Blue Music Group, what led up to your new inking?

Case: I first got with Def Jam through an old friend (hip-hop stylist and fashion coordinator) Misa Hylton(-Brim). She started managing me, worked on my demo with me, she got Faith [Evans] and Mary J. Blige to write some stuff for me, and everything progressed from there. As far as doing Indigo Blue, my manager Blue Williams and I tried to shop this new album around a little just to get a feel for what we wanted to do with it. After a while, we decided, "Let's just create our own label and put the record out ourselves. That way we can make sure the project gets the attention it needs." And at that moment, Indigo Blue was born, and that was our decision.

BallerStatus.com: Describe for me the style of music that you create?

Case: My style of music is kind of a cross between soul music, New Jack Swing with a touch of hip-hop. But, it's always honest.

BallerStatus.com: What do you feel has been, and will continue to be, the key to your longevity?

Case: I think the key to sustaining [longevity] in this business is having faith, staying centered, having a good team around that believes in what I do, always making honest music, and making the kinda music that is me as opposed to making what somebody else thinks I should make.

BallerStatus.com: I heard that maybe some acting is on your future radar?

Case: I wanna get into acting. I actually have a role in a TV pilot that's being shopped now called, "ATL Homicide." I play a narcotics detective.

BallerStatus.com: What are your true feelings on today's R&B music?

Case: There are some artists out here that I like a lot, but overall I think the music is suffering because of a lack of originality. It's too cookie cutter.

BallerStatus.com: What would most people be surprised to know about you?

Case: I think the biggest thing they might not get from [my] music is that I joke around constantly. It never stops! And, that I'm one of the most normal, down to earth people.

BallerStatus.com: What do you do for fun?

Case: Hanging out, playing video games, spending time with my kids, and just doing regular things.

BallerStatus.com: What has been your biggest career moment?

Case: I think the biggest highlight was getting nominated for two Grammys in 2001. It was exciting 'cause it's a whole different level of recognition.

BallerStatus.com: Projecting ahead, what do you predict for your future in entertainment?

Case: Hopefully "ATL Homicide" will take off and I will be engrossed in that, still doing some touring and recording, and just being happy and healthy.

BallerStatus.com: Any plans to take the Case show out on the road anytime soon?

Case: Yes, definitely. I'm always up for that!

BallerStatus.com: What can be expected from the live show?

Case: I'm gonna sing my heart out. I'm gonna make you laugh. It's just fun. It's less of a show, and more of the audience just hanging out with me.

BallerStatus.com: Any message for the readers?

Case: I just wanna say thanks to everybody who has supported me over the years. I intend to keep giving you guys what you're used to from me and a lil' bit more. I love you all!

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