She released a single and video for “You Do It For Me,” under Kedar in 2006. Nearly two years later, Blessett assures fans that they will definitely hear more from her. Tentatively titled, Purpose, the highly anticipated album will be released in February 2008.

So why has she kept us waiting?

There is always a struggle between the business-minded and the artistic when it comes to a game plan for the artist. The transition between record labels and strategizing the perfect time for the album release have kept Algebra and her fans anticipating the next move. “I was not concerned with that (business) side of the game,” she says. “It was strictly about the creative side.”

Good things come to those who wait though. “I’m really trying to make sure that I can give what I can give at one time. I want to put my best foot forward first.”

It’s no doubt that living in the music Mecca of the South has its advantages, as she collaborated with super producers and artists on the album, such as Brian Michael Cox, Johnta Austin and Eric Roberson—all childhood friends. Some notable tracks include “Happy After”, a song that Blessett says “every woman, every little girl should hear” and “Run and Hide”, one of three songs produced by Kwame’.

Blessett also wrote many songs on the album and played her acoustic guitar. Her sound is a mix of all types of music that influence her, from gospel to classical and even country.

“It’s my very first album,” says Blessett. “I’m absolutely ready. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”

Algebra isn’t idle in her creativity. She has been touring overseas and just finished a performance in her hometown, giving fans a sneak peak at the album. “Expect the truth,” she says.

Blessett has seen a lot of gimmicks in the music industry, but she doesn’t have one. “I’m just giving you my experiences.” She rejects the stereotypes that the industry would like to label her with. She is not the “Baby’s Mama,” nor the “Gucci Girl” (though she likes the brand), but rather “an everyday person.”

While creating her own niche in the game, Blessett says she is often “caught between a rock and a hard place,” being pigeon-holed as just another neo-soul singer or another artist from the South. “That’s a challenge that we as struggling artists face.” As a solution, she says, “Be proud of what you stand for.”

Instead of lashing out at the critics, she takes it for what it is and celebrates everything that she is. You may find her in the club dancing, in the church praising God or even on the corner admiring everyday people living life, she says. “I am who I am. I do what makes me happy.”

It seems that Algebra is not as complex as the mathematical function she was named after. For her, standing out from the crowd is easy. “To be different is just to be myself.”

Problem solved.

Alisha Tillery