Nicci Gilbert Talks Tory Lanez "Say It," 'From the Bottom Up' & Developing Keke's Reality Show

Nicci Gilbert may be known by many '90s music lovers as one of the incredible members of the group Brownstone but, in 2016 she's more than just that and has the resume to prove it.

During a brief red carpet interview with Music Times writer, Wanda Coppage at the 2016 Centric Presents Soul Train Awards, Gilbert revealed some new and exciting things happening in her life right now that include Tory Lanez; Keke Wyatt and Centric TV's reality series From the Bottom Up.

Before Lanez released his current Billboard chart single "Luv" he first released his debut single, "Say It," which spent four weeks at the top of the charts.

Many millennials may know the words to the song, but they probably have no clue where the sample in the hook originated.

Gilbert definitely does. She and original Brownstone members, Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell and Monica "Mimi" Doby released the single "If You Love Me, back in 1995 when it first became a hit.

So how does Gilbert feel about Lanez using the group's song for his new school music?

"He did an awesome job. I'm so happy" Gilbert stated. "... [I'm] excited that he kept the integrity of the song."

Initially, discovering that it was a rapper who'd taken the initiative to revive the From the Bottom Up single, left her a little leary.

But after hearing the song it was Brownstone stamped and approved. Gilbert stated how Maxee, who she referred to as "my angel on my shoulder,' would also approve of the song.

And then of course there's the coins and Gilbert is "really happy with the royalties that come in because of it." Lanez' 2015 single is probably as close as fans will get to hearing Gilbert's voice on any new music any time soon.

The R&B Diva has swapped her music hat to proudly sport a new bedazzled "production hat" that includes the new Centric TV reality series, From the Bottom Up, titled after her group's debut album.

"I've been more involved behind the scenes. I have a new show on Centric (first network designed for black women)...called From the Bottom Up," Gilbert revealed.

The show's first season was a success and the entire cast including, Sara Stokes, Christine Beatty, Chrystale Wilson, Kim Smedley and Stacii Jae Johnson are back for season 2.

Stokes, Johnson and Wilson were also in attendance at the awards show and red carpet.

The Centric series has also picked up some new editions to the show this season according to Gilbert.

"We have Maia Campbell this season who's an amazing edition [and] Chanita Foster who's a newbie."

Campbell starred on the UPN comedy In The House with LL Cool J and later fell on hard times.

And just in case the Centric TV show doesn't keep her busy enough - there's more.

"...And I have a show in development with Keke Wyatt called Crazy for Keke and I have a talk series in development..."

Check out the full interview below.

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Keke Wyatt