Along with releasing two hit solo albums, Luckett has been flexing her acting chops. She stared in “The Preacher’s Kid,” and snagged a recurring role on HBO’s hit show, “Treme.”
Now she’s gearing up for her biggest role yet in the inspirational drama, “From the Rough.”
ESSENCE sat down with Luckett, who’s also a Luster’s haircare spokeswoman, and dished about “From the Rough,” her upcoming album, and keeping up with her Destiny’s Child bandmates.
ESSENCE.com: What is the film “From the Rough” about?
LETOYA LUCKETT: It stars Taraji P. Henson, Michael Clark Duncan, and Tom Felton of “Harry Potter.” It’s a true story about Coach Starks, the first — not just African-American — but female to coach a men’s golf team. Before Coach Starks became the golf coach, she was the swim coach for [Texas State University]. My character Stacey was one of her students and I fall in love with Tom Felton’s character. This isn’t necessarily something that Coach Starks wants. So I’m kind of torn between the two people — the one that I love and the one that I look up to.
ESSENCE: Did you feel intimidated working with veterans like Taraji P. Henson and Michael Clark Duncan?
LETOYA: I loved working with Michael Clark Duncan and I’m learning so much from Taraji. I was shaking the first day because these people are in a completely different league. These are Oscar-nominated, Oscar worthy actors. So of course I was nervous, but at the same time I was trying to take in and learn as much as I possibly could.
ESSENCE: We heard you’re in the studio now, what can we expect from the new album?
LETOYA: I am so excited about the new album. Of course it’s going to be R&B, I gotta stay true to my fans. But I want to try some different stuff. I’ve grown from the last album. So, I’m definitely gonna tell my story as I always do. But I’m going to try some different stuff: more live instruments, some soulful stuff, and more uptempos on this album. A lot of people compliment the fact that all of my songs tell a story. I don’t cut a record unless it’s really speaking to someone. I’m actually doing a docu-webseries that I’m releasing on my Twitter (@LeToyaLuckett). I’m going to let the camera in and let the fans in on the progress of this album and other things I’m promoting as well.
ESSENCE: Are you still in contact with your Destiny’s Child albums?
LETOYA: I am! I talk to Kelly all the time. I’m always getting on her about getting rest, and telling her how proud I am of her. She’s working… we’re all working! I’m so happy for Beyonce and the baby and Jay. We all keep in contact. A lot of times people want to make things into a beef or a competition, and I’m like, y’all have no idea!
ESSENCE: Word on the tweets is that you and Slim Thug are back together. Is it true?
LETOYA: That’s very false. It’s super false. I wish him the best.
“From the Rough” will be in theaters in 2012.