Tamia Talks ‘So Into You’ Turning 20 and Working With Quincy Jones

In June, Tamia will celebrate the 20th anniversary of her 1998 single “So Into You.” Produced by Tim & Bob, the lush ballad became top 10 hit on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for the then 23-year-old singer.

At 43, Tamia reflects fondly of her beloved song, which appeared on her self-titled debut album. The project was supervised by music impresario Quincy Jones for his label Qwest Records. Jermaine Dupri, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Mario Winans, J-Dub and Keith Crouch also contributed production to the album.

In an interview with Billboard, Tamia enjoyed recording to the song with Tim & Bob as well as working with Q.

"We (her and Tim & Bob) brought it to the studio, and Quincy Jones was there. [Session musician] Greg Phillinganes was there," she recalled. : Quincy listened to it and said, 'It sounds really good,' and told Greg to get on it. Do this, this, this, this."

"Greg Phillinganes is iconic. It’s slightly intimidating to be in the booth, and Quincy Jones is there," she continued. "It felt special from the beginning. You could be drawn to a song, but people can connect to it or not."

"Certainly 20 years later, I didn’t know it was going to be that," she added. "I didn’t know it was going to have that same feeling that it had then. Obviously, Fab re-did it, and that was a huge record for him as well."

Tamia also reflected on touring with Mr. Jones to promote her new album and song. The R&B mother of two said it was extremely hectic and possibly unhealthy.

"I was touring the world with Quincy Jones, and part of it felt like it was normal. Looking back now, I’m like, 'That shit wasn’t normal. You should really be taking notes,' Like ‘Dear Diary, today we are in London. Quincy and I did an interview together, and he laughed at my joke.'' It’s all happening so quickly."

Tamia is still making music. She recently dropped a new single called "Leave It Smokin'," a fiery song (no puns intended) that's the perfect play for your lover on those summer romantic nights.

The Grammy-nominated singer tells Billboard that being an independent artist help her make bold moves in the music industry.

"You can’t be a wallflower and sit back. The music business is so fickle and you can’t rely on someone to tell you what’s good and what isn’t good," she says. You have to be bold and know what you’re doing is what you’d supposed to be doing. You have to have a clear vision of what you want to do, and you need a boldness about yourself to execute it."

Listen to Tamia's "Leave It Smokin'"

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