112's Q Goes Solo: "Diddy Took the Focus Off of Us, But..." [EXCLUSIVE]

He talks his new album, why women "settle," and if Bad Boy artists are destined to fail

In the few years since 112 took a break to focus on solo projects, Q Parker has lived a few lives. He became a fitness model, and began focusing more on becoming an ambassador for healthy living. A deal which promised a debut album nearly 4 years ago went sour and the album never materialized. But with a new single, "Show You How," already getting radio play and an album, The MANual, due out this summer, Q Parker is showing why it's about time that he’s getting started -- again.

Loop 21: Do you feel a certain pressure with your new album, The MANual, because of the amazing success 112 had as a group?

Parker: Not necessarily, because I look at it this way: One of the reasons people love 112 is because Q Parker was a part of that, in addition to Mike, Slim and Daron. When I open my mouth, you can’t help but hear elements of 112 so I made a conscious effort when I was going into this album to make sure I still pleased the 112 fans, but to also let them know who Q Parker is - not Q from 112, but Q the man.

Loop 21: Did you guys formally break up as a group?

Parker: In our minds, it was more so a hiatus. But of course in the media and in the public eye, when they see one individual doing something outside of their group, people think it’s about breaking up and having beef. In our minds it was never about that, but really about allowing us to go out and do different things. Whether that was a solo record or whatever you wanted to do. After that was done, our mission was to reconnect and jump back into the sound. Now, who knew it was going to take 5 years for that to happen? Slim had his album which we all supported. Right now, my focus is Q Parker’s album, The MANual.

Loop 21: What did you make of Slim’s success?

Parker: Slim is the oldest member of the group. I was proud to watch my brother excel. We all played a part in [his] growth and development. And to see one of us doing so well and being so successful, that wasn’t doing anything but elevating our total perception. If he does well, 112 does well. If I do well, 112 does well. But I was very happy for him.

Loop 21: Explain what The MANual actually means.

Parker: I want people to understand Q Parker "The Man" and how I’ve matured and grown, but I also want people to think of it as a how-to guide. Men are going to be able to appreciate it, too, but I made this album for women because I think they need to understand that there are still some gentlemen out here. Chivalry ain’t dead. There’s still guys that know how to treat a woman, touch a woman, be intimate, talk and communicate. I think at times, women settle. They can be in a situation with a man and know it doesn’t have any promise or a future, but just for the sake of not being alone they deal with it. I want to say to her so bad, 'Listen babe, you don’t gotta go through this. If you give me the chance, I can really show you how you’re supposed to be loved.' Women need a male artist that can cater and nurture them. R&B artists get so caught up with what’s going on in the club and in hip-hop, popping bottles, and VIP, instead of just singing to these women, caressing them through song.

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Loop 21: Do you have a favorite Diddy story?

Parker: I would just go back to the beginning, when he saw these 4 guys from Atlanta that could all sing lead. We actually sang for him the first time in a parking lot and he came back for the second time with Faith Evans and Usher. After we sang, Faith Evans was, like, 'If you don’t sign these boys, you’re a fool.' After that moment, 2 weeks later, he sent the paperwork and we were signed to Bad Boy.

Loop 21: What’s the best and worst part of working for him?