Who is Marcus Cooper? Is he Pleasure from Pretty Ricky? Is he the new Bad Boy of R&B? Or is he just a father and son who's really looking forward to sharing his story with the world? The humble R&B singer from Miami is all of the above, and he recently took time to share all facets of his life in a recent interview with BlackVibes.com.
How did you get the name Pleasure P?
Pleasure P: It was given to me. It was just Pleasure when I was in Pretty Ricky. The girls used to say that my voice brought the pleasure and we thought that would be a hot name seeing that I was in the group with guys named Spectacular and Diamond. Later on, I added the P because a lot of dudes would say "I ain't calling no dude Pleasure." So guys call me P and the ladies call me Pleasure. I'm actually getting out of that name within the next couple of albums or so. It's just gonna be Marcus Cooper, which is why my new album is called The Introduction of Marcus Cooper. I'm introducing the world to who I really am. Marcus Cooper is my government name.
How has having a son at such a young age helped to shape you as a man?
Pleasure P: It molded me and made me stronger. I've got a mentality of the future now. Before, whatever happened just happened, but I've got things well-planned now because I've got to make sure my son is straight. I actually just met my birth father. He's never been in my life, but I said I was gonna give him a second chance. He's actually a real cool person.
How did that meeting with your father happen? Did he reach out to you or did you seek him out?
Pleasure P: I sought him out. I've always felt like that was a missing link to me and I always wanted to know about my father. I was in New Orleans the day after my birthday and I called my mom. She found him and gave me the number. I called him and told him that I forgave him for not being there all those years and that I accept him to be my father. I told him that if he wanted to be my father, let's start now. Let's get to know each other. Let's keep it real with one another because we're both grown, but if you don't want to do that, then that's cool too. I'm gonna be fine no matter what.
What was his reaction when you called?
Pleasure P: He was happy. He calls me every day now. I know that he regrets the years that he missed. When we're together, he won't even let me pay for an ice cream. He feels like he missed a lot of time. I took him to the strip club the other night and got him his first dance. He was like, "my son got me my first lap dance. I don't usually go to those type of things."
What's the difference between being in a group and being a solo artist?
Pleasure P: When one of us is tired, another person can take up for him. Also, I don't have to wear the same thing as somebody else. I can be my own person. I can do the things that I want to do, not the things that somebody else thinks is best for the group. I can do what I think is best for me. I think that it's easier to manage and deal with versus dealing with different personalities. Sometimes, we would have an argument over the clothes that we would have to wear.
Explain exactly why you decided to split from Pretty Ricky.
Pleasure P: I felt it was time to do something different. Also, it wasn't a good situation for me business-wise. I'm actually going through a lawsuit and I can't discuss certain things. I do want to say this. We didn't break up because we fell out as group members. It's more [the fault] of the production company that I was signed to, Bluestar Entertainment. It was more their fault than anyone else.
Are you still cool with those guys?
Pleasure P: For the most part, I don't really talk to them that much. I speak to Baby Blue every once in a while. I see them in court but I never really talk to them. I wish the best for them. I still got love for them, even if they don't got love for me. I wish them the best.
Let's talk about THE INTRODUCTION OF MARCUS COOPER. What should we expect from your album?
Pleasure P: You can expect to get to know who Marcus Cooper is. You can expect real, soulful R&B. Every song means something. In my first single Did You Wrong, I'm saying you got to stick it out. You've got to work it out. How do you think your grandma and granddaddy been together for 30-40 years. They accepted each other flaws. If he cheated, she still stuck with him. My second single, Boyfriend #2, is telling guys that whatever you won't do, another guy will do. A lot of girls have a boyfriend #2 because men sometimes forget and we don't pay attention to our girl like we should. We don't give her flowers anymore. We just get real comfortable.
I know you were really close to Static Major. How did it impact you when he passed away last year?
Pleasure P: Static Major made me who I am. That's my brotha from another. He was a real mentor to me. He worked with me when I was in Pretty Ricky and he taught me a whole lot. We actually worked on this album together before he passed. I'm still hurt bout dat. When I hear my songs on the radio or see my videos, I wish he was here to see this.
Pleasure P is a talented performer. Whatever decision he made with "Pretty Ricky", is said and done. He has moved on and pushed himself in a positive direction, do what pleases you young brother..
Pleasure p is a great guy who is finally being seen for what he's really for. im so glad he's not in pretty ricky anymore, because he's now shining like the star that he is!
Who is Marcus Cooper? Is he Pleasure from Pretty Ricky? Is he the new Bad Boy of R&B? Or is he just a father and son who's really looking forward to sharing his story with the world? The humble R&B singer from Miami is all of the above, and he recently took time to share all facets of his life in a recent interview with BlackVibes.com.
g brother..
If life is too much to bare, let the lord in and make rational decisions to guide you through life..
