Lingk2us: How has life changed since winning the $250,000 and
getting the opportunity to record with Island Def Jam?

AM: I would say that I have become more grounded in my Faith. I call
money “air”. With “air” your able to do a little bit more [but] there’s nothing
that should change in your character or integrity base. I’m the same person
with $5, or $500,000. Also, being able to see my mother smile differently
because there is more “air” is great. She’s no longer concerned about things
that normally, she would be concerned about. It's also arguable that people
recognize me differently now, but I want people to know that I’m no different.
This is about the power to dream, and trusting God to not only appoint you,
but uproot you and plant you where you need to be. I thank God that I can
sing, but I’m blessed because I’m affecting. I don’t take it lightly, but I don’t
put tons and tons of bricks on it, because I'm a firm beliver that God can
change the lane at any moment--which he did!. Remember that before this
I had nothing. So for me, this is the opportunity to live my dream, but
bigger than that, is a chance to say that God is blessing…period.


Lingk2us: Tell us about the single “Believe in Me” and what it
means to you.

AM: This is a big record because it captured the truth of so many people’s
lstories in it. A good friend of mine, Melody Perry wrote that record. Melody
came to one of my shows and during that show I talked about my story...
where I’ve been and believing in where I’m going. Later we meet with my
AR Max Goose. When I first heard the record, I was like wow! You heard me!
That’s how I was thinking…. ”I thought that I would never win/too many
odds against me/an uphill battle with a strong wind.” Wow! [I said to myself]
That’s how we all feel sometimes! It’s like somebody who pays the gas bill
but the next day the lights get cut off.


Linkg2us: What words of encouragement do you give to those who
still dare to dream?

AM: I would say continue to truck on and till away at the soil. Don’t get weary.
[Getting weary and taking a seat are two different things.] If you need to take
a seat, then take a seat and refuel so you can go the next leg of the run. And
remember to not give your dreams to someone else to make happen. You’re
responsible for that dream. You will hold yourself up as long as you hold
yourself up.


Linkg2us: So what’s playing in your IPod right now?

AM: Oh man, I have Andrea Patelli “Greatest Hits”! Chris Brown graffiti, Eddie
James How great is our God, Sade soldier of love, Fred Hammond... I have
a lot mixed up in there. I also have me some Abe McDonald! The great India
Arie, and a little Frank Sinatra. I like to mix it up man. I like all genre of
music, Josh Groban, Kathleen Battle it’s all in there!.


Lingk2us: That’s what makes for a well rounded individual. You have
to be willing to step out of the box and try something new or different.

AM: That's right Ameer! You know, I’m that dude that’s going to throw that
backyard barbeque but can also be invited to the White House or can get down
in the hood and chill there too. He became all things that he may win some.
And I really do think about that you know, with no judgment.


Lingk2us: I'm told your new single is set to be released in April?

AM: Yes sir!!! Sorry I got excited (laughing). I would love to talk more about
it but I can’t. But I would say this; it’s rare that the artist and the artist team
agree with the label. I was very excited when L.A. Reid chose this song
because I would have chosen it as well. That made me feel great!


Lingk2us: What can fans expect to hear from your debut LP?

AM: They can expect a lot of rambunctious noise from your boy! We’re not
lying down easily over here. It’s the year of the vocalist and I’m excited to
be one of the vocalists leading that charge. Expect to see me out performing.
I love to see people’s faces (I like to call fans my friends). So I like to see my
friends cheering me on. Becoming a studio singer is new for me because I’ve
always loved the stage. I love that it’s so intimate and personal. I try to
imagine myself at Radio City Music Hall or Wembley Stadium or somewhere
like that but I also want it to feel warm and intimate. Like Donnie Hathaway
"Live" it was something amazing. When you listen to him you felt like you
were in the same place as him. That’s my aim…my dream. I want someone
to know exactly how I feel inside. Because that translates—and transcends.


Linkg2us: Could you tell our readers about Kollaboration. Exactly
what it is and how you became actively involved.

AM: Kollaboration! Kollaboration was started by Paul Kim 10 years ago who
was later joined by Roy Choy my good friend. Last year I was on the other side
of the business in management and development. The focus [of Kollaboration]
is bringing different communities together, but really celebrating the Asian
and Pacific Islander’s contribution to music, the arts and dance. Sometimes,
we as African Americans feel that we are the predominant minority but there
are other minorities that are overshadowed as well. Last year I [only] attended
but this year I was the headliner at the Shrine Auditorium! That’s amazing!
I wanted to play this stage since I was kid! I remember going to see the
McDonald’s Gospel Fest with Andrea Crouch and thinking, “Wow! If I ever get
a chance to sing on that stage…” Now here we are in 2010 and Abraham
McDonald is on the poster, Abraham McDonald is on the tickets! Wow! They
played a piece of footage where my music was the theme song! That’s’ crazy!

Lingk2us: Where can fans stay updated on your latest music,
upcoming album release, forthcoming tour dates and etc?

AM: Look for me everywhere! I can be found at www.youtube.com/Abraham
McDonald, www.Facebook.com/AbrahamMcDonald and also at www.twitter.com/
Abraham McDonald . Everything is being aligned and we are going full steam
ahead. I look forward to seeing new hearts and new faces.