Born in Camden, Arkansas, but raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, there's a whole lot more to singer-songwriter Nikki Smith than actually meets the eye. For starters, yes, she is the younger sister of the Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum selling recording superstar, Ne-Yo, but when it comes to her very own special and unique brand of music, Ms. Smith is in a category all by herself...

Because your brother is a huge R&B superstar, was it pretty much inevitable that this would also be your chosen career path?

I wouldn't say because he is a star. We both started our musical paths at the same time. He actually started out rapping first.

Oh really?! It seems like it would be both a gift and a curse, because having Ne-Yo as your sibling makes for pretty high standards -- Would you agree?

Nah...

So, how big of an age difference is there between the two of you?

We are about a year and a half apart.

And, were you guys pretty close growing up?

I'm the younger sibling, and we are very close being that there was only us two and my mother.

How supportive then is he of your pursuit of music?

Very! He calls me lazy all the time. He thinks I should strive harder. I can appreciate it.

So, you obviously must've grown up in a very musical household?

My family was always musical. When I was a little girl, I would always mimic the songs my mother sang and listened to. When we relocated to Vegas and met our cousins, they shared the same talents. My aunts and uncles started a non profit organization, where we would do shows all over Las Vegas. I eventually went to a performing arts high school. I've always been on music's path!

Besides the obvious family influence, who else's music did you come up on?

I loved all music coming up. One of my faves is definitely Brandy. She has one of the most beautiful voices in the game still till this day. What a range! Mariah, Xscape -- I loved Paula Abdul and Wilson Phillips! [Giggles]

Is your brother's success partially the reason it went from a hobby to a profession?

Actually in high school I did the girls group thing, and always loved to write. So, shouldn't I want a career in what I love to do?

How did you end up on an upstart label in Kyze Music?

I took a trip to N.Y. to meet up with some people regarding my writing. One of the producers that we ended up working with was Kyze. We instantly clicked.

Is that why you chose an indie versus that of a major label release?

This game is crazy right now. Just feels better!

What type of vibe does one get from your music?

My style is funky, sassy, street, sexy, and hella swagged out!

Sonically, how does what you do differ and/or compare to what your brother is known and loved for?

I'm like him in ways, being that we both come from the same discipline, but I'm loud! And, sometimes too outspoken, but bubbly!

Congratulations! Your lead single Turn Me Loose, featuring N.O.R.E., is out now, and steadily climbing the charts! Still untitled debut album is scheduled for release when exactly?

We are trying to take our time, but rush at the same time. So, it's pretty foggy -- Hoping for a 4th quarter release.

Does your album have a title yet?

Nope, haven't titled her yet!

Are there plans to take the Nikki Smith show out on the road?

We are working out the kinks as we speak. I'm excited!

What's the show element gonna be like?

Expect...energy!

Since at this point and time you're known more for your songwriting, how do you actually formulate your lyrics?

The beat! Sometimes, very rarely, personal experience -- The beat let's you know everything you need to know.

You're working on it with famed producers Poke and Tone aka The Trackmasters, correct?

Well, the project isn't complete just yet. I've worked with a variety of producers along the way. From Kyze to Trackmasters, to Rodney J, to Dr. Dre -- As far as the album goes, you never know who will make the cut. Songs stick around forever in a catalog world!

What specifically can you tell me about the record at this time?

You'll have to wait and see...

Do you have any additional aspirations?

I want to open a movie theatre. I can't speak too much on it though, don't wanna get "Swagga Jacked!"

Because you've been primarily known for your contributions to others'works, will you continue in that arena?

Definitely!

Your brother has also been transitioning into movies -- Do you want to pursue this as well?

I would love to act! Don't know if I would be any good, but I would love to try!

On a more serious note, how do you view today's R&B climate?

R&B is my love. I do think it's time for a new face...

In your own words, who exactly is Nikki Smith?

I'm just like everybody else. I have my bad days and good ones. I'm down to earth and the realist bitch you'll meet!

What do you like to do for fun?

I like chilling with my girls on somebody's beach, and looking at all the hot surfers!

What do you see for yourself in the years to come?

In 10 years I would like to have a family and still be involved highly in music.

Is there anything else I left out that you'd like to report on?

Nope, I think we got it!

What would you like to close with?

Be on the look out! IamNikki.com! You can also hit me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/N1kk1Sm1th or www.Myspace.com/NikkiSmithProject.

- By Todd Davis