VIBE Magazine: NEXT > Amerie - Ray of Light

Amerie Rogers knows the question's coming. "What's your background?" Chicago's Power 92 DJ Donnie "the Freakin' Puerto Rican" DeVoe asks the R&B; singer on air. "You look sort of Oriental-ish." While promoting the shimmering debut single "Why Don't We Fall In Love," off her new album, All I Have, the 22-year-old daughter of a black dad and Korean mom takes the opportunity to spread a little enlightenment.

"Actually, 'Oriental' is for things; 'Asian' is for people," she says. The grouchy jock is taken aback, evidently unaccustomed to being corrected on his own show. But after glimpsing her wide, sweet grin, he cracks a smile.

"It's like having a forum," Amerie (rhymes with "Hey, Marie"), who was born in Fitchburg, Mass., says later of her newfound radio-friendly voice. "It gives you the opportunity to stand up and say something." Her cheerfulness also disarmed D.C.-based producer Rich Harrison, the cocreator of Mary J. Blige's "Beautiful Ones" and "In the Meantime." Harrison met Amerie two years ago in D.C., while she was pursuing an English degree at Georgetown University. They began work on All I Have, which is so artfully arranged it sounds like feng shui R&B.; Their most remarkable collaboration, "Why Don't We Fall In Love," is an enthralling blast from hip hop soul's past, with vintage strings, funky horn squawks, and pillowy drums evoking staples like Blige's "Real Love."

Harrison thinks Amerie's bright outlook offers R&B; listeners a much needed alternative. "Pain has been done, and it's been done really well," he says. "But I think it's time to show another side of urban women."

Amerie's up to the task-by the end of her on-air interview, she has won over DeVoe with her sunny charm. "I didn't know Koreans and black folks could make such beautiful babies," he says. Now he knows their offspring can make beautiful music, too.