LaLa started-out “Sprung on a Thug,” but her love jones has proven to be more than skin deep with her debut album, “Love and Respect.” The curvaceous dama is switching her game up by representing for the ladies in her new single “Homegurlz.” The vibrant track features fast-paced melodies that disses haters and honors las amigas de verdad. “That Pretty Brown Sound” took over the Mi TRL studios last week, and we are wrapping-up the block party by talking exclusively with our Cali homegirl right below the hood!

How are you feeling it out here in NYC?

I know I probably sound like such a cry baby, but it is so cold! This probably isn’t that bad for you guys, but it is like 80 degrees in Cali right now…so I don’t have the right gear for this weather at all. [Laughs] You definitely have to be aggressive and have a certain swagger out in L.A., and you get that same feel here. You really gotta know how to hold your own out here…even just to catch a cab or find your own spot on the subway. Now I understand why people say if you can make it in NYC, you can make it anywhere.

Your new track “Homegurlz” represents the good side to friendship, but what advice would you give people that have been betrayed by a close friend?

That one is hard. My motto is always, ‘You gotta kill people with kindness.’ You know what I mean? It’s really hard when someone betrays you, especially someone that you love and trust. As a spiritual person, I just always keep in mind that there are repercussions. Payback always comes around. You don’t even have to actively seek it because that is just how the universe works.

What were your inspirations for the debut album “Love and Respect“?

I think those two words represent my movement. It’s about females having their voices heard and telling our stories. I am second/third generation Latina, so what does that experience really mean? What is it really like to be chicana? The album is very autobiographical in that way. I wrote all of the songs and every song really grabs who I am.

What do you hope fans walk away with after listening to the album?

You know, whether you grew up like me or you didn’t, my music is all about proving that you can grow up in a certain kind of household or environment and still rise to the occasion. You can persevere regardless of your circumstance. That’s what it’s all about.

What do you enjoy doing on your downtime?

It’s funny because this isn’t really work for me. You know what I mean? This is my lifestyle. Writing songs and getting ideas for new music is what I do on my downtime. Hours and days stop to matter and it all becomes one big long day to me now. In the end it’s all about the message and the music. It’s all good and fun, so I am never like ‘Oh I have to take a break from this.’ I am writing music even when I am on vacation.

Any exciting plans for the New Year?

I am doing a lot! I am working on a movie called “Hydraulics,” and it’s all about low-riding and la cultura. My album releases at the top of the year, and it’s going to feature a track with Fat Joe which I am excited about. Most of my sound has been west coast influenced, but we flipped the sample of “I Need Love” by L.L. Cool J. It is all exciting and new so I am just looking forward to everything.

This chica has definitely earned her custom made hoops! We will make sure the gifts keep on coming so be sure to keep it locked for more exclusive news on LaLa right here!

Photos by Brian Appio and Getty Images