Actor Tahj Mowry is definitely no stranger to the world of situation comedy. Whether you grew up watching shows like Full House and Smart Guy, or you’re a fan of his new comedic masterpiece Baby Daddy, you’ve definitely been able to get a true sense of who he was from the roles he’s played. He’s also had the opportunity to take on a few film roles in his career, including 2007’s “Are We Done Yet”. 

Now, Tahj is taking on a new passion in singing. Having released several covers over the past few years of songs from artists including Nick Jonas, Adele, and John Legend, he’s been able to build a strong following, and his fans are now eagerly awaiting the release of his own music. Today is epic in the fact that his debut single, Flirt, has released to the masses. In this feature, Mowry talks openly, not just about the single, but the album that he plans to follow with. He also talks with us about the recent renewal of his show, Baby Daddy, for a 5th season, and his desire to do more films in the future. It’s definitely a thrill to spotlight all that he has going on. Mowry has the spirit and personalty of someone who truly loves what he’s doing, and he definitely helps us to drive the theory of following your passion and dreams. He’s a living example of what happens when you follow your heart, and you focus on what it is that you love to do. In this lifetime, nothing is worth comprising your happiness. This is definitely a Q&A worth checking out, and one that you’ll surely remember. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: First and foremost, I want to extend my gratitude to you for the opportunity in talking today. Even with me bring ten years older, I grew up watching shows like Smart Guy, and now my son watches you on Full House. It’s funny that he watched the episodes and thinks they’re all brand new, even though that was more than twenty years ago (laughing)

Tahj Mowry: Oh wow (laughing), thank you so much. I appreciate that. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now you’ve truly come a long way since those shows, and your work on Seventeen Again, and Kim Possible. Many times, it’s difficult to make that transition from being a child star to doing more adult roles. You seemingly made a seamless transition in your career. How were you able to do so?

Tahj Mowry: I think it’s about having time to take a break from it. I went to college, high school, and to my prom. I gave myself time to do that, because i realize that it is a job. I wanted to have that sort of "normal lifestyle" towards the end of high school. It gave people time to miss me in a sense, and living you life is so important. Then I came back, and I was ready to take it on as a job. I love to do this, and to be able to have done it for so long is truly a blessing. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: How weird for you was it to step away for a little bit, and then come back to it?

Tahj Mowry: I mean, I always had a good balance, even when I was younger and working heavily. I would take breaks and go to school, or go to football practice, or track practice. I was always in those real life experiences anyway, so it was just like taking a break. Obviously, for others, it was a little crazy going to school with me. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: How exciting is it for Baby Daddy to be coming back at the top of June for a new season? 

Tahj Mowry: Oh my god, well the June 3rd premiere is the summer premier of season 4. It’s the second half of season 4, and then we start shooting season 5 around August or September. It’s a blessing to even get picked up from the pilot stage, so to be on for 4 seasons, and get picked up for a 5th, it’s really amazing. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it’s so awesome to see this happening for you because so many shows never make it this far, let alone even lasting for 1 full season.

Tahj Mowry: Exactly, and it’s a fun show. I’m friends with the cast and crew on and off set. They are like my second family. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: That’s what makes it even better, is when there’s a genuine chemistry. 

Tahj Mowry: Right…

Urban Grandstand Digital: What was it in the beginning that really attracted you to the role?

Tahj Mowry: It’s a very well-rounded show. It has familial aspects to it, and real life situations. It has adult situations as well, and I think it’s cool to see a show where a guy is bucking down and taking care of a baby. Normally, you see the female side, but to see a male perspective is cool. I think guys are liking the show as well. It’s just that whole family aspect of the show that I love. It has potential to last a long time. I can have fun with the character. It’s been fun to run with it and create something new. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: I think it was put together very well, and you can tell that everyone has a true chemistry. 

Tahj Mowry: Exactly, and then we talk about real life issue, but just in a funny way. I’ve been doing sitcoms my whole life, and being able to come back as an adult is really good for me. It’s like doing a stage play every week. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: I believe there’s a lot for you to be commended for in the fact that you’ve been in this business your entire life, but you’re extremely grounded. You’re easy to talk to, and you don’t come off as being a snob. 

Tahj Mowry: Oh thanks man, there’s no need to be that way. I appreciate that. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: So I definitely want to touch on your music because I know you have an album, but in terms of acting, are there any other roles approaching?

Tahj Mowry: I’ve been wanting to get more involved in film, so you’ll definitely see me in more features and movies. Baby Daddy takes a lot of time, and I’m so focused on music. My single dropped today. People are listening to it, and it’s crazy to me. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: It’s funny the way you say that people are listening to it, almost as if you’re shocked (laughing). You sing really good man. 

Tahj Mowry: Thank you so much...

Urban Grandstand Digital: Well obviously, you have your YouTube channel, and you’ve done a number of cover songs over the years, but you really have a true talent. Do you ever hear back from the artists you’ve covered? 

Tahj Mowry: I thought it was cool that I did a cover of Nick Jonas’s “Jealous”, and he tweeted it out. It’s such a great song and I wanted to do my own version. I haven’t heard from Adele or anything, but that would be awesome. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: Right, but you also covered John legend’s “Ordinary People”

Tahj Mowry: Yes, I saw him in his car once, and we totally spotted each other (laughing). It was like the coolest moment in my life. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: So stepping backwards a little and talking again about transitioning to new things, it’s also difficult for actors to transition to music sometimes. Sometimes it’s not necessarily believable. How do you feel things have gone for you? Do you feel like your fans are accepting your decision to do music?

Tahj Mowry: I think they are, and it’s one of the reasons I wanted to do it myself, or independently. That’s how I wanted it because the i get artistic freedom and I can do it the way I want. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: I’ve always said independent is the best way to go. 

Tahj Mowry: It is. Music is an art-form for me, and a way for me to artistically get my feelings and emotions across through a song. I think it’s important to have artistic freedom in music, and you should be able to wear what you want, say what you want, and do whatever genre you want. I released some free songs first just for people to listen and get a feel for my sound. I’m going out and letting people know that this is one of my passions. It’s not just for a check...

Urban Grandstand Digital: Now you’re connected with XL Beats, and he’s one of the best, given his track record. How did you two connect?

Tahj Mowry: It started out with work first. He was the only one who “got” my music, and wasn’t afraid to be different. Now, he’s like a brother to me and one of my best friends. He’s like the other half of my music, and knows what I want. We know how to communicate in the studio. We work well together. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are you working with other artists on your album?

Tahj Mowry: I definitely am. I can’t give too much away at this point, but I have a good idea of everyone I want to work with as well. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: What else is there to look out for with this album?

Tahj Mowry: I’m going to release an EP to follow this first single, and then the album will come out sometime afterwards. I’ll probably do a second single, another video, and so forth, but I’m taking my time to be sure it is spread out right. Overall, people will respect the fact that I’m doing something different. It’s the way that I choose to express myself artistically through my music, in hopes that they listen and feel some kind of way and relate to it. I write for people to relate. That’s what music is all about. The first single, “Flirt”, is fun and edgy and easily relatable. It’s all about how the "liquid courage" makes it a little easier for you to flirt. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: Obviously there’s not many who can’t relate to that (laughing)

Tahj Mowry: Right, so I think people will have fun with it. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: The biggest thing I see is you’re following your passion. I can’t stress that enough for people reading this, and just in general. You have to do what makes you happy in life. I think it’s all awesome to see these things happening for you. 

Tahj Mowry: Thank you so much, I appreciate that. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: So you’ve conquered acting, and now you’re conquering music. What is left that you feel like you still want to do?

Tahj Mowry: Thank you for saying that, but I don’t feel like I’ve conquered anywhere close to what I really want to do. I’m always pushing forward, trying to challenge myself and do something new. At the core, I want to be an entrepreneur and have other aspects of my life that I can show to people and they can use or listen to or watch. I want to keep growing and striving higher and being able to do a movie, or go on tour. I definitely want to perform for the rest of my life. 

Urban Grandstand Digital: Are there any final comments at all?

Tahj Mowry: Just go get the single man. I’m really excited for people to see the video and see me dancing in a way that they have not seen before. I’m a fan of real music and instruments, and of new and creative things. That’s what my music is, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. Don’t be afraid to tweet me and tell me what you think. I want to hear what people think.