"This Is How We Do It," "Let’s Ride," "Get it On…Tonight," all classic radio hits, all fan favorites—making Montell Jordan one of the more consistent R&B hit-makers to come out of the 1990s. With six albums to his credit, a career tally of over 8 million records sold, notwithstanding the numerous songwriting credits he has on other artists like Whitney Houston, Deborah Cox, Sisqo, Boyz II Men, and others, Montell—a former Def Jam/Def Soul recording artist—is very excited about his forthcoming independent release, titled, Pressure.

This isn’t Jordan’s first foray into musical independence. His last album, cleverly named, Life After Def, was released in 2003 through the Koch system. We at the Urban Network happily got a hold of this recording artist, songwriter, actor and entrepreneur for this Special Independent Edition.

UN: Montell, first up—where have you been and what have you been up to?
Montell: I have been living in the ATL for several years now with my wife, Kristin, and 3 children. I have been blessed to travel the world and perform, and have spent time in both Europe and Africa. Behind the scenes, I have written two movie scripts, an autobiography currently titled "Reflections," and illustrated a children’s book while somehow finding time to contribute to the music score for an upcoming MTV film titled "How She Move." I am currently recording my 7th album and I feel honored to have sustained a career in entertainment for the last 12 years. I feel like the best is yet to come.

Talk a bit about the new independent label, Native Records, that you’re signed to - how did this transpire?
I have a great respect for Native Records and a deep admiration for John and Ken Smith. These gentlemen recognize quality, longevity, creativity, and have a genuine passion for music and the artists that make it. I believe they are dedicated to making more than just hits. They desire to make hit careers, and that’s why I joined the Native family.

How do you like being affiliated with an indie label, and do you miss the larger Major label environment?
I have the best of both worlds with my current recording deal. Although I am signed with an Indie, I have major distribution through Universal. This allows my upcoming project to have major exposure, major push, and major marketing and promotion while maintaining the ability to control, create and redefine my artistry for today’s industry with a freedom and comfort like never before beneath my Indie covering. I feel like I’m recording my very first album all over again.

Talk a bit about the new album and where did you record it.
The new album is currently called Pressure. The project will contract 14 songs from Los Angeles, Germany, and mostly recorded in Atlanta, GA, my new home. I am still completing the album and searching for the right first single to release.

Who are some of the songwriters, producers affiliated with the CD, and what has the creative process like for you so far?
This album features writing and production from HITS R US (out of Atlanta), Tony H. with MOHEMMUSIC, and the incredible and gifted hitmaker RODNEY JERKINS who blessed this 7th album with his unparalleled musical ability. It has especially been a joy to work with James E. Jones once again (executive producer of the More album) as the process of recording this album requires the hottest music, the most relevant lyrics, quality vocal performances and unique, creative and honest stories told in song as I recapture moments in my life for this project. Producer James Jones pulls the best out of me.

How will you go about promoting this current album, and where do you see your music in regards to radio formats today?
I anticipate a simultaneous national and international release of the new Pressure album. The album release will be accompanied by a national tour, followed by a world tour shortly thereafter. The new music will be available for multi-radio formats (R&B, AC, Rhythm Crossover, etc) and I eagerly anticipate performing live once again. This album will not disappoint, but promises to be refreshing and perfectly timed for those who really love music.