SWV, comprised of three childhood friends; Coko, Lelee, and Taj, rose to fame in the early nineties. Their multi-platinum RCA Records' debut, It's About Time, spawned a total of six hit singles, the biggest being the number one chart-topping ballad, 'Weak.,' and its' Michael Jackson sampling 'Right Here/Human Nature' remixed follow-up, which actually climbed to the number two position. Their sophomore effort, New Beginning, although not as commercially viable, was still considered a success. In 1997, SWV dropped their third and final group CD, the Hip-Hop heavy, Release Some Tension, which saw their massive popularity beginning to wane, and so, unfortunately, they decided to call it quits.

Although Coko came out with a pair of solo albums; the mediocre selling, Hot Coko [1998], and her premier Gospel entry, Grateful, in '06, the other two girls graciously stepped out of the limelight. Coko, Lelee, and Taj finally reunited on stage for the first time in eight years for radio station KKBT 100.3 The Beat's Summer Jam concert in 2005. They have since toured together, doing various spot dates, and opening for their idols, New Edition, last year, but no new material has yet to surface. HHN Live Dot Com got in touch with one third of the ladies, "Taj," to find out what's really been going on with those Grammy nominated Sisters With Voices...

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Todd Davis: Musically speaking, it has been awhile since you were last heard from -- What's been up with you?

Tamara "Taj" Johnson: Well, after SWV broke up, I moved to L.A. to do some acting. I grew bored with that rat race quickly, and I actually started taking classes toward completing my degree. I graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, in May of 2004. At the same time, I was engaged to my long time love (Heisman Trophy winner and, former, NFL star running back) Eddie George. We got married in June of 2004, and immediately started expanding our family. We welcomed Eriq Michael George to the world in April of 2005. My best friend and I completed our first book that will be released in July called Player Hateher [Amistad]. SWV is still doing spot dates. And, among other things, my family was the subject of a reality show on TV One called I Married a Baller -- I have been kind of busy.

TD: What prompted your decision to remain absent from music for so long?

TAJ: Unfortunately, it wasn't my decision to take a hiatus at all, but it was done. The important thing is that we are now performing again.

TD: Ever since the dissolution of SWV, there have been talks of a solo album -– Why haven't the masses heard anything yet from you in terms of a Taj record?

TAJ: I did try to do a solo album, but it just didn't work for me. I believe that there is a time and place for everything. The world hasn't heard the last from me as an entertainer. Keep your eyes open.

TD: There have also been talks that SWV were planning to reunite for another studio LP -- Any truth to this?

TAJ: The plan was to do another album, but it never materialized. We are currently doing spot dates.

TD: Then there were rumors that Cheryl "Coko" Gamble-Clemons, the only one to actually release a solo album, wasn't interested any longer because of her commitment to the Lord? While you all have been out on the road, did she really not perform some of your classic hit material because of the lyrical content?

TAJ: Yes, this is all true.

TD: And then, a story came out about Leanne "Lelee" Lyons possibly being homeless at one point -- Another rumor?

TAJ: Lelee has family and friends everywhere. She may not have had her name on a lease, but she was never homeless in the literal sense of the word.

TD: How did it all begin for Tamara "Taj" Johnson?

TAJ: I was always in some kind of school choir. I love to sing. The girls and I grew up together singing New Edition songs. We wanted to be them. As we grew older, we became more serious about the craft and put a demo together. After sending it out to everyone we could have, RCA Records signed us to a deal. The rest is history.

TD: You are a New York, NY, native, correct? So, aside from New Edition, who else that you were listening to that may have influenced your sound?

TAJ: I am originally from Brooklyn, New York, born and raised. I didn't discriminate. I listened to everything from Pop to R&B to Mozart. I just loved any kind of music. I can't say one form influenced me more. But, I loved New Edition. So, I guess they would be my biggest influence. They made me want to be in a group.

TD: When did singing actually go from being a hobby to a career path?

TAJ: July 2nd 1985. I was at a New Edition concert at Pier 81 in Manhattan. After the show, I was so smitten that I chased their limo at least two blocks. I knew that I had to be a celebrity to get to know them. After that, my goal was to be in a group so I could meet New Edition!

TD: You mention growing up with Coko and Lelee, but how did you all become SWV?

TAJ: We all grew up together obsessing over New Edition. We formed Female Edition as a way to meet the guys. Fortunately for us, it turned into something much bigger than our obsession. We met a guy named Donald Bowden who helped us put a demo together. After several record label meetings, we landed a deal with RCA.

TD: How do you best sum up your overall vibe?

TAJ: Back then we wanted to compete with the guys for record sales. All of our songs were written for guys and tweaked for us. There was the whole New Jack Swing thing going on back then. We called our sound New Jill Swing. It was rough with a smooth edge to it. That sound gave life to songs like 'Weak' and 'I'm So Into You.'

TD: Success, what has been the secret to yours?

TAJ: I believe the key to SWV's success has always been in our hands. Whenever we decide to stop performing, the success dies out a little. But, it never goes completely away. After an almost eleven year hiatus, the fans are still there and happy to see us. As long as we stay true to the formula, the success will hopefully always be there.

TD: Aside from touring, and your forthcoming new book, do you have your sights set on accomplishing anything else?

TAJ: I just did a run in the Vagina Monologues. I guess I've been bit by the acting bug. I would love to do more acting.

TD: How do you feel about today's R&B music versus that of the SWV generation?

TAJ: I am happy with it because it is the phase that music is in at this time. When I was younger, the music I listened to was off the chain to me. I couldn't really understand why my mother was head over hills for Teddy Pendergrass. Of course I can now, but as a kid I couldn't appreciate the greatness of the music. There are no Babyfaces or Bobby Browns in 2008. Now my three year son is bobbing his head to Souljah Boy. That is his generation, and I can't get mad that this is what this generation wants to listen to. I just have to make sure that I have all of my CD's, and my iPod loaded with what I want to hear.

TD: Everyone knows you for and through the music, but what would you want people to know about "Taj" that they couldn't get from your vast catalog?

TAJ: I want people to know that I am a good person. I don't want to be defined by the music that I put out when I was in my teens and early twenties. I want to be remembered by the good deeds that I have done for people, and the way that I've treated people. I think the way you carry yourself as a person is remembered long after your music is forgotten.

TD: When you're not working, how is your free time spent?

TAJ: They would find me spending time with my family and loving life. I get high off of my family.

TD: Defining career moment...

TAJ: My biggest career highlight would be the very first time I heard an SWV record on the radio. I almost tore my room to shreds. I couldn't believe it.

TD: What does your future hold?

TAJ: I see myself being the best wife and mother that I can be, while helping as many people be the best that they can be.

TD: As for the time being, what's next for "Taj"?

TAJ: My immediate future entails me releasing my first book, Player Hateher, in July, and planning a fund raiser for my foundation, Visions with Infinite Possibilities, which assists women and children of domestic violence.

TD: Speaking of your, former, crew SWV –- Are you all still planning on touring some more together?

TAJ: I still remain in touch with the girls. We are once again doing shows. Our next performance is in Toronto in (early) April, and then the Tom Joyner Morning Show cruise in May.

TD: For someone who hasn't experienced SWV perform live, what can be expected?

TAJ: Someone who hasn't experienced an SWV show can expect some good singing and a great time.