EXCLUSIVE: Toni Braxton's New Music Is 'About Me Feeling Sexy and Independent' 

Toni Braxton is back!

It’s been four years since the release of the singer’s collaborative studio album with Babyface,  Love, Marriage & Divorce, now Braxton is returning freer and unfiltered. 

Speaking with ESSENCE, Braxton revealed that things are much different this time around on her new album, Sex & Cigarettes. “Love, Marriage & Divorce was about the ins and outs of marriage,” the singer said. “It was a collaborative project where I was able to speak from a woman’s perspective and Babyface spoke from a man’s perspective on relationships.”

“Sex & Cigarettes is more about me feeling sexy, independent, and expressing my feelings. I think for a long time I felt I had to make certain records, but now I want to just be free! I don’t want to be censored, I just want to focus on being an artist and creating good quality music that people can relate to.”

The singer’s new single, “Deadwood,” is the first step to revealing an uncensored Braxton. It’s the debut track from her upcoming album, which is set for release at the top of 2018, and sees the singer exploring a complicated love. However, it’s the album’s titular track that Braxton can’t wait for fans to hear, calling it ”the signature to the album.”

And, music isn’t the only thing Braxton has up her sleeve.  

The singer will star in Lifetime’s upcoming movie Faith Under Fire, which tells the true story of Antoinette Tuff, a single mother who saved hundreds in an elementary school when she convinced a gunman to surrender.

“I did a lot of research to get me into character. I watched all of her interviews and studied her mannerisms. I actually met Antoinette in person on set, she’s a very courageous woman. I am inspired by her bravery and honored to be playing her in Faith Under Fire. She is a true hero.”

So, with a new album and movie slated for 2018, what else can we expect from the Grammy-winning singer? “We’re talking about doing another international tour. We’re still tying up some loose strings on a few projects that I can’t quite speak on yet, but there are definitely things in the works.”

Until then, listen to Braxton’s new single “Deadwood.”