BET.com: What’s different from Cassie’s first go round to now?

Cassie: I think I’m just more comfortable in doing this type of thing. Being around people and letting them know who I am. I think before, I was a little bit worried about that. The music is different. It’s a completely different attitude to the music industry.
 
BET.com: Where did you come up with the album title, “Electro Love?”

Cassie: Actually, DJ Cassidy gave me the idea. It’s basically the sound of the album. It’s not supposed to be taken so literal. 'Electro' could be like house and techno, but that’s not what it is, but it’s definitely a dance album. I just wanted it to be a reflection of that and the vibe of the music. It has that love song feel to it, but accompanied by that specific beat.
 
BET.com: Is the album a reflection of your current relationship status? Are you in love now?

Cassie: I’m in love now, but I wasn’t in love during the process of making the album. It’s a little bit reflective. I think no matter what, I’m just a hopeless romantic, so I’ll always make love songs - that’s just my thing.
 
BET.com:  Let’s talk about the album. Who do you have featured on this project?

Cassie: I have a lot of different people, but I still don’t know what’s going to make the album just yet. Akon and I did a record together. I have the Neptunes, Danjahandz, Eric Hudson, The Surf Club, Rob Holiday and a slew of others…I always forget [Laughs].
 
BET.com: Do you have a wish list of people you’re looking to work with on “Electro Love?”
 
Cassie: I’m pretty content on who I’ve worked with. It’s always like word of mouth when I work with people. Like you’ll hear a record and say, “Oh who did that?” and the process will begin from there. So, I really got the chance to work with the people who I’m a fan of, so I’m pretty excited about it. There are a lot of European DJs and producers that I definitely would like to work with, but no one in particular.
 
BET.com: A couple months ago you stirred up Twitter with your new hairdo. Aside from your own reaction, were you apprehensive about doing that and how it would be received?

Cassie: I was, but I knew that the way things are now with the paparazzi being on every corner, I had control of the situation if I chose to put it out on my own, you know? So that was pretty much the reasoning for blasting it out on Twitter. I was never really apprehensive about it, though.

BET.com:  Has the haircut changed how you create your music and present it to the public?

Cassie: I walk different and I carry myself different. I mean LaLa did a similar cut and she defined it perfectly, she said, “I just remixed myself.” That’s exactly how I feel about it. I didn’t always want to be the same. I’ve had the same long black hair for modeling since I was like 12. I never had that moment of wanting to dye my hair a crazy color or cut it all off, so I just went for it now.
 
BET.com: Do you feel like the blogs attacked you a bit too much when you cut your hair?

Cassie: I think blogs are what they are. I mean, they have become a little bit more negative. There are some blogs out there that are more professional and a little less degrading. I think they’re hard on everybody, but in the same breath, you have to take it with a grain of salt and just deal with it. It’s not something you can control anymore.
 
BET.com: Talk about your relationship with Ryan Leslie. Are you guys down to collaborate anymore?

Cassie: I’m definitely down to collaborate with Ryan a bit more. He’s doing his artist thing right now and I’m extremely happy for him because that’s what he really wanted to do. I worked with him during the start of his album, so we still have some records together.
 
BET.com:  Has the unfortunate situation in regards to the [leaked nude] pictures shifted how you hold yourself in the public eye or the creative process with your music?

Cassie: Honestly, it sucks. It sucked more than anything to deal with that right now, especially when I’m trying to promote my new material. I’ve been through that whole situation where people were focusing on things that were irrelevant and that’s just another thing. All these different obstacles have just made me stronger as a woman. The pictures came out, I had to call my mom and explain what happened. It was unfortunate, but it happened. People take pictures like that for their significant others and that’s exactly what happened with me. I took some pictures for my boyfriend, which wasn’t meant for anyone else to see. That’s what you get if you’re my boyfriend [Laughs].
 
BET.com: What’s the number one thing Cassie has learned from this ordeal?

Cassie: The number one thing I learned: Hold your head high. No one can bring you down but you. As corny as that may sound, it’s very true. Whether there’s a rumor out that you can’t control and it’s rampant or people aren’t feeling your music, you can control the energy that’s around you. Keep your head up and control the energy. Stay locked to what you know and not what everyone else thinks.