Phil

For Phil (Toni) Smith, the wait is finally over. The 34 year old mother of three has spent athe past couple years making her dreams of becoming a singer a reality. The journey may not have been an easy one, but the decision to embark on it was. "I was frustrated because I wanted something more," Smith said. "I started thinking about what I already know how to do. I've been singing since I was a little girl, so I said, "Maybe I'll go ahead and try that." The attempt paid off with Blige and Alicia Keys. On March 3, her CD, appropriately titled "The Wait is Over," will hit area shelves. The CD, produced by Black Mobb Entertainment, will feature 11 R&B and gospel tracks. Smith has arrived at a great place in her career; but the path has been bumpy, she music, she set out on the talent-show circuit, but didn't receive the results she hoped. I started doing these little talent shows--and never won," Smith said. "OK, I'll really wow them the next time."Then the next time, I lost again - and I started crying. I went back agian and I lost again, and I said, "You know what, I'm going to write my own music and put my own stuff out there." Nearly a year ago, Smith teamed with producer Ketricia Green of Black Mobb Entertainment, who was instrumental in the release of her CD. Smith will also perform at a Black Mobb Entertainment event Feb. 18, singing alongside Tha Administration at Da Que Club. The songstress, whose real first name is Phil-- "It's given me problems my whole life," she laughed -- also serves as a Realtor for Elite Real Estate. She said balancing her family and two jobs isn't easy, but in the end, it's worth it. Most of my gigs are late at night, and people stop calling about real estate at about 6 or 7pm., so I have that two-hour block to do something with my family," Smith Said. "It's tough, but for the most part, I'm doing OK." While Smith has developed a fan base in the area, her most important fans are the ones she sees every day. "The greatest thing is sometimes while I'm driving my kids will say, "Mom, can you put on your music, I really like hear it," Smith said. "That is the ultimate joy for me." For more information on Smith and her music, visit www.agirlnamedphil.com. - Erin Steele~Killeen Daily Herald