New album - first solo effort - it's called 2 Sides of My Heart. What's it about?

It's about healing, fun, realness, no gimmicks, no strings, just pure music.

What was your main concern about making it?

Getting the songs done, how to get them done without my brothers and sister.

In a group, there's a wealth of creativity. How was the creative process this time?

I went through different processes. Sometimes it was from a 'riddim', then straight to the track; sometimes I'd get a melody, then the music, and link it to that concept. Sometimes I'd just envision the sound in my head and everything flowed. I used different people from different corners and tried new sounds. I wanted a fusion. Members of Shaggy's band are on the project, two from Ziggy's and one from my own.

There's a song on your album, Therapy Remix, with India.Arie, that I'm really feeling. How did that collaboration come about?

I went to visit a musician friend and heard she was passing through the place we were at. He asked me if I wanted to meet her and I said yeah, but when he went her bodyguards told him she didn't want to meet anyone. That was until he told them my name and she came. So she's coming up to me, without the bodyguards, and before I could get to greet her she calls me by my name ... (I interrupt)

She knew you from Morgan Heritage?

... Naw, she knew me from a song I did called 23rd Psalm with Buju. She wakes up to the song.

Cool. How's working with her?

Unbelievable. Her songwriting skills are amazing. She has a good team behind her too. Shannon Sanders produced Don't Cry For Jamaica. It's for Jamaican people who love the country and miss it, just letting them know it's not going anywhere (smiles).

What are your upcoming plans?

I'm on tour with John Legend from April to September 6. After that, it's promotion for the album.

Reggae music - where is it now?

It's still in a growing stage. There's an understanding that we have a brand and it's being taken very serious now. I think it's come a long way. I think we have a lot of young talent out there. Young talent like Busy Signal, Queen Ifrica and Tarrus Riley

I was on your website and I heard a song with an intro that struck me. It said, "My songs are not smiling songs." Why is that?

We're living in serious times and that's the reality. The song that you heard, Wash Away The Tears, encourages that whatever happens, Jah is still there, even through hard times and tough situations. It's all about giving people strength.

But don't you think people would rather hear happy songs?

There are happy songs on the album as well, love songs. That's why it's in two volumes. Volume 2 has more of a pop, country and R&B feel to it. But we're living in a time where people are losing their homes and those people have to send kids to school. The recession is very real and we're feeling the effect and those songs address it.

I'm sensing that you must have an opinion about George Bush somewhere ...

George Bush ... . There's a lot of things behind Bush. He's a puppet. He doesn't think, just makes bad decisions.

Entertainers always say that music is life, when it really isn't. There must be a personal life. Who is Gramps Morgan outside of music?

Easy-going, simple. Gimme a pair of slippers, fresh underwear and some good, well-seasoned food and I'm good.

What's your favourite food?

Italian.

A Jamaican ... who loves Italian ... . That's different.

(Laughs) I grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, around a lot of Italians. Some of my best friends were Italian kids. Of course, I had Jamaican food at home but there's just something about Italian food ... . It jus' have nuff garlic and spice (laughs).

You watch a lot of movies?

Yeah, I do. Transformers wicked!

Who's your favourite actor?

Jim Carrey. He's just full of joy and laughter, very animated. One of the greatest things anyone can give to the world is laughter. (Asks a question before I get the chance to) My favourite gadget? BlackBerry Bold.

(I chuckle at the obviousness of it all)

If a biopic of Morgan Heritage were to be made, what actor would play which member and why?

Una Morgan - Mo'Nique, because she's full of laugher, fun and is very business oriented.

Peter Morgan - the lead singer of Rootz Underground or T-Pain. They look alike and they're very loud.

Memo - Stephen Marley. He loves to smoke.

Himself - Samuel L. Jackson, because he can adapt to any character and he brings across that skill both on and off screen.

Quick, if you could be in someone else's shoes, who would it be and why?

Man! (laughs) Hmm ... I'd be a lion in the jungle or a bird. They ain't got any bills to pay.

Some of the recurring things I get from you are love, fun and laughter. But what other words are there to describe you?

Reserved, sometimes I'm an over-worker, secretive, very Mafia-oriented.

What's 'Mafia-oriented'?

I don't volunteer certain information.

You have kids?

Yeah, I do.

How many?

That's non-exclusive.

Some say the role of men in society has seen a definite change. I know one woman who thinks men today are just lazy, unambitious disgusting fools, no longer leaders or heads of the household.

The role can never be changed; it's been set since the beginning of time. It's the upbringing of a man that determines who he's going to be. ... Despite everything, it's his mission to keep motivated and inspired.

Then what's your definition of a man?

Protector. He should be able to provide stability, security and pure love.

Let's talk women. Define your ideal woman?

She has to be humble, reserved, she makes bread for her family, she's virtuous, and respectfully carries herself. She's intelligent, must be a reader who likes to laugh and can cook great meals.

But what if your ideal woman comes with a broken heart, what then? How'd you help mend it?

I'd sing her Hush (sings a line from the song). Hey, you've got a burden to bear, (hush) come to me and shed every tear (hush). I'd encourage her to get into a relationship with God, because He's a source of strength. Exercise too, to clear her mind and get into her work, but not fully to block the pain that's not healthy.

Define God

God is love. God is an energy source of positivity, joy, prosperity and good health. A Highness and a pureness, untainted, compassionate.

You do know there are people who curse God, right?

Yeah, and they're blasphemers. Don't blame God, blame the people. It's people who govern people on Earth.

Who can we expect on Volume 2 and when?

Kenny Rogers, Musiq Soulchild and some others ... can't give out everything. It should be out in 2010.

2 Sides of My Heart Volume 1 is released on Gramps' Dada Son Entertainment label and is in stores now. Check out more of Gramps at www.grampsmorgan.com or www.myspace.com/grampsmusic or follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/grampsmorgan.

Email feedback on this interview to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.