Hi-C came to public consciousness as part of rap group Dice & K-9. The group had a big hit a few years ago with “Itsumo” which led to Hi-C being known as “that Itsumo girl.”

Hi-C will soon step out of the shadow of that song and group with the release of her first solo album titled “Body Talk.”

According to Hi-C, the title is a phrase taken from Olivia Newton John’s “(Let’s Get) Physical” which she also remakes in her debut CD.     

“I think it’s the perfect title for my dance album because [for me] a woman talks through her body, if you know what I mean,” she said in an interview.

 That may sound tantalizing to some but the music is not all winks and innuendos.

For one, the solo album veers away from hip-hop. Hi-C does songs vastly different from the style her audience has been accustomed to; from new wave (“Magic”) and classic 80’s pop (“I Would Die 4 U”) to dance-pop (“Let’s Get Physical”).

The singer is on the cover of this month’s Playboy issue “because the offer is good and the timing, perfect.”

And if she becomes a bigger attraction as a sexy model or actress, would she give up her music?

“It’s too early to tell. I’ve always wanted to be an actress but not necessarily sexy. If I become a big time model or actress, I don’t think I can give up music. Music has always been fun for me.”

Hi-C said that making music will always be her main objective and that being regarded as sexy is just a bonus.

“I’m not a fan of titles. For me, having titles kind of limit that individual from doing something different in the near future.

“If ever I’m going to be given a title, I’d prefer ‘diva.’ Yeah, I like the sound of that…it’s kinda gangsta.”